Miss Kelly believes that everyone is musical.

Kelly believes that everyone is musical. ​In fact, all humans are born with the capacity to make music (Cutietta, pg 2). Musical experiences at an early age can impact a child's musical development and set them up for a lifetime of music making and appreciation. As we grow, our taste and relationship to music may change but Kelly believes it is never too late to foster your musical skills. Kelly is passionate about providing musical instruction that fosters each individual’s unique gifts and musical expression.

Miss Kelly believes that a well rounded musician should have a wide range of musical experiences, after all, music is a worldly art form that has been around for at least one million years (Montagu, pg 2). There are so many rich cultures and various styles of music from around the world that we can learn from.

During the early years of a child’s musical experience while the child is still learning about the world, it is essential for the child to be exposed to a variety of music from diverse cultures. Music serves as a doorway, mirror and/or window to cultural costumes and diverse soundscapes. Children are more susceptible to have an affinity towards diverse music if they are exposed to it while they are young. 

Private lessons and group classes with Miss Kelly feature music from diverse backgrounds. When we experience diverse music, it creates an inclusive space to celebrate and learn about cultural differences (Ilari, pg 202). Patricia S. Campbell once said, “Music is a bridge to cultural understanding…music transcends arbitrary cultural boundaries to offer a common understanding of the human condition,” (2018, pg 19). Miss Kelly sees the value in learning more than just the song itself, music can open doors for deep conversations about how different people experience the world.

Studies show that “musical preferences of pre-K and kindergarten children can be changed by repeated exposure and instructional activities under certain conditions,” (98). In Carper's study, the more pre-K and kindergarten children were exposed to music from diverse cultures, the more they showed an affinity towards the diverse soundscapes while the students that were not exposed to worldly music did not show the same interest. This proves that diversifying repertoire selections within the classroom does leave an impact on the students’ musical preferences. Music education serves an important role in shaping a child’s view of music and culture. Whether it be at home or in school, children benefit from exploring diverse musical styles and soundscapes.

We all learn in different ways.

Each person learns in different ways. Some learn by watching others, some by listening, and some by reading, for example. It can be easy for music students to feel lost if the learning process is not well thought out. Kelly has an organized and individualized approach to the musical learning process that embodies a variety of ways to reach musical goals. In her lessons and classes, students have the opportunity to explore music through multiple outlets: listening, moving, responding/reflecting, creating, and performing. This holistic approach gives each student a solid foundation to build their musicianship. (Dalby, n.p.).

By getting to know her students, Kelly can differentiate her instruction to suit each individual's needs and interests. Students will receive step by step guidance and positive reinforcement from start to finish. Kelly tries her best to create and present a learning plan with just the right amount of clear, concise instruction, well thought out activities, and preparedness. She works hard to create a safe space for students of all ages to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things.

Miss Kelly's approach in a nutshell:

1. Understand the student's musical goals and interests.

2. Become familiar with the student's current musical skills.

3. Select music to study.

4. Create an individualized learning sequence.

5. Implement bite size challenges to foster growth.

6. Monitor progress while making joyful music.