Heather Sherman Music
Growing The Love Of Music Through All Ages
Growing The Love Of Music Through All Ages
My name is Heather Sherman. I teach Violin, Viola, and beginner Piano, while dabbling in a few other string instruments as well. I believe that music is a wonderful gift that God has given to us, and I want to allow others to be able to share that gift with their friends and family. I think that no matter how old you are, or regardless of if you have any musical background or not, you can still learn to play an instrument, and sing praises to the Lord. I currently teach lessons in Franklin, TN.
Violin/Viola
Private Lesson Registration
Mommy and Me Class
Other
If you're struggling to figure out how long your lessons should be, you can use this guide to help you figure out what lesson length is right for you:
15 min - Because of the short time frame, only technique is taught in these lessons. This lesson length is good for those who are teaching themseves or playing their instrument in school. These lessons would reinforce good technique and allow you to learn pieces on your own.
30 min - This lesson length is good for younger students. Having a longer individual lesson will make it harder to focus and they will not retain as much from what they learned. Having lessons every week is also important to build up their knowledge and it makes it harder for them to forget what they learned. When teaching young children music, it is important to create a habit in and out of the lesson. Parent involvement is key to success at this age. For really young children under 6 years old, what I would recommend is 15 minute lessons twice a week. This works with their attention span and reinforces what they're learning more often.
45 min - This lesson length is for students who feel they cannot commit to a full hour lesson, either time wise or financially. These lessons will function the same as 60 minute lessons, however, not all technique or repertoire will be covered every week.
60 min - Having an hour long lesson is good for students who are serious about learning their instrument. This time allows for full teaching of technique and repertoire every lesson. For older students and adults, this lesson length is still effective with lessons every other week.
Students are expected to get appropriate materials for their lessons. After your first lesson, you will know what books to get. If cost is an issue, please let me know.
Violin/Viola
Repertoire: For string players I use the repertoire from the Suzuki books for beginners. At intermediate level is where I start to introduce other books with more repertoire.
Technique: For string technique, I like everyone to use Schradieck. Other good technique books to have would be Sevcik bow exercises and Flesch scale book.
Links: Suzuki books Solos for Young Violinists Schradieck Violin Schradieck Viola Sevcik Flesch
Piano
Repertoire: I like to use the Alfred method books for piano. Using the repertoire and theory books is ideal because piano relies on a lot of music theory. Another one of my favorite repertoire books is "My Favorite Solo Album" by Carl Fischer.
Technique: The classic piano technique book is Hanon. This book has scales, finger patterns, and advanced techniques.
Links: Alfred Basic Piano Library Hanon My Favorite Solo Album
Other Instruments
Repertoire: For other instruments such as Guitar, Ukulele, and Mandolin have much less standardized repertoire. Often popular music can be used to learn these instruments as well as the music theory necessary to play them. Students are usually welcome to bring music that they are interested in learning and we will work up to that level in lessons.
Technique: A technique book appropriate to the instrument and level will be recommended after the first couple lessons.
Mommy and Me Class
All materials used during class will be provided. Links for materials to use at home will be sent after registration.