Take Note - NYC Music Lessons

Serves Queens, NY

35244

Hired 52 times

6 employees

19 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.

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Credentials

Background Check

Michelle Maves
Completed on 6/30/2016

Introduction

I have been teaching for over 15 years. I teach privately full-time and run my own company in NYC. We offer internet lessons for students all over the world. If you are interested in in-person lessons, we offer this service in NYC and Westchester County. I personally hire other enthusiastic and experienced music teachers to work with me. I believe learning music should be fun. While it also takes hard work and dedication, a student must first enjoy music in order to continue and progress. My teachers and I incorporate well-known songs into lessons so that students can relate to what they are learning. We also use many of our own games and worksheets to keep students engaged at all times. We offer many different types of lessons including singing, piano, acting, guitar, songwriting, and much more. We also offer two (optional) recitals each year so that students can showcase what they have learned. I love watching students of all ages progress and accomplish things they never thought they could accomplish. This helps them to grow not only as a musician, but also as a person. I have watched all of our students become more confident as their lessons progress. It's exciting because music education is so much more than just teaching students notes on a page.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Please contact us for pricing details. Prices depend on location, lesson length, and several other factors.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Most parents first contact us with general questions about music lessons. We travel to our students, so it’s important that we discuss the instrument the student wants to learn, where the student lives, and the student’s schedule. We also like to find out more about the student’s learning style and any prior music lesson experiences to make a great match with one of our excellent instructors. From there, we check with our teachers about availability in the student’s area. We then send the parent more information about an instructor who we think will be a good match. We encourage students to have a lesson with the teacher. We don’t require semester commitments, so there is no obligation (beyond paying for the session). Students then handle scheduling and makeups directly with the instructor. Most students work with us long-term as they discover learning music is fun when a great teacher is there to guide them in the process.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have studied music for my entire life. I have years of training in voice, piano, and acting and have been teaching for over a decade. I majored in musical theatre in college and have performed all over the country. I also developed my teaching skills with many top companies in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago before starting my own business.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Teaching and performing go hand-in-hand, so I began teaching in college. I have always found that teaching has made me a better performer and my performing experiences allow me to guide my students to become better musicians and actors. As I filled my schedule, I began hiring other talented instructors to join me in teaching students in NY. It is a joy to share the love of music with all of our students.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with students of all ages. My instructors and I teach beginners as young as 3. We have also worked with adult students who may be returning to an instrument or are even starting to learn for the first time. It is rewarding to see students accomplish their goals and learn to love to music at any age and level.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Most of our students work with us for years. I am proud of the fact that we have a very high retention rate and help students of all different levels. I am very proud of several students who were recently accepted to Laguardia High School in music and drama along with our graduating seniors who have been accepted to performing arts programs at their colleges.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Above all, make sure your student connects with his or her teacher. Many people have negative memories of their first music lessons. It is important that a teacher (especially for younger beginners) is supportive and nurtures growth rather than stifling creativity. For many students, their early music lessons will color their view of music as they get older, so look for the right fit for your child when it comes to an instructor.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Parents should think about what kind of teaching philosophy they are looking for in music lessons. Many teachers in NYC have amazing degrees and resumes. This does not mean they are great teachers. In my opinion, a private music teacher needs to inspire and connect with a student. This is more important than a degree from one of the best music schools in the country. At Take Note, we hire instructors who are the total package: experienced, inspiring, kind, and reliable. These are qualities we value far above an advanced degree (though many of our teachers have these degrees and attended top programs as well). Make sure whoever you hire understands how to engage children during music lessons. These early music lessons are the foundation to how a student will look at music later in life.