About
As a trained percussionist and educator, I have been lucky to work with over thirty private students of all ages and ability levels during the beginning of my teaching career. I'm comfortable teaching percussion, general music, music theory, aural skills, rhythm lessons for all instruments. I have found that my tutoring approach has worked across many disciplines, not only music.
Math was my best subject throughout high school and college and I have experience tutoring middle-early high school math learners. My focus is basic math, algebra, and geometry but I have scored 4's on AP Calculus AB/BC.
Watching my students grow in real time is one of the best parts about being a teacher. I have always enjoyed those "a-ha" moments every student goes through as they hone in on a subject or concept. By carefully designing a plan of action for each student, I am confident you will grow through our work together.
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Mary P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I would begin by evaluating your knowledge and experience on the given topic. This would be accomplished in a no-judgement, comfortable manner. By learning about your skills, I would also begin to discern your learning style which would inform me for all of our future sessions!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's in Music (Percussion Performance) from Northwestern University. I also have a Master's in Music (Percussion Performance) from the University of South Carolina, with additional graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music in NYC. Throughout all of these degrees, I have been taught by some of the best pedagogues in the music world. Teaching opportunities for myself were a large part of each experience and my teaching approach has been shaped by current and past students and their unique challenges and successes.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It depends on the subject. My math rates are lower than my percussion/music/music theory rates. Anywhere from $25/hr-$50/hr.
How did you get started teaching?
I began the summer after my eighth grade school year. I immediately began to teach the younger middle schoolers privately at the request of my teacher! I learned a lot throughout high school about teaching and it all began that summer.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with music and math-learning middle schoolers and high schoolers regularly for about 5 years. The skill and ability of my past students ranges from complete novice to the best middle school percussionist in the state of South Carolina, as well as high seniors placing into Lawrence University and Western Carolina University percussion programs.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Contact a potential teacher and ask questions! You'll know soon if there is natural chemistry between your learning style and their teaching style. Fancy degrees are not everything, and sometimes a teacher's personality and approach is the most important detail to consider.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Great question. Am I able to solve this on my own? Has my teacher covered this topic before? Do I already have these problem-solving tools but maybe do not realize it?