Getting to know Ms. Elizabeth!

Q: Tell us about how you first became involved in music

A: From a very young age, I sang all the time.  My mom says I would sing TV commercial jingles.  In music class the boy in front of me loved to tease me and called me Judy Garland.

Q: Is anyone else in your family a musician?

A: Yes, my three children all have musical talent, although they are not professional musicians.

Q: Growing up, did you have any influential teachers/professors who guided you towards becoming a professional musician?

A: My elementary teacher, my middle school and high school choir directors and the directors of our high school musical performances all encouraged me!

Q: What is your favorite part about being a private voice teacher?

A: It is nice to work one on one.  I taught in the general music classroom for almost 30 years so it is much quieter!  It is wonderful to share my talents with students who want to learn and develop their talent and that have the support of their families.

Q: You have a lot of experience in directing all types of ensemble groups. What do you like most about working with ensembles? 

A: Ensembles are great to work with.  As a typically smaller group it is nice to share music with individuals who want more performance opportunities.  Often the members have special tryouts and this is a learning experience as well. It is a thrill to make it, and if not, it’s good to learn that one can work harder and try again.



Q. You are certified to teach both Orff and Kodaly methods. Can you tell us more about those curriculums?

A:John Curwen created the hand signs which were used in the Kodaly teaching approach.  These are the hand signs that represent the musical scale that help students understand the ascending and descending scales and notes sung in melodies. The Orff curriculum is a hands on approach to playing instruments, specifically the glockenspiel, metallaphone and xylophone in every range.

Q: What is your personal teaching philosophy?

A: My teaching philosophy and teaching goal is to help instill the joy that music brings.  It opens our hearts and moves us in ways that nothing else can.  
 
Q: What is your favorite music genre to listen to? What’s your favorite genre to sing?


A: I love just about every musical genre!  If I had to pick what I love to sing it would probably be movie soundtrack and Broadway tunes!
 


Q: When you are not teaching, what do you like to do in your spare time?
 
I direct the music at my church which keeps me very busy.  I work with both the Children’s Choir and the adult Chancel Choir.  I attend many concerts both public and private! It is all about the music and always will be!

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