PATRICIA M.

As a former professional performer, I know the importance of a confident and appealing presentation. Whether it is performance in the classroom or in a professional setting, speaking clearly, using correct grammar, and sequencing are of utmost importance. As a teacher in private settings for most of my adult life (piano, voice, art, performance) I found it a natural transition to the fields of English, grammar and speech. I have worked with students from the age of 4 to people in their 70's, all wanting to improve their ability to communicate, whether in music, art or the English language.

My approach is always to provide a comfortable setting and an element of fun in learning. This is easily achieved by intuiting the comfort level and personality of the student. My first session with a student is largely spent assessing their individual needs and goals. Thereafter, I formulate a lesson plan to give direction to the attainment of these goals.

I am comfortable, and enjoy, working with ESL students, and have been teaching and tutoring them for over 5 years. I have considerable experience with those of Korean, Spanish and Portuguese language backgrounds.

I place a great deal of emphasis on reading comprehension, because I believe that is the key which unlocks the door to all learning. My aim is always to coach and encourage my students to achieve their goals because they truly desire to go forward in their lives with confidence.

PATRICIA's Subjects

Music:	ear training, general music, music history, music theory, piano, sight singing, voice (music)
Art:	art history, drawing, painting, theatre
English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, ESL/ESOL, grammar, literature, proofreading, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, TOEFL, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, SSAT, TOEFL
Language:	ESL/ESOL, TOEFL
History:	American history, music history, social studies
Special Needs:	phonics
Elementary Education:	elementary (k-6th), elementary math, elementary science, grammar, phonics, reading, spelling, study skills, vocabulary
Business:	public speaking
Corporate Training:	ESL/ESOL, grammar, proofreading, public speaking
Homeschool:	elementary (k-6th), English, ESL/ESOL, piano, reading, SAT reading, study skills, writing

American History

American (or U.S. History) is a subject which can seem overwhelming because of the amount of data it covers. I like to teach from a chronological outline, which highlights the most important and significant events as they occurred. I enrich the experience by introducing carefully selected anecdotes and experiences which amplify the understanding of key events.

Grammar

Grammar is as important to speaking and writing English as oxygen is to the air we breathe. Grammar refers to the way we need to put words together in a sentence to make sense and to do so accurately. The best scenario is starting with a student in the early grades of elementary school, but, since that is not always the case with tutoring students, I put great emphasis on communicating with proper grammar while I am teaching it. I will correct a student"s verbal English as I am teaching the written... Read More

Reading

I believe that the ability to read is the most important requirement for learning any and all subjects, so I really focus on this subject. I use a combination of phonics and visuals to aid the student who is struggling with reading. Flash cards used in conjunction with vocabulary drills can be most effective in helping the student to increase his ability to read. Learning how to read the words is only a part of the whole, however. Being able to comprehend and remember what has been read is the... Read More

Music Theory

Music theory is the study of how and why music works and explains the fundamentals of rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, form and texture. I teach music theory as an integral part of all music lessons, whether I am teaching piano or voice lessons. I like to use visual aids to help the students better understand the musical terms, and I like to show the relationship between music theory and notation and mathematics. Students who tend to be analytical can relate to this style rather easily. Students... Read More

Writing

In tutoring for the SAT writing section, I start by assessing the student's proficiency of English Grammar and overall writing skills. I teach the student to take a "prompt" and develop it into a well written essay in a limited amount of time using simple methods to organize information; to write catchy and interesting topic sentences: to check for grammar errors to avoid poorly constructed sentences. I show the student how to identify poorly written sentences and how to improve them. I use a... Read More

English

I provide a solid approach to the English Language Arts in terms of grammar, syntax, composition, comprehension, writing and literature.

Proofreading

The first thing I look for when proofreading is the grammatical presentation. If the grammar is not correct, the content will not be read with the intended message of the writer. We all know that "we only have once chance to make a first impression," so it is vitally important to make that first impression the best in every way.

