Diana J. - Tutor in Stockton, CA (95212)

My background is in Music Education, but I feel that I can help a student learn other subjects as well through setting up good study habits. I maintained a private voice and piano studio for 15 years, and had a lot of fun. Learning should not be a boring or tedious, but it does take effort, especially in a subject that just doesn't come easily. I firmly believe that we all have different learning styles, and I make every attempt to teach to the students learning style and pace.

I received my degree in Music Education from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. I have worked in a variety of fields including musical theatre, insurance, real estate, elementary education and currently I have my own business. I have found that no matter what my 'job' has been, I have always been a teacher, and a learner.

piano

I have a degree from UOP in Music Education, and maintained a successful Piano and Voice Studio for 15+ years. I have been playing the piano since I was 7 and sincerely enjoy sharing my love of the instrument with new students. I believe it is important to learn to read music as well as play by ear, and incorporate a variety of musical styles into lessons. I have taught students of all ages at levels from beginner to intermediate, although for a very young beginner, I feel the student should be at least beginning to read.

voice (music)

My degree is from UOP in Music Education and I maintained a successful Voice and Piano Studio for 15+ years. I was Director of Choral Music at El Cerrito HS for 3 years, and I have been involved in Musical Theatre in the Bay area and Stockton area for many years. It is important for a singer to learn good breathing techniques, and understand the use of the body as a musical instrument. A singer should also learn to read music, and piano lessons are a plus, but not necessary. I do not believe in serious voice instruction until the student is around 14 years old generally, but if a student is younger than 14 and wants to sing, I strongly encourage piano lessons, and I will incorporate singing into the piano lesson. This will build the musical ear and reading ability, and the vocal development will follow. School choirs are also a wonderful place for young singers, supplemented with piano lessons - that's how I did it! One particular aspect of my teaching is helping students overcome nerves. I suffered from stage fright when singing solo, and worked very hard to overcome this obstacle. I love to sing, and now, I can get up in front of a crowd and feel quite comfortable. I believe everyone has a voice to sing with, and unless you are clinically tone deaf, which is truly rare, I can help you find that voice and hopefully feel more comfortable with it!