A perfect picture of a happy and full musical life
PrivateLessons.com Denver member Nancy Harris is a perfect picture of a happy and full musical life. We caught up in Denver just before her appearance in the Fiddler on the Roof production. Nancy is a voice teacher, a vocologist, who impresses upon her students the importance of understanding the vocal instrument. Currently her private class consists of 42 students. Recently, Nancy recorded her first Jazz CD and is already hard at work on her next album.
Denver is a cool town. While I was shooting PrivateLessons.com Soundbites this weekend with our local members, I took a few snapshots of Denver’s street art and entertainment.
Since PrivateLessons.com is my full-time job (plus major overtime), I feel very fortunate that I also get to work with students at Curtis and AVA. Without a doubt, they are ALL pros. In my studio they get a major kick when I say that ‘I am the easiest guy to work with. I expect only great music-making and other than that I don’t care.’ They get it. It’s just an ice breaker.
I also teach only two private music students that learn just for fun. Recently, it occurred to me that I teach them absolutely the same way as I teach the pros. I share the same advanced musical concepts that I refine in my own daily practicing. They get it, they have fun with the process, and they grow. Finally, I take what I’ve learned by giving lessons and experiment further on my own. It’s all worth it.
Performing should be a fun experience for both kids and adults. Private music teachers make it a point to work with students toward a recital goal. Music recitals come in many forms: formal concerts, performances in retirement communities, open mic nights, and informal parties that put student performers at ease.
Here is a look at PrivateLessons.com members’ recital ideas:
The best way to amp up a recital is to hire a band to play with the students. I teach a lot of jazz, and having students play with professionals really gets them excited. You can also do workshops with the band members and have many students play. - Rob Mullins, Jazz Pianist
Founded in 1996, PrivateLessons.com is an exclusive membership of professional musicians helping private music students discover the joy of music making.
