Why music?
...Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy...
Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development by Bright Horizons Education Team
Considering music lessons?
Whether you are young or not so young, playing a musical instrument is life-enhancing! Music makes a difference in my life every day and leading others on musical adventures is a joyful experience.
Weekly lessons are available in-studio or online through Zoom and are tailored to each student’s needs. We innovate and create. Learn from someone who is knowledgeable, caring, and patient.
No worries if you don’t read music! It isn’t necessary to start your musical adventure, but it’s recommended to learn the language at some point during the journey.
Put my decades of musical experience to good use. I’m accepting individual students as well as small groups because it's fun to learn with a friend!
...Another way music affects the brain is by making you happy... medical professionals often use music as a form of therapy...
How Music Affects the Brain: The 4 Cognitive Benefits by Katie Doll
Instruments
- guitar: acoustic, electric, bass
- piano/keyboard
- voice (the instrument we use for singing!)
- violin (beginner)
- flute (beginner)
- mandolin (beginner)
- banjo (beginner)
- more... ask me!
Other Areas
- performance skills, including pageant preparation (and/or music editing, too) and stage presence
- songwriting
- music theory
...taking music lessons in your 60s – or older – can boost your brain’s health as well, helping to decrease loss of memory and cognitive function...
Playing an Instrument: Better for Your Brain than Just Listening by Penn Medicine News
Experience
- guitar: 50+ years
- singing: 50+ years
- piano/keyboard: 30+ years
- performing songwriter: 30+ years
- study: 3 years individual instruction as a child, self-taught for many years, and 15 years of individual mentoring with Mark J. Dye, a Merit Award winner in Music Composition from the University of South Florida. Mark is a remarkable musician and composer who instructed Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys until shortly before Nick began his career with the group.
- teaching: 20+ years: 2000-2005 in Saint Petersburg, Florida and 2006-present in Ocqueoc (pronounced ah-key-ock), Michigan
Individual Instruction
Start your musical adventure with individual instruction! Join me in my home studio, online through Zoom, or a hybrid of both Monday through Thursday. Friday lessons are available by special request.
I recommend beginners start with 30-minute weekly lessons (in-studio) . Young beginners will need assistance from a parent. Those with more experience may want 60-minute lessons and may opt for online or hybrid in-studio/online lessons.
Do you work unusual hours? Does your child participate in sports? No worries! It may require a little more planning but we'll get out our calendars and figure out a day/time that works for you even if it requires a different one each week.
Group Instruction
Do you find it more fun to play music in a group? Group music lessons are available, too! Bring a friend and learn together.
Most instruments, voice, theory, songwriting, and performance lend themselves to the group learning experience. Group instruction can be done in-studio or online, however all student participants need to be together in the same room for the online lesson.
Here are some examples of available music classes. All are offered in 8-week segments and are a great way to fill your summer (winter, spring, or fall) days! All ages welcome.
- Beginning Guitar (acoustic, electric, bass)
This class concentrates on learning notes up to the 5th fret using basic rhythms. - Guitar: beyond the basics
This class continues what was learned inthe beginning guitar class and moves to the level. We concentrate on playing beyond the 5th fret, plaing outside of first postition, and some basic chord progressions. - Stumming Chords and More
Do you already know how to play a few chords but want to learn more? We'll use familiar songs (bring your favorites) and have some fun while increasing your chord progression and strumming skills! - Do-Re-Mi's of Singing
Do you like to sing and want to learn more about our body's natural instrument? We'll explore breathing, vocalizing, warming up, and technique in both the chest and head voice. And, we'll apply it to singing songs! - Hamonizing
We'll explore how harmony relates to chords, and learn about listening and using your ear to hear harmony. We'll apply what we learn to singing songs. We may even try some acapella!
Reviews
My kids started piano lessons with Donna when they were in 2nd grade. They’re a Junior and a Freshman in high school now. They’ve learned so much from her that they’re able to try to learn their own piano pieces outside of their lessons. It’s always a joy to hear at home. Donna has been very supportive and flexible to allow changes in schedule when circumstances arise. She’s like a second mom to them. She’s very highly recommended!! - Eleanor M.
If you’re looking to pursue any musical goals, you’ve found your guide. Donna mentored me for several years. I miss having my guitar lessons with her not just because of the lessons, but because Donna is such a nice person. I remember how my parents would converse with her after nearly every lesson. If you live in the area and are interested in music lessons, you won’t regret it. - Martin P.
Donna is a fantastic instructor! She's very accomodating and is fantastic when it comes to building your leassons around your personal musical goal, whether vocal or instrumental. I always enjoyed my lessons with her. - Drew R.
My daughter really enjoys piano lessons with Donna. She is a great teacher and very accommodating to adjust schedules and times if needed. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to take music lessons. - Kathy L.
Very patient teacher and will build lessons according to what your goals are. I really enjoyed being her student. - Shelby S.
I am so glad you agreed to teach piano and then guitar to my toddler twin girls. No one else at the time felt they would be able to learn music at such a young age. The girls started reading music before they could read a book! I firmly believe that this helped them, not just musically, but also in math and other studies. The girls are now seniors in high school. They have excelled in their school work. They already have a litany of accomplishments. Brooke has gone on to win awards at the state level for her musical achievements. She is also her high school drum major and is in the honor band. Both of the girls are in leadership roles in their high school music program. Sara still plays the guitar too. Over the years, they have sung, danced, played multiple instruments, been on the drum line, and have been in theatre productions. I am thankful for the solid start that you gave them. I believe that children are most impressionable at a very young age. Your lessons gave them the gift of music that will last a lifetime! - Sheila H.