Lessons

Teaching philosophy

Mrs.Taylor's philosophy is that "we don't teach music, we teach people". Remembering the struggles of her own student days, she takes a very patient and compassionate approach to helping each person develop their own potential. Along with teaching the necessary technical information, she works hard to develop a connection with each person as an individual. Her goal is to understand how each person processes information, their individual learning style and pace, and what motivates them. From there, she is able to develop an individalized program of learning for each person. Feedback and encouragement are parts of each lesson. Practice assignments are clearly delineated and written down in notebooks. Expectations and goals for the week are clear. Questions are encouraged. She is always available by phone during the week for answering questions that may come up. Parental concerns are always welcome and addressed.


	Courtesy of Katy Hammond Photography
	Teaching philosophy Mrs.Taylor's philosophy is that "we don't teach music, we teach people". Remembering the struggles of her own student days, she takes a very patient and compassionate approach to helping each person develop their own potential. Along with teaching the necessary technical information, she works hard to develop a connection with each person as an individual. Her goal is to understand how each person processes information, their individual learning style and pace, and what motivates them. From there, she is able to develop an individalized program of learning for each person. Feedback and encouragement are parts of each lesson. Practice assignments are clearly delineated and written down in notebooks. Expectations and goals for the week are clear. Questions are encouraged. She is always available by phone during the week for answering questions that may come up. Parental concerns are always welcome and addressed.

	Private lessons for violin/fiddle Beginning violin/fiddle instruction utilizes the Suzuki method. This method delays music reading and relies on muscle patterning, imitation, and the ear to learn basic technical skills. Ear training is a big part of this method. Listening for pitch and playing in tune is carefully developed. Mrs. Taylor incorporates music theory as an integral part of her instruction. Once the most elementary abilities are developed, simple fiddle tunes are added for interest and variety. Music reading is introduced once basic technique is solidified. From this point, the student is able to develop their particular line of interest from classical to bluegrass. Every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the school year group classes are held at no extra charge to develop ensemble playing and performing for others. In the spring, a yearly concert is given for the community. Public performance is encouraged but not required. A music school, university graduate with many years of professional experience, Mrs. Taylor can help meet your objectives, from personal enjoyment to professional preparation. You can begin at any age! It's never too late to enjoy playing the violin--adults are welcome. If your student is in the 4 to 8 year old category, be advised that a parent MUST be the home teacher and work carefully every day to achieve the desired results. The older beginner needs a parent observer to attend lessons and help with home practice.

	Private lessons for piano Whether you are a young beginner, an intermediate teen preparing for college, or a busy adult ("I wish I hadn't quit my lessons when I was a kid"), Mrs. Taylor can help you achieve your musical goals. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and prepares her students according to their guidlines and standards. BUT--don't think that this means drudgery and drill!! She quietly weaves those standards into the context of some very fun and enjoyable musical experiences. Mrs. Taylor's core curriculum is the Faber "Piano Adventures", which incorporates basic technique, reading skills, theory, and attractive songs from the very first level. This method is for "reading ready" age levels. Pre-readers will use the Bastien "Piano Party". Other curricula and supplementary materials are utilized as deemed necessary. Mrs. Taylor knows how to "tailor make" your training to fit your personality, goals, and needs. She will not only to teach you how to do the notes and counting, but how to put artistry and musical expression into everything you play. Her goal is that it becomes second nature for you to make every performance musically artistic, inspiring, and exciting. Every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the school year, performance classes are held to expose students to the skills of performing for others and of how to be an appreciative audience. In the spring, students have the opportunity to play one-on-one for a Guild adjudicator who evaluates the program they have carefully prepared. Certificates and pins are given for participation. (This is not a competition.) In the late spring an annual concert is given for the community. These performance opportunities are encouraged, but not required.

	First Presbyterian Church, Waynesboro Courtesy of Katy Hammond Photography