Welcome to The Canary Studio. I'm Jeannine, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. I teach a variety of popular instruments, genres and styles. I offer recitals and group lessons because performing and playing with others is crucial. I work with students on advancing their technique, building confidence, mastering repertoire, preparing for auditions, understanding theory, groove, playing by ear, writing, stage presence, and more. My students achieve their goals through their own dedication and with the support of their parents and community. It takes a village to support the musical dreams of students. I believe that music is a language and that it is expressed through all kinds of mediums.

I grew up playing violin from age seven. I was in my hometown's youth orchestra with the Missouri Symphony. I sang in youth choir and at my grandmother's gospel church. Eventually, I attended Phillips Academy Andover, where I continued to study violin, viola, conducting, musical theater, voice, dance, and more. I earned my BA at the University of Missouri and studied Music, Journalism and International Studies. While at the University, I studied jazz and picked up cello. I was also using my musical skills around town to break out into singing, fiddling, neo-soul, rock, hip hop, and more, with various local bands and projects. I have been teaching for well over a decade.

Instruments Offered

• Violin - Classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, hip hop, folk, fiddle, and more. Violin is my primary instrument. I was what people call “classically trained,” however I improvise and play by ear. I teach classical technique as the basis for all other genres. I teach rhythm and groove and improvisation alongside fundamentals.  You have to know the tech before you can rock! It's just the rules. I teach beginner to early advanced up to ASTACAP Level 10.
• Viola - Classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, hip hop, folk, fiddle and more. Viola is a secondary instrument. I read alto clef and teach beginner to early advanced up to ASTACAP Level 10.
• Cello - Classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, hip hop, folk, fiddle, and more. Cello is a tertiary instrument for which I have developed a deep love (pun intended). I read bass clef and teach beginner to intermediate up to ASTACAP Level 5.
• Piano - Classical, pop, some jazz, theory. Piano is a quaternary instrument that is a big part of my composing world. I teach beginner to intermediate up to RCM Level 6.
• Voice - Pop, Jazz, Soul, Neo-Soul, R&B, Musical Theatre. I do not teach classical voice (think opera) technique or repertoire. I focus on modern and African American-influenced music with an appreciation for gospel traditions, but I do not teach gospel or worship music exclusively. Because these genres are non-standard for a rating system, I do not rate my level. I teach belting, breath control, runs, and pitch recognition primarily by ear.

All of my students learn some form of rhythm, singing along, music theory, and songwriting/composing for those who are interested. I'm focused on incorporating improvisational skills and the joy of spontaneity with all my students and all instruments. I'm also focused on preparing students to be ready for auditions or various competitions, therefore I adhere national standards where I can. For adult students, I love working with adults who are new or returning to their instrument or voice.

I'd love to hear from you. Please contact me below so we can discuss your goals!

Rates

$40 for a 30-minute lesson.
$75 for a 60-minute lesson.
22 Fall Semester weeks.
$30 Recital Fee (applied to the first bill only).

Semester-based billing is paid in full at a 5% discount or split into 6 monthly payments.

30-minute pay in full price = $866.00
60-minute pay in full price = $1597.50

30-minute monthly payment = $146.67 for 6 months.
60-minute monthly payment = $275 for 6 months.
 
Lessons meet weekly.

Location

I teach from my home, located in Colorado Springs. The exact location will be provided upon approval.

Disclaimers

Before you buy an instrument, please allow me to support you in finding something suitable and appropriately sized.

This is a secular studio. While I occasionally teach hymns or African American spirituals as part of a broader curriculum, I am not a worship music or religious music teacher.

I am not a licensed music therapist or healthcare provider.