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We've got a lot to talk about

Getting to know Ms. Coolidge!

9/23/2019

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Q: Tell us about how you first became involved in music
My mother is a singer and choir director so I’ve been around music my whole life! I took piano lessons as a child but have been in choirs since elementary school.

Q: Is anyone else in your family a musician?
Yes, my mother and my brother are both musicians. My brother sings and plays guitar.

Q: Tell us more about your music education
I have a BME from LSU. I studied voice with Patricia O’Neill and choral studies with Dr. Sara Lynn Baird and Dr. Ken Fulton. I am a vocalist primarily but really enjoy teaching piano lessons.

Q: Growing up, did you have any influential teachers/professors who guided you towards becoming a professional musician?
My mother was a big influence on me. My father is an educator so I was destined to be a music teacher!

Q: What is your personal teaching philosophy?
I believe all people need music in their life in some capacity. All people can and should sing! If lessons are fun and encouraging early on I believe that people will stick with it and make it a lifelong activity. I want my students to fall in love with music making and want to continue their studies as they grow older.

Q: What is your favorite music genre?
That is a TOUGH question! I like everything from classic and 1990s country to neo-punk to Anglican choral music and everything in between!

Q: You have been teaching group piano classes for over 18 years! Tell us more about the Studio Kids: Piano Better Together curriculum. What is your favorite part about being a group piano teacher?
I love that students learn piano skills in a relaxed yet challenging way. When the students put together an ensemble where each student has an integral part to play and it all CLICKS, man, that is pretty great! I love this curriculum because students can play a simple melody along with an accompanying sequence or they can play all the parts themselves. It can accommodate a wide spectrum of skills. I also think it’s important that the ensemble skills complement the method book skills and vice versa.

Q: Do you have a favorite musical memory?
One of the most amazing musical experiences I’ve had was singing the Bruckner “Locus Iste” in Westminster Abbey. The powerful music sung in that glorious and storied place nearly brought me to my knees. 


Q: When you are not teaching, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a triathlete and enjoy training and racing, especially the 70.3 distance. I don’t always cross the finish line but I do cross the STARTING line! I enjoy running 10k, 15k, and 13.1 distances, too. I love spending time with my husband, Colin, and our four dogs, Addy, Bella, Roux, and Gus. We love going to the New Mexico and Colorado mountains to ski and hike.

​
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Music School VS Individual Teacher

9/6/2019

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-Stathia Orwig

I'm one of those teachers who a long time ago did have a studio on my own and worked at a music school. I've also had parents tell me that they would rather just take from a private teacher and not be at a music school. I've got feelings on both! However, before I continue,  I do need to mention that all music schools are not created equal! And, all private teachers are not created equal.  This is more of a generalization of both.

I will say that it is hard finding teachers who want to teach at a music school simply because they don't make as much money. However, on the plus side, they don't have to deal with the business side of things. They simply show up and teach! This can be amazing for teachers who simply love to teach and don't want to do billing, advertising, and organization. More than likely, teachers who work at a music school really LOVE to teach and are there because of that. Teachers also gain a sense of community within the school and have comradery with the other teachers that they would not have solo teaching at home. This is perfect when they need to have their student perform for another teacher! All they have to do is knock and ask! It is obviously wonderful for the students as well, because it's built in performance practice, and another teacher's ideas that they get to hear!

For parents, taking lessons at a music school can almost be "one stop shopping". If there is a teacher that is not a great fit for the student, makinging a shift to a different teacher is sometimes possible. Often at music schools, there is the possibility of multi-instrument instruction, so you don't have to go out and hunt for a different teacher. The other plus side is that if you trust the music school and its mission, you are comfortable with their teachers and know that they are all "safe" individuals. 

Most individual teachers don't have a commercial space. Going to a "business" that is primarily for music lessons definitely has a different feel than going to your teacher's house. Now, I went to my teachers house for years and years, and a lot of my students have come to my house for lessons, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it! However, when I show up to teach at our studio, I'm focused and ready to teach. It's true that a lot of my students felt that my house was more of an "intimate" space- but it was also a little more noisy (my kids or husband or dogs). There seems to be a little more structure in my lessons at the studio vs. my house. It feels like a better learning environment- AND there's not a pantry full of food to raid or laundry you can voluntarily fold (LOL).

The best thing about a music school? It's the community- if it's the right community for you and your family. Hopefully, it's nice being able to keep the financial part separate- knowing there's a person to talk to about that and that oversees the instruction of the teachers (my students are not allowed to comment!) There are different teacher personalities and all kinds or opportunities to take part in. There's variation in classes and performances/recitals. There's a higher standard. 

That in a nutshell is the difference! I love sharing this unique perspective and hope it was helpful. If you have thoughts, comments, or questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
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MUSIC SO SIMPLE
469.778.2121
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info@musicsosimple.com
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1144 Plano Road, suite 142, richardson, texas 75081

Music So Simple, Music Schools, Richardson, TX
  • Home
    • student/parent login
    • Student Gear
    • Blog
  • REGISTER
  • About
    • Our Studio
    • Our Policies
    • Teachers >
      • Stathia Orwig
      • Robin Coolidge
      • Logan Herod
      • Chiara La Ferla
      • James Landrum
      • David Large
      • Meredith Manley
      • Astrid Morales
      • Lynne Nevill
      • Employment
    • Testimonials
  • Lessons
    • Babies & Toddlers
    • Preschool
    • Private Lessons
    • Group Piano
    • Studio Kids: Ensemble Piano
    • SUMMER 2022 >
      • Your Summer Classes & Camps
      • Summer Private Lessons
    • Calendar
  • CONTACT