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Mrs. Boggs was born in France and spent the first 30 years of her life there. Since then, she has lived on three different continents: Europe, South America and North America and traveled all over the world. Her traveling taught her so much about other cultural groups and has given her a strong background to teach many different ethnic groups. She has been teaching private instrumental music as well as group classes to children and adults through her private studio, as well as teaching music courses, private lessons and group classes in strings at Holyoke Community College and at Westfield State University. She holds a B.A. degree in Musicology from the Sorbonne, in Paris France, a M.A. in music performance from the University of Montreal in Canada, and a MA State Teaching Certificate. She is also a trained Suzuki strings instructor from the Hartt School, University of Hartford, CT.
Her philosophy is that anyone can be trained to play an instrument, not just children, like most people believe, and the benefits are numerous at any age. Isabelle likes to play different style of music such as Classical/Suzuki/Traditional/fiddle/Pop/Rock/Hip Pop/Modern/World and more to avoid boredom and have fun! She also tailors her lessons to benefit students requests.
Playing music promotes relaxation and pleasure, increases mental alertness and concentration, improves and maintains motor skills, and promotes social relationships. You also get tremendous satisfaction performing with a group.
She believes that performing arts enrich education, and certainly make a positive impact in the lives of students and their families. She shares Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s principles such as: “When love is deep, much can be accomplished,” and “Musical ability is not an inborn talent, but an ability which can be developed. The potential of every one is unlimited,” as well as “Music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart.”
More Teacher Bio coming up… Web Site is under construction
I have been a lifelong musician. I started my musical training at the age of five on the piano and immediately fell in love with the idea of making music. By the age of seven I was playing the violin as well. In middle school, I added voice to my repertoire as a member of the Berkshire Children’s Chorus, which traveled and performed widely, both in the U.S. and Europe. My musical studies encompassed violin lessons at the Pittsfield Community Music School, private piano lessons, and various performance opportunities, for which I was awarded several scholarships in adjudicated events. I also studied the viola as part of the music school’s “Save the Viola” program. I was very involved with my school orchestra, where I served as concert mistress and represented my school at district and all-state orchestral competitions. I devoted much of my free time to tutoring my peers in group lessons, which in turn inspired my own interest in teaching others. I even assisted in conducting the orchestra as a whole. This was the first time in my life that I envisioned a future as a music teacher. My experience in peer education also proved useful when, as a ski instructor, I taught groups of ten or more, ranging in age from three to adult. My ability to teach in several styles of learning within one group has significantly helped to develop my multifaceted teaching style, allowing me to relate to a diverse range of students.
I went on to study music at the Holyoke Community College where I received an AA in Music, and a degree in Music Education at Westfield State University. It is during this time that I started teaching piano, violin and voice at the Westfield School of Music.
My violin teacher always warned me of the constantly dwindling community of music teachers. She once posed the question, “Who will be left to teach in several hundred years, if we don’t teach now?” My response: “The student of one of my future students.” I feel that leaving the intangible trace of my passion for music can be just as significant and can touch as many lives as an important book or work of art. Certain skills can only be taught and understood with the combination of a teacher’s passion and her ability to communicate with students.
She enjoys sharing her knowledge with others and playing in ensembles. As a teacher, she caters each lesson to the needs of the student. Always keeping individual goals in mind, she aims to create a positive and motivating environment that keeps students falling in love with music over and over again.
Arianna Lynch, known to her students as Mrs. Ari graduated high school from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public High School, earned an Honor in Jazz Studies from Holyoke Community College, and graduated from Westfield State University with her Bachelors in General Music.
In addition to teaching lessons at Westfield Music School, Mrs. Ari teaches approximately 400 students weekly in West Springfield Public Schools teaching k-5 students the Massachusetts Frameworks for Music Education. She previously has worked at PVPA; a performing Arts Middle & High School teaching voice, Music Speaks; a lesson Shop, and Boys & Girls Club; Summer Music Program.
She has been singing and playing piano since she can remember. While voice is her primary instrument she absolutely loves playing and teaching beginning to intermediate piano and theory as well.
Vocally she loves, practices, and sings many genres of music from jazz, to theater, pop, classical, and more.
Every student is unique and Mrs. Ari works to teach to students’ individual skills, learning styles, and works to broaden them.
There is more and more research finding that Music not only has an innate ability to connect and lift us all but also gives an immense amount of cognitive and emotional benefits. These are all reasons Mrs. Ari loves teaching music and believes that music education should be available to all.
Born and raised in Franklin Massachusetts, Tessa is currently finishing her degree in Music education and therapy with a minor in music psychology at Westfield State University. She has been playing french horn for more than ten years and also has great experience with trumpet playing as well as others brass instruments. Tessa taught french horn. While she continues her studies Tessa taught French Horn to middle school students and trumpet to elementary students. During the summer throughout high school, she was a student mentor for the Franklin Summer Music Camp and taught brass as well as ukulele to the middle and elementary students. She has also been a part of Hornithology, an all french horn ensemble, since she was twelve years old.
Tessa is a Music Teacher devoted to motivating students using the transformative potential of music. Enthusiastic about forming connections with students and nurturing their musical development. Committed to instilling a lifelong love for music in each student. Drawing from experience playing in an orchestra, which has enhanced communication and understanding with others.
