Teaching

 

“We have been around for 27 years. This is one of the best guest artists we have had!  She invested every single second on campus in building community. Everyone raved! Elizabeth is the best of the best and we plan to have her back again.”  — Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts Director Carrie Nath

“Besides being a wonderful trombone player, she is a master teacher and ultimate professional. It is always a treat for my students and me to be able to work with her.” – Walter K. Birkhold, NYC High School Music Coordinator

“Sweet, clear and informative, fun, and great with the kids.” – Rob Diefenbach, Middle School Teacher, NYC

Philosophy

I believe that everyone can be musical, and that music is a powerful tool for building confidence and developing imagination for all of life’s situations!

I focus on the emotional aspects of musicality – storytelling, conversations, and expression. Just as important as playing or singing the “right” notes is playing them at the right volume, with the right feeling, and with awareness of the other musicians around you. I believe in listening, in singing, and in eye contact. I believe in body movement, and in silence within music. I believe in the instructive power of fun and teamwork, and achieve both through a combination of technical and expressive instruction. We build trust as a group and laugh as we learn.

Customization

I love working with musicians and non-musicians. You don’t have to have a band program or choir program in place to work with me. Arts education has been cut in so many places, and I am happy to jump in to help out you and/or your students with a package or presentation tailored just for you! No instruments? Everybody’s on Zoom? We can make it work!

  • Workshops for musicians

  • Group lessons

  • Individual coaching

  • Guest performer with your band

  • Concert of my music

  • Lectures/workshops for non-musicians

Appropriate presentations for elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, community centers, libraries…. or a fun alternative to Powerpoint-filled speeches at your next conference! I’m based on the East Coast, but am happy to travel. Let’s talk about what you’re looking for!

Topics

FOR MUSICIANS

  • Having a conversation: how to improvise

  • Learning the blues: telling a story

  • Ensemble playing: repertoire development and refinement

  • Sectional playing: technique and blend (specializing in brass, choirs)

  • Put it in your body: singing and dancing

  • Why practicing isn’t enough: practical music business tips for making a living

  • Individual coaching in singing, brass playing, improvising, and performance

FOR MUSICIANS AND NON-MUSICIANS

  • Chicas in charge: leadership skills for girls

  • Women in jazz: role models for a generation

  • How to listen to music

  • Jazz history in 4 songs

  • Having a conversation: how to improvise

  • Learning the blues: telling a story

FOR NON-MUSICIANS

  • Anyone can sing the blues!

  • Accessing your creativity through improvisation

  • Performance coaching for upcoming events (speeches, presentations, etc.)

Let’s have fun!

What would you like your group to learn?