Valerie Bailey
About
[4.95 rating over 55 reviews from another lesson platform]
Hi there! My name is Valerie. I'm a certified music teacher that loves to see a person grow in their love and ability for music. With 20+ years of teaching privately, experience teaching publicly in elementary school music classrooms, enjoying several years as a certified Kindermusik (preschool music) teacher, and a school year teaching with VSA arts of Delaware (teaching music to those with disabilities), I find it thrilling to see a person of any age & background grow and blossom in their passion for music!
Though I enjoy and have experience at teaching all ages from children to adults, I specialize in teaching ages 4-19. I would describe myself as a school music teacher that teaches privately. ;) My studio is filled with many smiles, stickers for every accomplishment, and a treasure box of cool prizes for those who are practicing regularly and did a great job in their lesson. Lessons are a time where children can feel like music really is fun and enjoyable to learn and experience!
In addition to being a teacher, I am also a singer/songwriter and enjoy performing with my husband in local coffee shops, restaurants and churches. I am also a member of a local professional caroling group called Yuletide Singers which performs seasonally in places like Longwood Gardens and corporate functions. My history for performing stretches back, though, to my years as a puppeteer/children's performer, touring with a team doing school assemblies and evening family performances. I'm always excited to bring my understanding and experience with performance to my students!
Reviews from Another Lesson Platform
Valerie is engaging and enthusiastic. My daughter is a beginner and loves taking lessons with her.
Valerie was very patient with me. She is an excellent instructor!
Our daughter loved working with Valerie! Valerie's teaching style was supportive, nurturing, and always positive. We always looked forward to her lessons, and we were very pleased with our daughter's progress.
Obsessed with this woman. Her heart is incredible and her coaching is just as amazing!! 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND
Really patient and supportive with kids! Great communication ahead of time - we had everything ready for a virtual lesson and it worked almost as seamlessly as in person. We could see improvements after just one lesson.
Valerie truly is the best piano teacher ever! I took piano when I was my children’s age, so I have a reference. I have two daughters and they have taken piano with Valerie for 5 years. My kids started when they were 6 years old. They have transformed into great pianist. Valerie’s approach to teaching is with gentle and honest instruction. She is warm, funny and good at what she does. She is professional and experienced in all things music. She deserves 6 out of 5 stars in our book! Start your lessons today!
Beyond thrilled after both our boys’ first lessons. Valerie is so gifted with teaching children. Could also easily imagine her relaxed demeanor working well for adult learners, too.
Valerie is an excellent piano teacher. As an adult, I worked an obvious challenging schedule. She was extremely flexible and I always appreciated it! Valerie is very passionate about teaching piano and she is an incredibly talented and fun teacher! 10/10 would recommend!
Valerie has been helping our daughter for several months with singing, music theory and piano. A very well-rounded, supportive and upbeat instructor. My daughter looks forward to seeing her every week.
Valorie is a wonderful teacher!!! She’s very up beat and keeps the lesson moving. Very committed to teaching, and to your child learning. Highly recommended!
She is good teacher and so welcoming
Great teacher, very engaging with my kids (9 and 6) who jumped right back into lessons after months off due to the pandemic.
Fantastic. She did very well with our young teen daughter who had never taken a lesson.
One lesson in and we are happy. Very friendly and encouraging. A lot of room to grow and learn.
Valerie is a real professional and has established a good relationship with my daughter that supports a positive learning experience. She is great with young kids!
My daughter, who is usually shy and reserved in new situations, came out of her lesson raving about her new teacher. She described her as friendly and fun. She cannot wait for her next lesson! Valerie also provides tons of resources for practice time...more than we have ever received with traditional, in person lessons. Highly recommend her if you have young kids who are nervous about starting online lessons.
It went very well! She was kind and gave great information!
Valerie is amazing! My daughter is very shy and I was concerned online singing lessons may not go very well. But Valerie was very kind and fun. My daughter really enjoyed the lesson and she learned a lot. Looking forward to many more lessons.
