Lessons Offered
Flute, Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Student Home
About Me
Hi! I'm Joy Tremont, and I've been teaching piano and flute for over ten years. I travel to your home so you have one less place to chauffeur the kids to! If you live in Falmouth, South Portland, or Portland, I'll come to your house!
I teach kids and teens; beginners to more advanced. I treat each student with respect and kindness, and feel I'm a music coach rather than a rigid taskmaster. My students learn catchy tunes right from the beginning, with familiar songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and "It's a Small World". Disney songs follow in the months after that! Of course, we also learn all the fundamentals of music, but my students are so busy practicing cool songs that they don't realize that they're actually learning piano or flute. Each lesson is tailored specifically to each student, since every one is special and unique in their talents and abilities. I don't expect perfection from my students, just to do their best each week. We celebrate accomplishments, and learn how to deal with disappointment when flubs are made.
I'm from California, but moved to Maine a few years ago because people are so nice here. So far, I love it and I can't wait to meet you!
My Musical Education Background
I've been playing piano since I was 11, and flute since I was 16. I continued my musical education in college and got my bachelors in music. Now I combine my love of music with my love of teaching!
Genres and Subjects Taught
Piano--classical and pop
Flute--classical (no jazz)
Music theory and ear-training are incorporated into lessons.
Lesson Rates
I travel to my students' homes, so my rates reflect that.
30 min--starting at $40 (depending on travel distance)
45 min--starting at $60 (depending on travel distance)
Lessons are billed monthly.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I teach children and teens only.
Piano: Children who are able to read catch on quickly, which usually means a child can start around the age of 6. Musical concepts are introduced at an easy pace, with songs that kids can sing around the house and play on the piano. We learn rhythms, the musical alphabet, and how to hold your hand like a living spider, not a dead one. Each child learns at their own pace, with supplemental material added as necessary. Really, the hardest part of playing piano is remembering to do it every day!
Flute: Flute can be learned as young as 7 years old. In fact, it's better to start early, than wait for 5th grade band, Concepts like how to even make a sound out of the flute (an accomplishment in itself) and how to control the airstream are taught and caught much faster in private lessons than in the group band classes. We learn out of books designed specifically for the flute, with easy fingerings that are learned quickly. Within a year, the student is usually playing pretty confidently (assuming they play every day!)
Please note: if your child is struggling in band, I will teach them only if they are pulled out of band. The band curriculum is designed around brass players, with flute as an afterthought. Consequently, no time is spent learning to even create a strong sound out of the flute, and the most difficult, awkward fingerings are the first ones introduced. This creates frustrated flute players who can't even make a sound out of their instrument and can't keep up with their band assignments. Once they are pulled out of band, we start with how to make a storng sound out of their flute, and easy fingerings. They then progress much faster and more confidently.
My Musical Influences
My grandfather instilled the love of music in me. He was a thwarted concert pianist and always wished that dream had never been squashed. My mother introduced me to all kinds of music, and I've been involved in music ever since childhood.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Stacia F
Scarborough, ME
Joy is awesome! My 12 year old son adores her. She is SO patient and kind and great teacher. She instills confidence in my son I never knew he had!
Linda
Los Altos, CA
This letter is to recommend Joy Tremont as a wonderful and highly competent piano teacher. Joy taught my son, Michael, piano for 3 1/2 years. Not only did she teach him the fundamentals of piano and music, she did so in a fun and relaxing way. As Michael progressed in his ability, Joy kept the lessons challenging; inspiring Michael to keep practicing and learning. Joy invited her students to play in a recital twice a year, which was a great tool to keep them competitive and sharp. As Michael’s ability increased, so did his confidence—I credit Joy with this, because he truly looked forward to his weekly lesson and performing for her. Even when Joy told us that she was moving, she helped us find another teacher that fit Michael’s personality. In summary, Joy is an exceptional piano teacher that I recommend highly. Sincerely, Linda R.
Raj
Los Altos, CA
Dear parents, It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Joy Tremont. I have known Joy for a few years, both my sons took piano lessons with her. My older son had some experience with the piano, but had lost some enthusiasm for playing it; I am happy to say that after working with Joy, playing and practicing the piano was not a chore but rather an activity he performed happily and voluntarily. My younger son was a complete beginner, and the progress that he made working with Joy far exceeded any expectations I had and demonstrated to me what a wonderful teacher she is. It is to Joy's credit that she was able to motivate and impart her enthusiasm and love of playing the piano onto my children. She customized the music and lessons to their current skill level while at the same time providing challenges to keep the learning process going. By allowing them to choose the piano piece that they wanted to learn, they became part of the teaching process. They had more incentive and motivation to practice and play. I witnessed the wonderful connection between Joy and her students during piano recitals. It was evident that Joy relished all of her students accomplishments and proud of all of them. Each student, regardless of their level of knowledge, performed their piano piece with excitement and enthusiasm. Joy is not only friendly and patient, but also is good at gauging her students's level of knowledge and ability. Her commitment to her students is evident. Joy sees each student as an individual and draws upon their strengths to teach them in ways that work best for them. She is able to customize lessons based on her students' ability and particular learning characteristics. I respect Joy for many of her qualities but most of all because she is able to connect with her students and customize their piano lessons according to their strengths. Joy is a very positive and encouraging teacher who is able to make confident self-motivated piano players out of her students. I highly recommend Joy as a piano teacher and I am sure her future students will benefit from her passion and love of music. Raj G.
Donna
Los Altos, CA
Dear parents, Joy was my son's piano teacher for 6 years and my daughter's for two years until she moved to the east coast. When I was looking for a piano teacher, I wanted one that could easily relate to young kids and make learning fun. My son's first piano teacher was too serious, he wanted to quit after 2 years, and it was always a struggle to get him to practice. I am so glad that we found Joy! My son who is now 14 years old has thanked me for finding Joy and not letting him quit. Yes, there were times when he didn't practice, but he knew Joy was a fun (and patient) teacher and he enjoys playing the piano now thanks to her. My daughter could not wait for her weekly piano lessons with Joy. She loved getting her stickers, filling out her practice chart and earning her reward. Even Joy's piano recitals were fun for the kids. There was always a theme to her recitals (like crazy hair, Hawaiian, dinosaurs, etc.). Both my kids enjoyed their lessons with Joy and miss her very, very much. We would definitely recommend Joy if you are looking for a piano teacher that creates a fun learning environment and is great with kids. Donna M.
S.
Cupertino, CA
Dear Parents, Joy Tremont was my children's piano teacher for several years (six years for my daughter and 4 years for my son). It was with great sadness and consternation that we watched her move from California to her new home in Maine. You are very fortunate to have the unique opportunity to have your child study music under Joy's tutelage. She is that rare combination of being a talented and well-credentialed musician and teacher who brings to her music lessons enthusiasm, dedication, and a knack for working with children and bringing out their best. She taught our children a good mix of classical music as well as jazz and modern music. My kids never felt that they had to learn by rote memorization but rather that they were having fun. I believe Joy has brought to them what will be a lifelong love and appreciation for music. Joy has my highest recommendation as a music teacher for children! Sincerely, S. Gopalkrishnan
Amaia
Portland, ME
Dear Joy, Thank you for being my piano teacher!! I have learned and had so much fun!!!!I hope you will be my piano teacher forever!!! From, Amaia