Spruce Street Music studio provides a positive, encouraging and relaxed learning environment, allowing students of all ages and abilities to freely participate in and experience the enjoyment of music.

The studio offers private instruction in both flute and piano for students of all ages and levels. Lessons occur weekly and last for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The duration of the lesson is based on the age, level and needs of the student. In addition to one-on-one instruction, students will also receive the opportunity to attend group classes, use musical computer software to enhance their learning experience and participate in various auditions, performances and recitals throughout the year.

Spruce Street Music Studios strives to keep lesson scheduling as flexible as possible. Most lessons are offered Monday through Thursday during "after school" hours, however, lessons are also available earlier in the day for adults, home-schooled students and pre-school aged children. Spruce Street Music Studio also offers lessons on Fridays and Saturdays, but only as needed or if other weekly options are unavailable. Please, contact Melissa Willis for available lesson times.

The studio is located on the southeast side of Iowa City and offers a comfortable and nurturing environment for students to learn, as well as a waiting area for parents to relax during their child’s lesson or for students to relax or explore some of the music software in the studio computer lab. In addition, Spruce Street Music Studio provides an extensive lending library of flute and piano music. This allows students to experience a wide variety of musical choices outside of their weekly lessons books.

 

Teaching Philosophy

It is my firm belief that music should be accessible to students of all ages and abilities. I will help students set musical goals and then provide them with the tools to successfully meet these goals. This is accomplished through individualized lesson plans, which meet the unique needs and learning style of each student. As a result, my curriculum is varied and flexible. Even though all students will be exposed to the important elements of musical technique, theory and expression, it may very often occur through different avenues, i.e. classical vs. popular repertoire, musical games and hands-on activities, individual practice plans etc.

Throughout the learning process, I believe it is essential for students to enjoy themselves, as well as develop their independent learning skills. I hope that lessons at the Spruce Street Music Studio will be a springboard for a lifelong love of music – along with dedication and hard work; I encourage plenty of laughter and smiles! My students are not motivated by fear or harshness, but by discovering their own enjoyment and ability to express themselves through music.

I am a performer, as well as a teacher; however teaching brings me the most joy. I value the personal relationship I develop with each student and enjoy bringing the personal knowledge I have of each student into the lesson. For example, if I have a young student who loves horses, I will seek out pieces that are about horses. I have even rewritten words to songs with students, so the title reflects their favorite thing. To me there is nothing more rewarding than the smile of students who are excited to learn, as well as pleased with their own accomplishments.

 

Spruce Street Music Studio Policy - pdf format

 

You are welcome to explore an illustrated tour through some of the methods I use in my studio to teach young piano students:

• meet Ms. Treble Clef and Mr. Bass Clef (part I)

• about the fingers and proper hand position (part II)

• finally, at the piano... (part III)