My 10 year old loves her lessons!
Gosh!!! She has so much patience with my 4 year old granddaughter....she sends me recordings of there session and my granddaughter is actually following it...Valerie has a warm soul and makes me aware of details ....she’s greatttt!
My daughter had a fantastic first lesson and we can’t wait to see where this goes!
Couldn't have been better. Valerie was very sweet and took her time with my daughter who has special needs. Can't wait to see what the next lessons will be like
Valerie is an excellent teacher. She makes her students feel so comfortable with her bubbly personality. We highly recommend her
Valerie is an amazing instructor! She is wonderfully patient with her students. An energetic teacher who loves what she does, and it's so evident that she enjoys teaching. I have 100% enjoyed having my daughter learn from such a talented person. I would recommend her to anyone who asked.
Valerie is great. I would recommend her to anyone looking for singing instruction.
Valerie was perfect for me! She was very patient and explained everything very well to,being my very first lesson ever! I definitely give her a big thumbs up!!! 👍
My daughter loves taking classes with Valerie it's the most excited I've seen her about any activity she has tried. Very happy!
Great experience! My daughter is very excited for her next lesson!!
Valerie is a wonderful teacher. She is very patient and kind.
Valerie is awesome!!!
This was mt 7yr old mm This was my 7yr old granddaughter very first singing lesson, everything went great. Valerie is very patient and a
Valerie has a warm and open personality. She is easy to talk to and doesn't put a lot pressure on you. Absolutely recommend!
Valerie is a wonderfully warm teacher, perfect for very young beginners like my 5 year old son. We are thankful to have found her through this site.
Valerie is an excellent teacher. She is good with kids, and very patient. We definitely recommend her as a teacher!
My first lesson was awesome! She was patient and clearly explained everything. So much fun - can't wait until next week!
My daughter loved Valerie from the first day they met. and is soooo excited about going to meet her every week. She makes her very comfortable. Plus she send me updates of what they do every class. Valerie is an awesome teacher with an amazing personality.
The is Joan, Zoe's grandmother writing a review for Valerie. Valerie is an AMAZING teacher. My grandaughter Zoe has been taking lessons with her for about 2 years now and she continues to become a better and better singer every lesson with Valerie. I love the way that Valerie works with kids and she handles all the rough situations, that come along with working with kids, so well. All of this paired with her enthusiasm really helps build a great connection to her students and we wouldn't have it any other way! Thank you!
My daughter has been taking lessons with Valerie for about a year now and she LOVES her! Valerie tackles challenges head on and her enthusiasm about music motivates my daughter to reach her goals time and time again!
Very fun and educational. I got home and all i wanted to do was practice and play. I can't wait for my next lesson.
We chose Valerie because of her experience with kids. She made my daughter feel at ease immediately, connecting with her through humor, easy-to-understand communication and praise. In just three lessons, I can already see the difference in my daughter's voice. We are happy to have found Valerie!
Sam's Dad Valerie is excellent with Samantha. She tries to keep Sam on track during lessons and makes them fun for Sammy. Valerie did a spectacular job in a couple weeks prepairing Samantha for an audition to Cab Callaway. Samatha went into and performed very well at the audition, THANKS VALERIE!!! Valerie has been excellent with both her vocal and piano teachings and we would highly recommend Valerie.
Fabulous! Valerie is such a warm and lovely person. She is an excellent teacher who consistently listens and adjusts to the student's needs and ideas. She is positive and encouraging every week. My daughter loves her and looks forward to seeing her.
Valerie is great! She is a lot of fun and very personable. She is very good at finding ways to help me in specific areas where I am having problems.
