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Let's Be Clear - and Creative - Spelling, Writing & Music Theory Tutor
Jennifer R.

1,163 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $36

About Jennifer


Bio

Communication is a gift we have, and it takes many forms. In written language, clarity is key to expressing ourselves and understanding others. I strive to make my written communication clear, concise and engaging and want to teach my students to do the same. In musical expression (piano is my instrument), form, style and interpretation are basic to the art.

Our best writing includes word choice, spelling, punctuation, writing solid sentences, using descriptive techniques, and developing...

Communication is a gift we have, and it takes many forms. In written language, clarity is key to expressing ourselves and understanding others. I strive to make my written communication clear, concise and engaging and want to teach my students to do the same. In musical expression (piano is my instrument), form, style and interpretation are basic to the art.

Our best writing includes word choice, spelling, punctuation, writing solid sentences, using descriptive techniques, and developing form. Likewise in music theory, we use the elements of music - notation, harmony and form, to understand a piece and to create our own.

I have been a 5th grade classroom teacher and a tutor for 3 nationally known tutoring centers including Wyzant for grades K - 8. My approach is to find out my students' particular areas of need and present helpful material to explain the concepts, followed up by practice. I like to use questions to draw observations and insights out of my students. There's nothing more satisfying for a teacher than to see the "light go on" in a student's mind when understanding is achieved. I hope that I can be of help to your student and have a part in his/her gaining skill and confidence in the desired areas of learning. Parental input and insight is welcome in discovering the best ways to work with your student.

I have been a piano student in my younger years and a piano teacher for many years, incorporating music theory into our lessons. I took music theory in college and completed college theory refresher courses within the last 10 years. I can teach basic music theory and sight-singing to grades K-12 and entry level college-students.

If I can assist you in either writing/grammar (K-8) or music theory (any age), please don't hesitate to contact me.


Education

Wheaton College
Music
National Louis University
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $36
  • Rate details: Full Cancellation & Late Policies available, and sent to student before 1st lesson. I offer you a free first session to get to know my new student & assess needs.
  • Lesson cancellation: 6 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 4/9/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

Bible Studies

Bible Studies

A student of the Bible for several decades, my formal studies included Old & New Testament Survey courses in college. I took additional courses and also participated in in-depth Bible studies using several curricula. I also taught Bible lessons to 5th graders as part of our school's curriculum, and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Bible classes to 1st-5th graders for 20 years in children's church. I have used the inductive method of study, as well as making continuous use of an exhaustive concordance, Greek-Eng. New Testament Dictionary, atlas and commentaries.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I was certified in Elementary Education in the state of Illinois through the Master of Arts in Teaching program at National Louis University (formerly National College of Education. I taught 5th Grade Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies and Art for 5 years. I participated as a Round Judge for 3 years in the ACSI District Spelling Bee. I also worked as a tutor in a nationally known tutoring center with students in Grades K - 6 in reading and math, as well as being a classroom assistant with an internationally known learning enrichment program in the areas of phonics, reading, writing and math. I corrected students' writing assignments and reviewed their level tests in detail in the areas of math and reading.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I've taught math in the elementary classroom (5th grade), as well as tutored elementary students in 2 nationally known tutoring programs besides Wyzant. Making concepts clear and simple is my goal in teaching elementary math.
ISEE

ISEE

I have worked with 2 elementary level students in preparing them once a week for the SSAT/ISEE tests by going through the Princeton Review test preparation book. I have further explained the verbal areas of analogies and synonyms by writing summaries of the strategies presented with my own examples. My students have completed practice drills with gradual success, and have shown marked progress in adding to their mathematical knowledge and skills.
Piano

Piano

I have taught piano lessons for at least 25 years, young children, adolescents and even a few adults. It's been my joy to start many beginners and see them become independent piano players. I've also worked with more experienced students and challenged them to play musically, paying careful attention to the musical language of each piece. I teach technique, beginning and intermediate methods, classical music, and some sacred music.
Sight Singing

Sight Singing

I have taught the basics of sight singing in 6 of the 10 years I taught general music to grades Pre K-8. I use the solfege system which has given my students quick success in learning how to sight sing. Also I have incorporated the teaching of intervals into sight singing. I am a member of a local community chorus and have learned 90% of my music by sight singing, to strengthen my own music literacy.
Spelling

Spelling

I've always been a good speller and think it's essential to excellent writing. I've coached a student for her district spelling bee, using the Scripps official study list and using a strategy to make the most of her limited prep time.
STAAR

STAAR

I have worked with a student in Grade 4 STAAR Math, covering an array of skills including fractions, decimals, angles, geometric shapes, metric and English measurements, and dot and stem/leaf plots. I use questions as a way of sharpening my student's critical thinking skills. Review is an integral part of mastering this test preparation.
Writing

Writing

I have tutored children in writing skills for a few years, besides teaching the basics of grammar as a former 5th grade classroom teacher. I work with students in writing fiction and non-fiction essays and stories.
Handwriting
Music Theory
Reading
SSAT
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise


Jennifer has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 6 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Jennifer R.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Jennifer before you book.

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Ratings and Reviews


Rating

4.9 (297 ratings)
5 star
(287)
4 star
(5)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(2)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Great with young learners!

Jennifer is doing an excellent job getting my 7yo interested and learning the basics of piano. She is learning about the piano, how to read music, and about her fingers and body. All of this together helps her understand better what playing piano is about and keeps her interest.

Mark, 309 lessons with Jennifer

Jennifer is knowledgeable and patient with early learners

My daughter is four and doesn't always listen well. Jennifer was patient in our lesson, starting with basic notes, counting beats with clapping, songs to reinforce finger dexterity and counting beats on a drum - all in 20 minutes, the perfect timing for short attention spans.

VANESSA KAKWARA, 99 lessons with Jennifer

Awesome!!!

Jennifer has been amazing and we love her style of tutoring. She is quite attentive to my son’s need and tailors her tutoring to accommodate the best way my son can learn.

Anonymous, 576 lessons with Jennifer

Awesome!!!

Jennifer has been amazing and we love her style of tutoring. She is quite attentive to my son’s need and tailors her tutoring to accommodate the best way my son can learn.

Anonymous, 576 lessons with Jennifer
Hourly Rate: $36
Contact Jennifer