Teaching Services OFFERED

Service Rate Description
Initial Consultation Free 1/2-hour meeting to get to know you and your goals. In this meeting we will identify initial lesson foci and begin creating a tailored plan for your progress.
Online Piano Lesson $100 / hour In private, online one-on-one lessons we will tackle the goals set forth in your initial consultation and continue to develop your musical skills. Private lessons are available in 15-minute increments. Minimum 30 minutes.
Musician's Health Coaching $100 / hour In private, online one-on-one coachings we will examine physical and mental barriers to peak performance and devise strategies for becoming a lifelong musician. Choaching sessions are available in 15-minute increments. Minimum 30 minutes. Open to any instrument.

To begin lessons with me, first….

Teaching Philosphy

My defining belief as a music educator is that the onus of enabling understanding is on me. When introducing a new concept to a student, I need to be flexible, consider the way the student learns, and work to find a way to convey the information to them so that their road to understanding is as short and straight as possible. This is not to say that some concepts shouldn't be digested for long periods of time. Sometimes the struggle to understand is a crucial part of the lesson learned.

As a queer, non-binary individual, I am committed to providing services which are uplifting, inclusive, respectful, and empowering. My approach to growth and improvement centers on progress through positivity, treating mistakes and difficulties as opportunities, and not failures.

Having struggled with tension, injury, and chronic pain for years, I have unique insight into the process of alleviating these issues through a specific, targeted approach which focuses on the where and why of pain. I specialize in guiding students through technique changes in order to allow free movement, which uses minimal effort.

I create tailored teaching plans for my students which touch on every element of music making: technical facility, physical conditioning, mental health, practice methods, musical expression, artistic development, historical context, and more.

I believe anyone can develop skill if they set appropriate goals and approach them in a non-judgmental manner. Furthermore, I believe in educating in a way which encourages all types of students to succeed. I do not believe in talent. I believe in skill, developed carefully over time.

F.A.Q.

  • At minimum, a computer with a webcam and microphone. Your camera should be set up so you and your instrument are visible.

    Try not to place sources of light behind yourself.

    A high quality microphone and camera are preferred. Using a smartphone for lessons is not recommended, as audio quality is not ideal and your ability to see what is on screen is hindered by phone size.

  • Weekly musical lessons are most common. That time frame is generally conducive to rapid improvement due to the pressure of meeting weekly goals.

    Frequency of musician’s health coaching is recommended on a case-by-case basis.

  • My coaching on musician’s health is focused on giving you the tools to play your instrument without pain, for the rest of your life. Most musicians suffer from chronic pain of some sort, but this does not need to be the case!

    This coaching touches on physical conditioning, mindfulness, injury remediation, approaches to changing technique, and more.

    Open to any instrument!

  • We use our bodies to play our instruments. And yet, a majority of musicians have persistent injuries which impede their playing. Taking care of your health as a musician is about more than your mobility in old age, it is about ensuring you can work and play, uninhibited by pain or injury.

    Additionally, learning to play your instrument in a way which supports your health, rather than creating injury, opens up unexpected opportunities in terms of facility. Conditioning which focuses on balanced muscle strength, mind-muscle connection, and general awareness of one’s body can allow for simplification of movements at your instrument.

    The secret to peak technical ability lies in efficiency; moving with only the body parts needed, releasing tension as soon as possible. This is all bolstered by physical training.

    Athletic training improves ones ability to contract and release muscles. This is further developed by training which emphasizes mind-muscle connection: paying attention to and developing an awareness for how a muscle feels when at rest, contracting, and under load.

    My musician’s health training incorporates elements of personal training, combined with my personal experience in making massive technique changes. I can guide you through developing awareness of your body, approaching new methods for practicing, and unlearning habits which injured you in the first place.

  • Aside from a computer, camera, and microphone, equipment needed varies from person to person, but I strive to use as little equipment as possible, and when I do, that it be relatively inexpensive. The two most common items are resistance bands and a yoga mat.

    My exercise plans are all designed to be done at home, though many activities could be performed in a gym as well.

  • If you haven’t already, click the link above to schedule a free initial consultation with me. In this session we will discuss your musical goals and identify issues to target in musician’s health coaching. After this session we can set up regular lessons/coaching sessions.

  • Initial consulations are free!

    For regular lessons and coachings I take cash or check (if in-person), PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Apple Cash.

  • Lessons cancelled with more than 24 hours notice are fully refundable or can be used to pro-rate future lessons. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are not refundable.

    Missed lessons are not refundable. After missing a lesson, any future lessons must be pre-paid.