Welcome! My name is Danielle (Occhipinti) Nadkarni, and I am the founder of Ms. Danielle’s Music Studio, where I offer private lessons on piano and clarinet, as well as preschool music classes. I love teaching, and I'm looking forward to sharing my love of music with you! I teach out of my home studio in Wake Forest, NC.
In order of age, here is a summary of music lessons offered:
Classics for Kids: I recommend joining my group music class if you have a child between the ages of 3 and 6. This class follows the traditional two-semester school model, and includes learning the tunes of many American folk songs (singing and finger plays), listening to exciting classical music, and learning to recognize (visually and by timbre) the difference between all of the orchestral instruments and some folk instruments as well. Your child will emerge from this class with a broad general knowledge of music, which will help them to choose their primary instrument when they're ready!
Piano lessons can start as early as age 4, and we will use the Wunderkeys Piano for Preschoolers books, which is a gentle and fun introduction to piano (and music in general) for the youngest learners (age 4-6).
From age 7 on, I recommend the basic Piano Adventures and Piano Pronto method books, with student-chosen solo pieces encouraged once they reach level 1 or 2. I teach absolute beginners through advanced-intermediate level students, and any age adult is welcome. If you’re looking for a lot of structure and challenge, the Royal School of Music ABRSM exams are a great choice for motivated students.
Clarinet lessons can start at age 9, when the teeth are well-developed. I teach all levels, from beginner through advanced. My advanced degree is in clarinet performance, so I can teach all the way through college level.
MORE ABOUT LESSONS:
• I hold two degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music in clarinet performance, and I have extensive training in piano as well. I have been performing professionally since the age of 12, so I have a lot of knowledge to offer as both a teacher and performer.
• Student recitals are offered twice a year, in December and June. I can write up a progress report at this time as well, although this is optional.
• Lesson guide:
- Very young students (age 4-6) may not last a full half-hour. I recommend starting with 15 minutes of learning, followed by 5 minutes of explanation to the parent for practice help, for a total of 20 minutes.
- 30 minutes; recommended for any beginner student age 7 and up through the first year or two of lessons.
- 45 minutes; recommended for students who have been studying for 2+ years, and definitely for anyone of intermediate level.
- 60 minutes; recommended for intermediate to advanced-level students, as well as adults of any level.
Rates:
• Private lessons are $60/hour at my home in Wake Forest, NC. Group classes are free for the first two weeks (trial), then $15 per half-hour class.
• I offer several payment options--cash, check, or Paypal invoicing.
• Trial lessons - I have my own unique approach to the trial lesson. I am happy to meet with you and discuss your goals, free of charge. If you think we're a good fit, I suggest signing up for a trial period of 3 or 4 lessons. I don't believe it's possible to determine whether a student and teacher are a good fit in less time than this.
• I am always happy to provide references! Many families have been studying with me for years.