All of
Laura’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Laura’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Algebra 1
Math has always been a strong point of mine. It is vitally important to understand Algebra I because concepts learned in the subject are used very frequently in upper-level math.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 may look complicated, but remembering the steps to solve each problem will yield the correct answer. The most common problems result from incorrect procedures and can be avoided by knowing how to approach each type of problem.
Chemistry
I took AP Chemistry in high school and scored a 5 on the exam. Along with AP Psychology, it was my favorite of the 6 AP courses I took. I believe that if I had not majored in music, I would have chosen a career in chemistry.
I believe the most common areas people need more help with are balancing equations, knowing which equations need to be used, and memorizing the few that are not on the test reference sheet.
Ear Training
I have taken courses related to ear training since senior year of high school, starting with interval drills and dictation of up to 4 parts. I earned an A in that course as well as Ear Training, Intermediate Aural Skills, and Advanced Aural Skills courses in college. I have not missed an interval in a long time, and my 4-part dictations are usually correct except for the more complex chords. I have never scored below an A- on an Aural Skills test, in one of the hardest courses of the major. One of the guitar professors last semester said he believed I will soon acquire relative pitch, and my Aural Skills professor suggested that I tutor at my school. I tutored in the subject for 2 semesters, and I helped several students improve their grades.
General Music
I am certified in the commonwealth of Virginia to teach K-12 choral/general music. I student taught for a semester at the elementary and middle school levels. My lesson plans, which were written around the Virginia K-12 Standards of Music, were highly praised. I substitute for elementary music classes in the county.
Music History
I earned an A in all my music history courses at Shenandoah. My exposure to music through choirs, private lessons, listening preferences, and reading has helped me to learn about all the major eras of music history. When I hear a classical piece on the radio, I can quickly identify the era and make an estimate about the composer. My specialty is from ancient history through the nineteenth century (Romantic era) as well as the more classical composers of the twentieth century.
Music Theory
Music theory makes sense to me because I think things structurally and visually. In music, theory is the structure that makes music make sense to our ears. In college, I took theory all the way through 20th century, though my favorite was diatonic and part of chromatic theory.
Piano
I have been teaching piano since the fall of 2011. I took piano lessons for over 10 years under 3 different teachers.
I use the Piano Adventures method series, which has different courses for each age group (including adults). The student may include self-selected repertoire.
I am working on techniques for accommodating my small hands when playing more advanced pieces. It is possible to play all sorts of works, even when your reach is only an octave! For my enjoyment, I sightread New Age, soundtracks, and hymns.
Prealgebra
Math has always been a strong subject of mine. Prealgebra is very important for understanding later math courses, including algebra I and II, geometry, and even higher level maths including calculus. My focus is understanding these concepts through different mental approaches.
SAT Math
I took the SAT once and scored 740 in the math section. This part of the test covers arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry. Using practice tests as material, I will help you develop strategies for the kinds of problems you will encounter.
SAT Writing
Writing an essay within a time limit is easily achieved with the right structure and with practice. AP Language and Composition helped me to improve in my writing quality and speed, and the skills acquired can be applied to the Writing section of the SAT.
For the multiple choice questions, I will help you learn to choose the sentence or paragraph that is most clear and brief.
Sight Singing
By internalizing the moveable "Do" solfege system after frequent practice, I have increased in music literacy dramatically. I earned an A in all 3 sight singing courses at Shenandoah University. I can look at an unfamiliar piece, silently go through each solfege syllable, and then sing the song correctly on the first try.
Voice (Music)
I took voice lessons for 7 years, and I am currently seeking a voice teacher at premier conservatories in the Washington area. I hold a license for the Commonwealth of Virginia to teach K-12 choral and general music. I cantor regularly at church, and I am regularly praised for the quality of my voice and singing. I sing in a barbershop quartet as well, and can switch easily between the classical and barbershop styles of singing.