Music • English • Proofreading
I teach private and group music lessons as well as tutor English grammar and critical reading. I have a special love of grammar which manifests itself in proofreading anything around me (sometimes to others’ chagrin). I believe there are many ways to teach, depending on the student and her goals as well as chemistry between teacher and student. My most successful students stay with me for years, and our lessons are based in a solid personal relationship that lies somewhere between teacher, mentor and friend. English students have gone on to schools such as Washington University, Cornell and Berkeley. I believe in treating children like people as opposed to “children”, with mutual respect and humor being integral parts of the learning process. The child’s involvement and dedication to the homework I assign influence how quickly lessons progress. In other words, the teacher-student relationship is a two-way street. In addition, I encourage parental involvement (particularly in music), especially if the child is under five years old.
With my music students, I work on improvisation, solidifying basic technique and theory, composition and discovering joy in making sound no matter what the level of the student.
With my English students, I work from the Newbery Award Winners list and from several core grammar and writing books. I stay away from all things Twilight.