Berry Patch Studio

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Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Hi! I’m Rebecca McCusker, the teacher here at Berry Patch Studio. I started taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old, and it was the start of a life-long love of music. I have fond memories of music teachers that have changed my life, and I love passing on that tradition to my own students. I have five years of teaching experience and 21 years as a musician. I'm in a folk-rock band called Linden Hollow, and we just released our first album, available on streaming services now! 

My philosophy:

• To instill excitement and love of music in my students by encouraging creativity, song-writing, and experimentation with sound.
• To encourage healthy playing habits that include posture and hand positioning. For voice, I focus on hydration, respect for the larynx, and correct technique.
• To teach note reading through interval recognition, studying the musical staff, playing sight-reading games, and learning instrument topography.
• To create an individual experience that suits each student’s personality and musical goals.

My Musical Education Background

21 years of piano experience  

7 years of singing experience, including 5 years of opera training and 2 years of folk-rock training. 

4 years of music theory 

5 years of acoustic and electric guitar 

4 years of choral experience, including singing opera solos in Cathedral de Notre Dame, Chartres, and more across Europe. 

I've been the singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist in the folk-rock band Linden Hollow for a year and a half. 

Genres and Subjects Taught

I start my piano students out on Alfred's Basic Piano Library, which includes note reading, interval recognition, singing-while-playing, and music theory. I learned on these books when I was a child, and these books have led to great progress in my own students.

I start my guitar students out by learning the proper way to hold a guitar and correct hand positioning. Students hit the ground running by learning chords, so they’re playing songs within their first few weeks. As with piano, I teach instrument topography so the student becomes familiar with their instrument.

Learning how to properly use your voice involves diaphragm technique, correct posture, and muscle development. Each voice is different and has different needs, so the student’s interests and goals inform which techniques we cover. Rebecca teaches classical vocal practices and rolls those techniques into rock-n-roll, folk, and jazz methods.

I also teach solfege and the grand staff. 

Lesson Rates

$120/per month 

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I specilize in Childhood Music Education, specifically for beginners and intermediate students. I am willing to teach older students, as well! Just give me a call!

Service Area

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