Correct spelling is vitally important. Instant grammar and spell checkers do exist on the internet, but they are not 100% accurate all the time, and do not... Read More

SAT Reading

Because comprehension is so important, I focus on developing the ability to scan and assess main points, key words and phrases quickly. This skill enables the student to read large amounts of copy in a limited amount of time, and quickly zero in on the crucial content. I demonstrate the importance of using the process of elimination to answer the tricky multiple choice questions, and I show the student how to develop this skill. I teach the student how to quickly and accurately decipher the unimportant... Read More

SAT Writing

Because the writing portion of the SAT consists of an essay and multiple choice questions, I first try to assess the student's strongest and weakest areas, so that I can focus my tutoring in the areas that need the most help first.

Since the essay prompt is assigned, I coach the student to write persuasively on the topic given, regardless of how much information he or she may know on the subject. The key is to take a position and strongly argue or support it. I concentrate my efforts... Read More

TOEFL

Since the TOEFL exam requires proficiency in four main components: LISTENING, STRUCTURE, READING, and WRITING, I focus my instruction in each of these areas in a coordinated way. Each session with my student involves practice in the listening and understanding of the spoken language, with repetition and correction of any phonemes or words which have not been pronounced correctly. The lesson also includes practice in reading and exercises to determine the level of comprehension. The written portion... Read More

Spelling

There are various methods that can be used to acquire the skill of spelling successfully. I assess each student's ability in reading and phonics prior to determining the best method. For some students, seeing the whole word and writing it a number of times is the way to learn the correct spelling. A combination of reading, phonics and repetition will produce good results. I provide monitoring and testing to assure success in this field.

ACT Reading

I am a firm believer in the importance of reading for content and comprehension, so that is the approach I take when tutoring this subject. I teach my students how to look for key words, key sentences, order and flow of paragraphs and how to scan for speed. All of this is done without sacrificing the most important element: comprehension of content. I provide passages for the students to read, followed by a series of questions which tests their understanding and retention of the material. Gradually,... Read More

ACT English

The ACT English Test consists of 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. The questions are multiple choice, and they measure an individual's knowledge of English grammar, usage, sentence construction, punctuation, organization, and style. I like to use the most recent guidelines available when tutoring my students for test preparation, so I will be using the Princeton Review's Crash Course for the ACT, 3rd Edition, as a main source for studies and question and answer sessions with my students... Read More

Ear Training

Ear training is probably the single most important aspect of music lessons, whether in voice or instrument. As an instructor of both piano and voice, I emphasize ear training right along with the most basic exercises. When I was a music major in college, my classmates and I were frequently tested on our ability to pick a tone "out of the air" to develop or refine perfect pitch. Some people are born with perfect pitch, but others must work to develop it. Once mastered, it enables a student to sight... Read More

Elementary (K-6th)

My experience in teaching K-6th includes 4 years at a private learning center in Torrance, CA, teaching this age group English, reading and speech. The majority of these students have been ESL students from Asia, so my skills in communicating are very high. I enjoy teaching children in these very formative years.

General Music

General music can include basic music theory and music appreciation as well as the fundamentals of reading music and learning such things as time signatures, key signatures, tempos, and categories of music. Depending on the particular interest of the student, this program can be customized to include instrumentation and/or vocal music. It can include music appreciation and investigation of music of various cultures.

I graduated from College with a degree in applied music in piano and... Read More

Phonics

Learning phonics is the key to learning to read and to the correct pronunciation of most major languages of the industrialized world. I begin the study of phonics with youngsters by picture/word association and beginning sounds of the letters. We start with the consonants and blends and then include the vowel sounds, differentiating between the short vowel sounds and the long vowel sounds. For some ESL students, blends and digraphs present challenges, so I work with mirrors and sometimes drinking... Read More

Piano

My older sister was given piano lessons, and I watched from the doorway so I could learn too. I was self taught until I went to college and, based on my skills in sight reading was accepted as a music major. I received my BA in piano and voice, and actually was the first music major in 69 years to qualify for an Honors thesis and Town Hall performance. I taught piano to local youngsters while I, myself, was a student. I have taught piano privately for a majority of my adult life to this day.

