Bailey C.

My first vocal lesson with each student typically starts out as getting to know who they are and what their goals are for music. I get some background information about their music experience in the past, or if they have taken lessons at all. To reach their goals, we pick out a song together that they would love to learn, and from there, I use the song to teach theory, ear training, etc. I can use my ukulele, or a piano if they have one at their home. Having an instrument play with them seems to always add to the fun! And with each song the student masters, we learn more advanced techniques in the next piece of music we choose. I always make the lessons entertaining, especially for younger students. This can include music games and even karaoke time with my portable karaoke machine I can bring to the student's home, yet all the while learning important theory such as scales and key/time signatures.

My first keyboard or piano lesson with each student typically starts out as getting to know who they are and what their goals are for music as well. I get some background information about their music experience in the past, or if they have taken lessons at all. To reach their goals, we pick out a song together that they would love to learn, and from there, I use the song to teach theory, ear training, etc. I also know a lot about piano brands if a student is looking to buy a certain type of piano. I can guide them in the right direction. I can teach reading sheet music and with that, we work up to sight reading. Each lesson with a new song brings out more techniques and new discoveries for the student in the area of music.

I get to know the student and their goals, and from there we discover what genre of music they would like to write. In song writing, you learn lots of theory that is vital to making a composition, whether that be a rock song or a ballad. Lyrics are a great way to start. I ask them what they would like to write about. What kind of feeling do you want to give your audience? Do you want this to be a fast or slow song? Does this song have meaning? All of these questions are important to getting to know yourself as a songwriter.