Music Lessons

with

Ashley Rae

Teaching Philosophy • About Lessons • Qualifications • Contact • Testimonials‍ ‍

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My Teaching Philosophy

While teaching is (for me) about guiding students as they gain skills and instrument competency, it is also about connecting a student with their innate creativity, problem-solving skills, and artistic passion. I believe that music lessons are life lessons and therefore, we focus just as much on skills like focus, self-direction, self-compassion, and curiosity, as much as technique, theory, scales, and memorization.

Where traditional music lessons focus on “perfection” or “avoiding mistakes” while engaging with one’s instrument, I instead help students to lean into embodied artistic expression- staying present and noticing what is happening in the current moment of musical engagement. I also focus on having compassion for oneself as we move through educational processes. For example, accepting mistakes as a vital part of learning and going forward with the information we glean from them.

My approach is rooted in kindness, curiosity, compassion, and a genuine interest in and care for each individual student. Lessons are led by student interest- exploring a variety of musical styles and genres chosen by the student. Teaching is a huge responsibility and privilege, one which I take very seriously. Music lessons have changed my life, permanently, for the better, and this is the opportunity and experience I desire to pass onto the next generation of learners!

Music Lessons are Life Lessons

• Lesson Information •

  • Piano lessons include a weekly assortment of technique and theory studies out of lesson books, scale practice, basic ear training and improvisation practice, composition projects, and song projects selected by the student. Lessons are always a collaboration between teacher and student, led by student interest and curiosity. We explore what’s difficult and what’s fun while boosting student confidence and creativity.

    Whether you or your child is interested in classical music, jazz, pop, rock, movie music, video game music, or something else- all are welcomed and explored in my studio.

  • Ukulele lessons include weekly technique and theory studies out of lesson books, scale practice, basic ear training and improvisation practice, composition projects, and song projects selected by the student. A mix of strumming and classical finger style is explored. Lessons are a collaboration between teacher and student, led by student interest and curiosity. We explore what’s difficult and what’s fun while boosting student confidence and creativity.

  • PIANO:
    Studying piano is one of the most foundational educational experiences that young musicians can have. Generally, students of at least 5 years of age are ready to thrive and excel in piano lessons.

    UKULELE:
    Ukulele is perfect for young musicians who find a lot of joy in vocal expression and love to sing. Students as young as 6-8 are ready typically ready to explore this instrument.

  • Phrases like “better late than never” seem cheesy and cliché, but nevertheless- there is a wisdom contained within that applies directly to music lessons.

    It is never too late to start!

    And, it has never been too long to return.

    Because music lessons are not about perfection, but rather curiosity and self-expression, showing up exactly as you are is all you need to do.

    Adults of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

  • Tuition is charged monthly, due on or by the first lesson of the month. Lessons are once per week, with a max of 4 lessons in one month.

    30 minute lessons • $130/month

    45 minute lessons • $190/month

    60 minute lessons • $245/month

  • I plan to be teaching from a home-based studio in Iowa City, IA by early 2027. For students and parents who are looking for fully remote music lessons, this is an option that is available now. However, for students and parents who would prefer in-person lessons, I am proposing the following arrangement per month until my home studio is up and running:

    • 1 lesson in-person (I will travel to your home)

    • 3 lessons online

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts

Luther College (2014), Minor in Music

I came to Luther having studied piano since the age of six. At Luther, I completed 3.5 years of piano instruction with Piano Professor Du Huang. In addition, I studied music theory, ear training, composition, and played in the symphonic band on the flute.

Independent Music Studio

I started to teach piano for the first time at the age of 15 to the younger kids in my neighborhood. I continued to give lessons until I left for college. Since then, I have taught individual and group piano through the Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Center (2016-2017), and in my own private studio where I also taught ukulele (2018-2022). Through the Brian Cretzmeyer Fund for Young Musicians, I taught at several area elementary schools in after-school music programs, in addition to teaching group ukulele classes at West Music.

Fulbright Grant

Real del Monte, Mexico (2016-2017)

Fulbright Grantees are asked to develop volunteer projects to give back to their communities. During my time in Mexico, I volunteered as a piano teacher at a Centro Cultural, a cultural center where everyone was welcome to play music, make art, and create together.

Contact Ashley about music lessons.

  • "FIVE STARS!!!!! Ashley has been a gift to my three kids who have all taken lessons with her. I have three very different learners who are all neurodivergent thinkers. She has been a true light in my children’s lives.  Ashley is excellent at meeting a child where they are and is wonderfully patient when needed. She knows when it is the right time to push children out of their comfort zone and is great with praise and encouragement.  She has fostered my children’s love of music by allowing them to be active participants in the exploration of the music she is teaching them. I highly recommend Ashley!!"

    Molly Y, Student Parent

  • Ukulele lessons with Ashley are such a treat! She makes learning fun by finding songs that our daughter wanted to play. She is patient, kind, and makes learning fun. Ashley is flexible when we have to adjust a schedule between dance and softball, or between two homes of a blended family. Your child doesn’t only get a teacher with Ashley, but also a friend."

    Alissa H, Student Parent

  • "Ashley has been amazing with my daughters! I never would have imagined they would learn or engage so much with lessons. Their progress has been impressive and their enthusiasm even more so. It is never a struggle to get them to practice; Ashley has made learning the ukulele and piano fun for them. It is magical for me, as a mom, to see them finding joy instead of work and frustration during music lessons. 5/5 stars!"

    Jessica M, Student Parent

  • "Having hired and worked alongside Ashley in several music education positions, I enthusiastically recommend her for any work in the field. She is an exceptional teacher with a natural way of connecting to learners. She leverages her extensive skills to create highly positive, personalized musical experiences. Her students are inspired by her energetic expertise, grow through attentive guidance with excellent communication, and have a lot of fun while they learn. She is a reliable and respected professional with remarkable abilities. 5/5 Stars."

    Christoper Eck, Music Program Director & Teaching Artist