Music Lessons with Meredith, an Active Musician

Imagine engaging piano lessons in the comfort of your home. Or, custom piano lessons using Zoom for both safety and personal growth. I have been playing piano since I was 8, but my journey with music started when I was 5 on the violin. Since then, I have incorporated ukulele and guitar into the mix and have been developing my vocal instrument! I have a passion for sharing music with others as well as playing multiple instruments around the Fresno/Clovis area. I have experience guiding special needs students in high school and in a martial arts.

Frequently asked questions

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Even with the travel fees, lessons are still within the standard for my area. I also can do Zoom lessons, which I do not charge for travel. The best scenario is in person when possible. Discounts granted on travel fees to homes of multiple students or multiple lessons (piano, ukulele, vocal coaching). 1 travel fee per home.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I will give you adequate time to get a feeling for my personality and hope to get to know my students better to know how to motivate and encourage my students. I strive to make lessons a safe environment for your child/teen/self to grow in your musical skill and identity. I love watching my students progress and grow their passion for the instrument(s). Supplies for online lessons ($40-50): A) 2 video angles: can be laptop or tablet to get face angle; I also suggest a piano/keyboard angle that is about 12-24 keys wide depending on level of student. Such as: Amazon Basics Tripod Boom Microphone (might need to stabilize with a weight). B) and a Phone/tablet attachment for boom mic stands like: Macally Tablet Stands Microphone on Amazon. C) OPTIONAL (approx $10): A mirror over the laptop/tablet face view camera for a book view. I happened to have an extra that was suggested by my son's teacher during online schooling 2020. You can fashion one yourself or buy something similar to: Osmo Reflector (pictured) Also consider lighting especially depending on time of day. The setting should be the quietest place in your home with least amount of distractions. **Parents as always welcome to listen in on lessons. **The supplies suggested should make it so the parents don't have to be involved with the cameras. It may take a few lessons before a minor student and their parents figure out the best configuration for the lessons. My set up is semi permanent. It can be less overwhelming to have the student's back to a doorway or a wall to keep a clean appearance on Zoom/Skype as well as house/family privacy.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken music studies since I was 5 years old. I did quartet, chamber orchestra, pit orchestra on violin and full band (piano accompaniment). I also was music director for Massachusetts Girls State program 1999. Starting 2018, I played the keys and vocals with the worship band for 2 years, then switched to guitar and vocals (ongoing). I do a weekly children's music session on guitar and vocals at a local organization. I've been involved in the local ukulele strum along since 2020.

How did you get started doing this type of work?
I taught violin in high school and loved it. I've been in a teaching role throughout my life: a high school special education department and a martial arts school. But I think what makes me suited to teaching is my ongoing approach to life as a student.

What types of customers have you worked with?
I've had adults and children ask me about music lessons before I thought of myself as a teacher.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Most recently, I did a four set show with a rock band as co-lead singer in Pismo Beach, CA. I spent many weeks woodshedding those many songs and working on my whole instrument to be a quality end product. The audience enjoyed the show and we had a blast sharing music with the crowd. The venue, Harry's Nightclub and Beach Bar, was great to work with and I recommend to other musicians and bands. I recorded a ukulele track for a local recording artist, Allison Saleh, on her song "#1" (Aug, 2019). She said she was impressed how short of a time I took during the session. I mentioned I practiced with a metronome which gave me the edge because in the studio they use a click track to keep the tracks in sync. I also performed a duet set at On the Edge on vocals and ukulele (Sept, 2019). It took me about a month to prepare for the event. What I am most proud of: I taught my developmentally delayed bonus son to read and talk. I am so thrilled to have had the privilege to do so. It took a few years of coaxing, positive reinforcement and the space to practice. He is now 20 and on track to get his GED and go on to college. I am very proud of his achievements and personal growth!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I think it is important for a music teacher to be involved not just with teaching but who is still learning, creating and playing music.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Student success is connected to parent involvement and reinforcement. Plan on rewarding your student for practicing which is building on your investment into their musical studies. Praising them in front of other people is very powerful to build motivation and confidence. Adult success depends on commitment to practice and record oneself for self feedback. Also, staying within the upper limit of your level will help you progress more successfully. Guide your teacher in building your repertoire. With those strategies and help from your teacher, you will likely have a positive experience with your music learning journey. I can't wait to be a witness!