Lessons Offered
Accordion, Bagpipe, Banjo, Bass, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Composition, Conducting, Double Bass, Drums, Euphonium, Fiddle, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Harmonica, Harp, Harpsichord, Keyboard, Mandolin, Music Theory, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Singing, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Ukulele, Viola, Violin
Where are Lessons Offered
In Student Home
Virtual / Online
About Me
I have a BM in Music Education K-12. I play and teach all instruments including piano, guitar, woodwinds, brass, strings, voice, and percussion. I use a well-rounded approach to help you learn the language of music while having FUN! I have created a wide variety to help students of all ages and levels over the last 15+ years.
My Musical Education Background
- Bachelor's of Music in Music Education K-12
- 15+ years Experience teaching private music lessons
- Performed in various ensembles (Marching Bands, Jazz Ensembles, Pit Orchestras, Symphonic Bands, String Orchestra, Women's Chorus, Mixed Choir)
Genres and Subjects Taught
Your goals are my top priority! What do you want to learn? Classical, Pop, Rock, Funk, Blues, Spiritual, Country, Jazz, etc...the language of music is universal. Once you understand the basics, you can learn to play parts of songs/pieces that you know and love in any style. I don't make you wait until you have graduated enough books first.
I try to employ an individualized and well-rounded approach involving some improvisation, music theory, ear-training, history, note-reading, rhythm reading, composition. Your interests, aptitude, experience, and amount of time you have to dedicate will help shape our priorities for each lesson.
Whether you are interested in playing casually, performing locally, or preparing for auditions or international music performance assessments like Trinity Guidhall or ABRSM, I have the knowledge, experience, patience, and passion to help you achieve your goals!
Lesson Rates
I suggest 1 hour per week for $50, but I am open to other arrangements. (Remember you will reap what you sow - less time usually equals slower progress)
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
All ages - it helps to be able to recognize the letters A B C D E F G and numbers 1 2 3 4
Skill level - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
My Musical Influences
My favorite band of all time is the Beatles, but I grew up listening to a wide variety including Green Day, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Mozart, Whitney Houston, etc.
I am influenced greatly by my students!! So often I learn new songs from my students' requests that I probably wouldn't otherwise have discovered.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Marc S
Punta Gorda, FL
Valerie is an extremely talented musician and teacher. I am 73 years old and decided I wanted to play the fiddle. I looked and looked for a teacher and finally found Valerie. I have no background or experience in music other than as a listener and she liked that. I was a clean slate. She has been teaching me the fundamentals of music theory and how to play the instrument. She is very patient and lets me make the mistakes I make, not without correction, but without criticism. Valerie makes learning music and how to play the most difficult of instruments fun. She is my ideal teacher.