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Composition:
It is one of my core beliefs that a good composition teacher does not force their own style onto a student, but helps the student develop their own voice. If you have already started writing music, we can look at what you can do to improve it and learn how to best get your ideas down onto the page. If you've never written music before, we can start with some basic exercises and assignments to build your skills and creativity. I focus on classical "art" music, but I love writing and teaching other kinds as well!
–Video call composition lessons: $45/hour ($25/half hour)
–Travel to me (North Tallahassee): no fee
–Travel to you (in Tallahassee): additional $10/lesson
–Travel to you (near Tallahassee): additional $15/lesson
–*Just want to try it out? Pay only $10 for your first lesson of any kind.*
–Video call composition lessons: $45/hour ($25/half hour)
–Travel to me (North Tallahassee): no fee
–Travel to you (in Tallahassee): additional $10/lesson
–Travel to you (near Tallahassee): additional $15/lesson
–*Just want to try it out? Pay only $10 for your first lesson of any kind.*
Music theory and ear training:
Aside from composition, music theory is my other passion. I love learning every detail about how the thing that I love works, and I love teaching others about it, too! I know that everyone has a different brain and that each one of you learns differently, so my teaching methods are diverse and vary for each student. No matter how complicated the topic, I know I'll be able to explain it in a way that makes sense to you.
–Video call theory or ear training tutoring/lessons: $30/hour ($15/half hour)
–Travel to me (North Tallahassee): no fee
–Travel to you (in Tallahassee): additional $10/lesson
–Travel to you (near Tallahassee): additional $15/lesson
–*Just want to try it out? Pay only $10 for your first lesson of any kind.*
–Video call theory or ear training tutoring/lessons: $30/hour ($15/half hour)
–Travel to me (North Tallahassee): no fee
–Travel to you (in Tallahassee): additional $10/lesson
–Travel to you (near Tallahassee): additional $15/lesson
–*Just want to try it out? Pay only $10 for your first lesson of any kind.*
Q & A
How does it work?
1) If you have any questions, send me an email through the Contact Page, or directly at mhbriggs@att.net.
2) For each lesson, select the option that you want at my Store, and checkout.
3) We will determine a time, and after you are checked out, I will send you a private Zoom link (a free video calling software that can work right in your browser) with your selected time.
2) For each lesson, select the option that you want at my Store, and checkout.
3) We will determine a time, and after you are checked out, I will send you a private Zoom link (a free video calling software that can work right in your browser) with your selected time.
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first want to get to know the student's musical background, and then I would like to know why the student is coming to me. Knowing both their background and their goals helps me determine the best method for teaching. Each student is different, and each brain is unique. That's what I love about working one-on-one with students - being able to provide individual teaching that meets all of their educational needs.
After the get-to-know you phase, we'll work together on exactly what the student needs or wants help with. For composition lessons, this could be looking at an already- or mostly-finished piece, or starting off with short composition exercises. For a theory or ear training student, I like to know what they're working on at the moment, and get to know their current understanding of the topic.
After the get-to-know you phase, we'll work together on exactly what the student needs or wants help with. For composition lessons, this could be looking at an already- or mostly-finished piece, or starting off with short composition exercises. For a theory or ear training student, I like to know what they're working on at the moment, and get to know their current understanding of the topic.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taught music theory, ear training, and composition at three different universities over the last five years. I am a classically trained composer and pianist with three degrees in music composition, including a Doctor of Music, and have been trained extensively in music theory at the graduate level.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to find someone who is personable, patient, and above all else, kind. There is obviously no way to know this right away, but hopefully your intuition will tell you "yes" or "no" after the first lesson.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I enjoy getting to see the "light bulb" moment for students, whether in theory or composition, and seeing how they progress throughout the weeks. Music is my passion, and helping others understand just a little more about it is why I do this.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) Why am I studying this topic?
2) What are my strengths and weaknesses in this area?
3) What can I gain from a teacher/tutor?
2) What are my strengths and weaknesses in this area?
3) What can I gain from a teacher/tutor?