A Lifetime of Lessons
At the age of 5, I asked my mother if I could play the guitar- so she signed me up for piano lessons. I was a bit perturbed, as any small child would be when not being given what they want-but overall, I'm incredibly happy with my mother's alteration of the plan. In fact, having a backbone of theory and visualization in learning notes and rhythms on the keys right in front of me has provided a sturdy foundation of knowledge and a confidence in my own abilities on any instrument I pick up.
I was accepted to the Berklee College of Music to study Music Therapy and have played in numerable ensembles such as: symphonic bands, musical theater orchestras, groups ranging from 2-10+ musicians, worship teams, and more. I have a thriving solo music career in music venue and festival settings, as a wedding pianist, and as a studio recording artist as well. Overall, after years of experience in multiple musical fields, I've developed a high level of artistry and skill that is a privilege to pass on to anyone with a desire to learn- from adolescent to adult and everyone in between.
Regardless of what instrument we're working with, my teaching methods are personalized based on attention to frequent reflection on my student's goals and challenges. I want to know what my student wants to know and partner that with a knowledge base of theory and fundamentals to support their learning in the long run. With a combination of books, flashcards, warm-up exercises, and reflection on the lesson and learning itself, Mirror Mirror Music lessons promotes the well-rounded well-being of musicianship for now and long into the future.
There are currently four types of lessons I offer: piano, flute, guitar, and songwriting. Read more below about them all! As for logistics: I offer lessons in your home or in mine, whichever is most convenient and schedule-friendly. With the growth of my studio there will be quarterly recitals for my students to show off their skills and get to experience other student's growth and style in a casual academic setting. Group lessons will be offered monthly in 2024 as the studio keeps growing!
Lessons costs are as follows:
In Home (I come to you!): $60/hour
At the Studio (you come to Ferndale!): $45/hour
*30 minute and 60 minute available, with adjustments to 45 minutes as needed*
Piano
On the piano, I've got 20 years of experience and received lessons, myself, for 13 years. I'm a registered teacher with Faber's Piano Adventures and teach from their books as well as some selections from Alfred's Piano books-and from my music library of generously donated vintage sheet music! I'm currently accepting all levels of piano students- from beginner, to intermediate and advanced players.
Flute
I have 15 years of flute experience and received 8 years of lessons. I teach from various sources, from warmup exercises and scales to duets and sightreading to concert pieces. For students in school ensembles, lessons can be an extremely helpful tool to work out challenging parts of band pieces and gain perspective on playing in ensemble settings.
Guitar
I've been playing the guitar for 11 years and am self taught, so I know how challenging it can be to navigate the fretboard from scratch. With this perspective, I incorporate multiple tips and tricks to help solidify the basics and develop your musicianship as a guitar player. I have a background in singer-songwriter style folk and Americana music, in terms of guitar, and students interested in the same style would thrive.
Songwriting
I've been a songwriter for 13 years and am well versed in elements of the English language, such as vocabulary, satire, rhyme schemes, meter, and more. I can assist experienced writers ditch writers block and exercise different areas of their songwriting, as well as teach beginners how to adapt their poetry to song or add lyrics to their melodies and develop a hefty toolbox of skills to incorporate in their writing, musically and otherwise.