Susana - Teacher #4355

Instruments:
- Drumset
- Percussions
- Singer-Songwriter
- Voice

Services:
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English
- Spanish

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers on nurturing each student's unique voice and potential in a supportive and inspiring environment. With over 20 years of experience, I tailor my instruction to individual strengths and goals, combining technical training with emotional expression to build both skills and confidence.

I provide personalized instruction that addresses the cognitive and emotional aspects of learning, helping students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

I believe in the importance of musical diversity. Exposure to various genres enriches students' understanding and appreciation of music. My background in jazz, pop, rock, and Latin music allows me to offer a broad and inclusive curriculum, helping students discover their unique preferences and strengths.

As a native Spanish speaker with deep knowledge of Latin music, I emphasize cultural awareness, encouraging students to explore and appreciate global music traditions, enhancing their versatility and authenticity as musicians.

Balancing technical proficiency with creative expression, I encourage students to experiment, improvise, and develop their musical identity. Performance opportunities build confidence and stage presence, preparing students for real-world situations.

I aim to instill a passion for lifelong learning and continuous growth, fostering a motivating environment where curiosity and creativity are celebrated.

In summary, my teaching philosophy is about fostering individual growth, embracing musical diversity, and promoting a lifelong love of music, helping each student find their unique voice and reach their highest potential.

Musical Education

I have an extensive background in music education that spans several prestigious institutions and diverse studies:

University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, B.C. - Bachelor of Psychology (2005)
Capilano University - Jazz Studies - Voice, Recipient of Jazz Studies Capilano Program Award for outstanding performance skills
Juan Jose Landaeta Conservatory of Music, Caracas, Venezuela
Roland Learning Centre - Voice Studies - Caracas, Venezuela

My training in voice began at the Conservatory of Music in Caracas, Venezuela, where I honed my skills in various musical genres, with a strong emphasis on vocal performance. This rigorous foundation was complemented by my studies in Jazz Studies at Capilano University, where I was awarded for my outstanding performance skills.

Additionally, my Bachelor of Psychology from the University of British Columbia has provided me with a unique perspective on the cognitive and emotional aspects of learning and performance. This knowledge has been invaluable in my teaching career, allowing me to connect with students on a deeper level and tailor my instruction to their individual needs.

My principal teachers throughout my studies have included Suzie Collier, Bess Durey, Robert Zuniga, and many others. They have shaped my approach to both performance and instruction. These mentors have instilled in me the importance of technical proficiency, emotional expression, and continuous growth as a musician and educator.

Overall, my educational journey has been diverse and enriching, equipping me with a robust set of skills and knowledge that I bring to my teaching practice. My passion for music and commitment to excellence drive me to inspire and develop the next generation of vocalists.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).