All of
Amy’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Amy’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ADD/ADHD
As part of my teacher certification at California Lutheran University, I studied specific strategies to help students with ADD or ADHD be successful in the classroom. I spent three years as a Resource Specialist working with a number of students dealing with attention difficulties and other learning challenges. As a tutor, I have many successful strategies to help students learn their own coping mechanisms and ways of focusing attention. Each student is unique, and the process is one that we embark on together.
Ear Training
My B.A. in Music at Loyola Marymount University involved rigorous ear training classes and exams. As a choir and voice teacher over the years, I have included ear training as an integral part of all music lessons. I incorporate the Solfege system, as well as listening to a variety of musical works for analysis.
Elementary (K-6th)
In addition to being a certified teacher in secondary English, I have had training as a reading specialist, as well as doing resource pull-outs for math and science. I passed the CBEST in California. I have experience with private tutoring for elementary age students in all subjects, especially phonics, reading, language arts, and math.
When working with elementary students, I use an interactive program that involves manipulatives, games, listening, speaking, and writing to accommodate all types of learners.
Phonics
I spent the first three years of my teaching career as a Resource Specialist, teaching middle school reading labs and working one-on-one with students to improve their reading level. I have used a variety of phonics techniques, including the Phonics Game and computer games, as well as reading fluency and comprehension strategies like Reader's Theater and story-boarding.
Piano
I began piano lessons at the age of five, and I believe the piano is a great start for any aspiring musician. I continued my piano studies throughout my early years and college career as a voice student. I specialize in beginners who want to learn the foundations of reading and playing music.
Sight Singing
In the course of my B.A. in music, I took advanced sight singing classes and passed proficiency exams. As a professional member of the Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral Octet, I sight-read new music weekly as a requirement of the job. I teach sight singing techniques using the Solfege system to students of all ages. Learning to sight sing is a key part of any voice training program, and is especially important for those who wish to improve their auditioning skills.
Special Needs
I began my teaching career as a Resource Specialist, working with students dealing with a variety of learning challenges. I have experience with ADD/ADHD, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, OCD, Specific Learning Disability, Dyslexia, and Cognitive Impairment.
Working with a special needs child involves strong communication with parents, agreeing on specific, measurable goals, and developing rapport and appreciation for the unique personality and needs of the student. I have a wide variety of methods on hand, allowing me to tailor a program specifically to the learner.
Study Skills
I began my teaching career as a Resource Specialist at the middle school level. One of my primary responsibilities was to work with individual students to improve their organizational habits and study skills. There are a variety of strategies, and it is important to tailor the strategies to the individual learner's style and personality. Throughout my teaching career, I have continued to coach students in groups and individually to stay organized and develop the right habits and skills to be successful in school.
Voice (Music)
I received my B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Voice from Loyola Marymount University. I sang with the Reno Opera and the Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. I have taught music at both the middle school and high school level as well as teaching many private voice students. I have worked as the vocal coach on many musical theater productions, including "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Into the Woods," "Oklahoma," and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." I specialize in audition preparation and musical theater, but I am also well versed in the classical tradition.