Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Huntley.
Allison, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been drawn to music and performance for as long as I can remember. As early as five I was organizing “shows” with my two younger sisters. We would sing and dance for mom and dad—the fireplace hearth became our stage, and the upright vacuum cleaner was our microphone. A boombox, CDs, and few costumes made it all come alive for me.
I began taking piano lessons at the age of six, and voice lessons soon followed. I loved the yearly recitals! When I was 10, I figured out a way to expand my love for organizing shows. I got some of the neighbor kids together and we put on a Christmas play in our back yard. Us kids practiced after school for weeks. We made a set from every bit of cardboard, paper and tempera paint that we could get our hands on. There were scripts, and costumes and rehearsals. Our back yard was the theater, and on the night of the performance many wonderful parents and neighbors showed up with their lawn chairs to support our endeavor. I saw how music, creativity, and community all came together. It was wonderful, and my love for music grew!
I studied piano, voice, theory and songwriting throughout my secondary education and further through Berklee School of Music. There are so many wonderful music-related resources available to study online. I continue to study and take classes.
About 4 years ago I decided to start teaching music lessons. I had taught children for many years at my church and found that I really enjoyed their natural creativity and curiosity. Even though I went to college for music, teaching it was a different story. It’s a big responsibility and I wanted to do it well. I have supportive people in my life that encouraged me and reminded me that I was good at connecting with kids, and had a lot of musical knowledge to offer. I began by advertising in my neighborhood, and to my surprise many people signed up. I’m so thankful for the families that gave me my first opportunities—trusting me to teach their children. I continue to enjoy teaching and have been fortunate to receive many referrals.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have found that I must constantly adjust in working with the different learning styles of my students. I don’t believe learning should be a cookie-cutter approach. Some of my students are technical, some more creative. Some have learning disabilities. One of my students has a limb difference. I arrange the music differently for her to be able to play. And when she plays it is just beautiful! It’s a blessing to see how we are created differently, with unique gifts and learning styles. I celebrate the various ways my students learn. Though it can be challenging at times, it is well worth it!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a private music teacher. I teach piano, voice, songwriting, and performing. I offer to go to the homes of my students to teach them in a comfortable learning environment. My goal is to help students have a love for music, learning, and being creative. Music is great for brain development and critical thinking. When the kids play their compositions, I want to help them think outside the box and let their individual personalities shine. I learn their musical tastes, while at the same time introducing them to different musical concepts that will stretch them and help them grow.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is a great city with so many families moving here. One of the reasons my business has been successful is because there are so many parents who want to introduce their children to music through private lessons.
Pricing:
- 30 minuet lesson $30
- 60 minuet lesson $60
- If you have 3 or more students per house hold it’s $5 off each student’s lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nextdoor.com/pages/allison-huntley-carrollton-tx
- Phone: 972-322-1523
- Email: huntley.allison@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison_huntley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonhuntley1
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/allisonhuntley1
Image Credit:
Photo Credit: Dan Huntley
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