Born In Northampton, MA, currently residing in Southampton
Interested
in learning to play and compose music since childhood, Chris began self
taught piano at age 8, continued on to drums, bass and guitar after age
12 and soon thereafter writing and recording original music. Primarily
learning to replicate music by ear but moving on to understanding how to
read tab and eventually how to interpret notation, Chris began formal
education in audio engineering at Academy @ Charlemont. After gaining
some experience playing with other musicians in band format he began
working as a studio engineer and live sound technician, all by age 20.
He has continued his studies and musicianship, ranging from music genres
in classical and jazz to rock and metal, all while moving toward a
professional career as a musician, graphic designer and sound technician
to this day.
Chris
first started occasionally teaching students in private lessons in the
year 2010 and has grown into really enjoying helping people learn more
about music, playing, the industry and sound. Apart from teaching drums,
bass and guitar he also hosts an audio workshop for experienced
musicians and offers a class in rock band development and accompaniment
dynamics.
Greetings, I am Niko, an experienced musician with a musical journey dating back to my early adolescence. Commencing my musical exploration at the age of twelve through self-guided learning, I later benefited from formalized education and mentor ship by various instructors. Following my high school graduation, I pursued an Associate of Arts degree in music performance at Holyoke Community College. This phase significantly bolstered my foundational understanding of music under the guidance of esteemed educators such as Joe La Creta and Bob Ferrier. Additionally, I had the privilege of participating in the jazz program at University of Massachssetts Amherst’s Jazz in July, studying alongside distinguished jazz musicians like Jeffrey Holmes, Christian Sands, and Avery Sharpe. Each influential teacher not only propelled my musical prowess but also instilled in me qualities encompassing creativity, patience, and persistence. It is my aspiration to impart these attributes and values to future aspiring music students, aiming to foster their growth as both exceptional musicians and well-rounded individuals.
Yemchuk Lucy was born in Moldova, a country known for its traditions and rich musical heritage. Since childhood, she has been surrounded by a musical atmosphere, absorbing it with all its essence. First at her home, and then at a children’s art school, she learned to sing, play the violin, and the piano. When it was time to choose a profession, there were no difficulties, as she loves children and musical art very much. Lucy received her musical education in her hometown of Balti, and after moving to the United States, she continued and improved her pedagogical and musical education. He has a certificate of graduation from the pedagogical school, and a certificate of graduation from the school of conducting skills. And most importantly, she has been doing what she loves for many years, teaching, improving her skills.
At the moment, in addition to teaching her students, she plays in a symphony orchestra, conducts a church orchestra, and also plays and sings in a family ensemble. In summer teenage camps, she lectures on the history of music and teaches the violin.
Furthermore because of my experience as an orchestra performer I am able to provides valuable experience in following a conductor’s direction, enhancing musical discipline and attentiveness. Learning to synchronize with the conductor’s cues and interpret their guidance refines the ability to adapt and respond promptly—a crucial skill for any musician.
Additionally, because of my orchestra playing experience, I have develop a keen ear for intonation, tone quality, and dynamic which I can transmit to my students. Students learn to listen closely to one another, adjust their playing accordingly, and blend their sounds to create a balanced and pleasing musical experience. This develops a heightened sense of musical sensitivity and enhances overall playing proficiency.
Moreover, my exposure to diverse repertoire and styles encountered in orchestral music have given me expose a wide range of musical expressions that I can share with my students and consequently enriches their musical appreciation and understanding, broadening their horizons as musicians and deepening their artistic interpretations.
Lastly, the sense of accomplishment and pride derived from performing with others is immeasurable. The experience of contributing to a captivating musical performance and the applause and recognition that follow are profoundly rewarding and serve as a powerful motivation to continue honing one’s skills and passion for music.
I am Elizabeth Blais-Bennett, and I am honored and very enthusiastic to serve as your private Clarinet and Saxophone lesson instructor at Westfield School of Music, and embarking on this musical journey with you.
A little insight into my background:
I am originally hailing from Spencer, Massachusetts, and I am currently pursuing my undergraduate studies at Westfield State University.
My musical journey commenced at the age of 9 with the clarinet, and I later embraced the saxophone at the age of 14.
I have accumulated substantial teaching experience, specifically instructing private students of various ages and diverse backgrounds for an extended period. This includes teaching alongside other private instructors, encompassing a wide spectrum of learners.
My post-graduation plan is to continue sharing my musical knowledge through teaching.
To make the most of our lessons, please ensure you have the following materials:
Your instrument along with all necessary accessories (reeds, neck strap, etc.).
A pencil for notation purposes.
A folder or preferred binder to organize any handouts.Textbook materials and music
will be tailored to your needs, but for beginners, I typically utilize “Essential Elements 2000 Book 1” or “Standard of Excellence Book 1” specific to your instrument.
Feel free to reach out via text or email should you have any inquiries or concerns regarding the required materials. Please note that material requirements may be subject to change, and I will promptly notify you of any updates.
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3:30 to 7:00 PM
4:00 to 7:00 PM
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