An exceptionally talanted teacher! Valerie is a wonderful, warm, upbeat, encouraging, and charismatic teacher that is able to immediately put anyone at ease. Valerie's approach is flexible enough so even a shy teenager feels that her musical dreams and desires are taken seriously. At the same time, Valerie manages to gently guide the lesson so as to ensure progress continues towards musical goals. I recommend Valerie as a music teacher for anyone who wants to have fun and learn music, especially shy teenagers like my daughter!
Very nice Instructor! Great Lesson Experience! Could not continue due to the commute time!
song suggestion Robin is really enjoying the piano lessons!She wanted to play when the Saints Go Marching In because her friend knows how to play that song. Do you have the sheet music?
We are very pleased! Valerie is patient and kind and knowledgable. She has a wonderful way about her.
grandmother to Nathan I should have commented before now on how great Valerie is. She is so positive about Nathan's progress and he is really enjoying it. Her enthusiasm and encouragemet go a long way!
great job! Thank you for all of your help with Julia, she really enjoys her time with you! You adapted to the way that Julia learns and understands concept- she's not "by the book"! You handled her special needs wonderfully.
Lessons are fun and enjoyable Valerie is very personable, my daughter enjoys singing lessons with her.
violin lessons for Abby Abby really enjoys her instructor Mrs. Valerie. She has taught Abby a lot about form and technique. She always leaves helpful messages, tips, instruction, and feedback. I am so glad that we found her..
Miss Dionne Price ms valerie, is very kid freindly, energetic and knowledgable. she is great instructor, and i would tell her to continue to do what she is doing she is great!
I definitely recommend Valerie B.! Valerie B. teaches piano to my 5 years old son. She is warm, knows how to deal with young kids and above all she is a great teacher. We always feel very welcome to her friendly home and is wonderful to know that my child is in great hands!
Is able to teach an ol' dog, new tricks I want to preface this review to say that I have been playing the guitar for 15+ years. I have an understanding of melodies, rhythms and timing. I can't read guitar music but can read guitar chords and tablature. I'm 40+ years old.I wasn't sure what to expect with my first violin lesson. Learning to read music (notes) would be a big part of understanding the violin. I knew I could play the notes, it would be just a matter of locating them on the fret board of the fiddle violin. Our first lesson included, understanding the parts of the violin and bow. I also learned to identify several notes and how many beats a certain note gets. Again, with my background, I had a basic idea on how beats per note worked but how that related to a violin and bow, took a little getting used to. Valerie was very patient with this particular part of the lesson plan. Valerie is easy going and patient. She really wants the individual to succeed. She provides instructional material (in the form of practice workbooks / CD's) as well as separate hand-outs. The practice workbooks builds upon each previous lesson. Each weekly lesson is structured but not rigid enough that questions and answers can't be addressed on the spot.She is very accommodating to different playing styles and modifies her teaching methods to specific requests. I would recommend her to anyone that might want to take up leaning another instrument or their first instrument. Valerie's teaching style works well for beginners.--------I don't know if my guitar background allowed me to pick up the violin quicker than an individual that has no previous playing experience, your results may vary but if you put in the time to practice, faithfully, than your individual gains should make themselves apparent.But you have to practice!
Father of Erin who takes lessons I haven't stayed for any lessons to watch first hand, but from what I hear from both Erin and Valerie things are going extremely well. Erin is very much enjoying her lessons.
Teaching Style
I specialize in music education for children & teens. (Though I have experience and enjoy teaching all ages!) I feel it is so important for students to have a relaxed and wonderful experience with music and performing. My approach is simple and fun and understandable for the young mind.
*** Lesson Details ***
Our time spent together will be filled with many smiles & laughs because that is probably why you want to take lessons -- because it makes you feel wonderful inside!
Within 3-6 months, we'll begin discovering how to read music and understand the language of it. We'll learn how to play/sing some of your favorite songs and learn some that you might not know. We'll discover what you really want to learn and achieve through taking lessons, and we'll work toward those goals!
