David

Instrument: Piano   Age: 7

David has been my student for over two years now, and it has been a pleasure watching him grow into a talented and dedicated musician.  He is a student who never minds working at something until he finally gets it.  He practices without fail, and as a result, he gone in the last year from playing beginning pieces to Bach Minuets.  I am excited to see how far David’s determination and love of music take him in the coming year. 

Jennifer   

 

                                        

 

Kyle

Instrument: Piano   Age: 7

The last time I saw Kyle he handed me something he made at school.  It was a fan made out of paper.  He told me that he wanted to make a fan in case I ever got too hot in the summer.  This is what Kyle is everyday- thoughtful.  Not only do I see this in his interactions with me, but I also see this dedication when he plays piano.  He is constantly thinking about the notes he is about to play. So much so that I say to him, “just go with your guy,” but he always wants to notes to be correct and well thought out.  I can actually watching him and see the incredible pains he takes to get every note to sound exactly the way he wants them to.  He not only brings this wonderful contemplation to the studio, but also a sense of humor.  Not one day with Kyle goes by where I don’t whole-heartedly laugh at one of his stories or just Kyle being Kyle.  Because of his incredible caring nature both with and without the piano, and his great comedy, I pick Kyle as my teacher Feature and look forward to many more lessons full of learning and laughs.

Katherine

 

 

 

Wilma

Instrument: Guitar   Age: 11

I would like to spot light Wilma Dela Cruz this month.  She has been a student of mine since June of 2005 and has grown from a beginner into an accomplished guitar player.  From humble beginnings reading simple melodies and playing basic chords, Wilma has learned the ropes of song writing and lead guitar playing and is now a member of the Project Rock Band family.  Wilma and her family have been a part of every recital in the last four years where we’ve watched her transition from a novice student to a seasoned performer.  I am certain the future will bring continued musical success and joy to Wilma.

Tom 

 

 

 

Matthew

Instrument: Guitar   Age: 13

 Matthew was in one of my first Beginning Guitar group classes at the end of 2008, shortly after I started teaching at Village Music School. Progressing to private lessons, in only half a year he has mastered an understanding of basic open chords, barre chords, and a handful of scales. He has learned dozens of songs and riffs by bands as diverse as The Police, Metallica, Dropkick Murphys, and The Beatles. Although we’ve concentrated on rock songs, Matthew recently wowed me with his ability to sight-read the acoustic ballad “Blackbird” by The Beatles, a challenging fingerpicking song requiring a dexterous right hand. In addition to private lessons, Matthew recently became a part of Project Rock Band, refining his guitar skills in a group setting as a member of a band. He readily embraces new concepts and new challenges, and it’s a pleasure to teach Matthew in these different settings and watch him grow.

Josh