Sight Singing

Since sight singing requires accuracy in 3 main areas: Rhythm, Melodies and Custom modes, I incorporate all three into my method of teaching. I teach rhythm by breaking down and illustrating time signatures with the most common meter (4/4) and gradually advancing to the more complex meters such as 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8. Once there is an understanding of, and ability to recognize and tap out the correct rhythms, randomly, I more into the next segment which is Melodies. I teach this by beginning with... Read More

Study Skills

Because I excelled in my own studies throughout grammar school, high school, college and post graduate work, I believe I am qualified to assist students in their efforts to achieve maximum results in their study efforts. I can guide them and help them to develop the skills to get to the heart of the problems or questions asked and show them shortcuts to finding answers or solving problems of critical thinking. I will show them how to organize their study time to prioritize and get the most out... Read More

Voice (Music)

I was a music major in college in both piano and voice. My vocal studies were conducted with a visiting professor (Joseph Victor Laderroute) from Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD. In the Spring of my graduation from college I gave my Town Hall performance, in which I read from my honors thesis, played piano for 20 minutes and sang for 20 minutes.

Subsequently, I sang with the San Diego Opera Company, and had such supporting roles as the High Priestess in Aida. I also was active... Read More

ESL/ESOL

I have taught English to Korean children aged 5 - 11 in a private learning center for four years. Early on, I was asked to develop a program for Speech Instruction at this school. I did so, and it has become a very popular program. I have also worked with adults, who need to improve their communication skills, especially for employment purposes. Since I have facility with a number of languages, myself, I am able to easily learn how the vocabulary and pronunciation of words in various languages... Read More

Drawing

I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I graduated from college with enough credits in applied (studio) art to count as a major. I directed an art program for teens and adults in Palos Verdes, CA, for almost 10 years. I believe in teaching the basics to provide a solid foundation for future goals such as painting or sculpting.

Public Speaking

From years of experience appearing and performing in public, I have defined and refined my approach to public speaking. In tutoring others to speak publicly, I work with the student to defeat his/her fears using a combination of breathing and visualization techniques. I teach the student how to create rapport with the audience by means of eye contact and simple gestures. I teach the student important organizational skills which will limit endless hours of preparation. Lastly, I coach the student... Read More

Art History

Although Music was my major and Art my minor in college, I actually graduated with enough credits in Art to consider it a major as well. I took classes in Art History, Art Appreciation and Studio Art which included sculpture, jewelery design and crafting, as well as painting in oils and other media. Many of my pieces were sold, even before I graduated, including one which was bought the President of the college. I have taught art in private studios for over 20 years, incorporating all aspects... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Hood College for Women, Frederick, MD (Applied Music ) Indiana State University - correspondence course (Other) Platt College, Cerritos, CA (Other)

The perfect teacher I've been looking for — Patricia teaches piano to my 7 1/2 old son who is quirky and unusual, to say the least, due to being highly-gifted and homeschooled. He can be quite a challenge for teachers, especially when they are not acquainted well, and I also have a hard time finding teachers who can offer us what we're looking for. I was looking for a piano teacher who not only understands music and has good skills, but LIVES ...

— Chansik from Redondo Beach, CA

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $50.00

With Prepaid Discount: $42.50 - $47.50

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 24 hours notice required

Travel to your home greater than 7.5 miles; SAT & ACT Test preparation; special needs tutoring are subject to negotiation. Music lessons: $38.00 for 30 minutes or $70 for for 60 minutes.

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

PATRICIA will travel within 15 miles of San Pedro, CA 90732.

Email PATRICIA

Send PATRICIA a message about your needs and you will receive a response to the email address entered below.

Message

Tutoring Subject (ex: algebra, chemistry)

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Confirm Email

Zip Code

Phone Number (optional) ( ) -

Have other tutors contact me

I have read and agree to the terms of use.

Please indicate that you agree to the WyzAnt terms of use.

Credit	For Only	You Save
$200 - $399	$190 - $379	5%
$400 - $999	$360 - $899	10%
$1,000 +	$850 +	15%