For the intermediate piano student, we will begin understanding basic Music Theory and scales and will even take a look at how chord symbols work. Soon, you'll be learning how to accompany yourself and others! For singers, we'll learn about vocal techniques, breathing, getting your best vocal sound and discovering how to take a song to its potential! We'll also learn performance techniques, how to work with a microphone, have a great stage presence in front of a live audience and begin learning how to read music and even get familiar with the piano keyboard! For all my students, it's a journey that is exciting, unique to each individual, and one we will embark on together!
Because music is a performing art, I coordinate two music recitals each school year for students who are interested. This is an optional event, but is encouraged as part of the learning experience. It is usually held at a local firehall and presented in a low-stress and fun way, followed by refreshments!
*My studio is in a safe, family-friendly home & smoke-free environment. We also having a loving feline member in our family... a beautiful, orange tabby named Jennifurr. She is warm and friendly. You may or may not see her since the entrance to my studio is through our back door, off the main house.
So! What do you say? Shall we START THE MUSIC? :)
*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are enjoyed in a dedicated music room; keyboard (full-size with weighted keys and sustain pedal)
Curriculum
For piano lessons, I general like to use Alfred Publishing Lesson Books and Faber & Faber supplemental books. However, I think it's important for students to also pick songs they like from genres they enjoy. I like to use musicnotes.com quite a bit where we can download individual songs that interest you and are at your level.
For vocal lessons, it will all depend on the age of the student and the genre their interested in. My go-to books generally include a warm up / instructional book and a songbook that provides online accompaniments. We may also use a book that focuses in on music theory and/or solfeggio singing (ear training). We will also get familiar with the piano/keyboard, so it's possible we may use sheet music or a basic piano book, but this is optional.
Credentials & Affiliations
Private Voice and Piano Teacher in My Home Studio September 1997 - Present
I have been offering private piano and voice lessons to children, teens and adults from my home studio since 1997.
Vocalist: Shoestring Productions September 2010 - Present
I am a vocalist with Shoestring Productions providing Yuletide cheer during the Christmas season as a caroler. "Oh what fun it is to ride...." to places like Longwood Gardens, corporate events, country clubs and nursing homes to sing our quartet arrangements!
Singer/Songwriter & Entertainer with Mended Vessels music group as well as Hops and Tannin music group 2002-Present (though we did take a hiatus for a number of years to raise our children)
My husband and I take our music 'on the road'. We enjoy performing at local coffee shops, outdoor events, and church functions.
Music Specialist/Instructor: VSA Delaware, The State Organization on Arts and Disability September 2011 - June 2012
I specifically worked with the Salvation Army's disability group. Our weekly classes were filled with music games, education, and performance preparation for the end of the year performance.
Piano and Voice Instructor: Music & Arts Music Store, Delaware December 2009 - September 2012
I loved going into the music store and offering my services as a private voice and piano teacher. I was able to teach children, teens and adults during my time there.
Kindermusik Instructor, Early Childhood Music Wilmington Music School September 2003 - June 2005
I enjoyed teaching early childhood music through the Kindermusik program at the Wilmington Music School for several years.
Private Lesson Instructor and Summer Camp Specialist at Premier Centre for the Arts, Middletown, DE September 2002 - January 2006
I taught private voice and piano at PCA for several years as well as theater summer camps for children.
Substitute Music Teacher for Local Schools, Northeastern Music Programs, Inc. September 1997 - June 1999
I enjoyed going into the schools and providing a musically fun and educational time for elementary school students.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
BS in Music Education, K-12, West Chester University, West Chester, PA September 1993 - May 1997 Music Education, Voice Major
Kindermusik Certified Instructor, Kindermusik September 2002 Though my license is not currently updated, I received an online certification from Kindermusik during the years I taught their classes.
AWARDS:
Teacher of the Month Takelessons.com October 2010 I was so honored to be named "Teacher of the Month" in October 2010. Wow! What an honor!
AFFILIATIONS:
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers January 2004 The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.