About
Tonia Herrin
"Sharin' the Joy" is my studio motto!
I bring my flute player perspective to piano students, offering insight into finding and developing melodic lines in all piano voices. We concentrate on ergonomic positions and techniques to protect growing joints while learning to play musically from the earliest lessons. Students are encouraged to listen to a wide variety of genres, and bring their favorite titles so that we can learn to play them. As students become more accomplished, I offer effective accompaniment coaching, teaching pianists how to work with vocalists and instrumentalists. I choose teaching methods based upon learning styles, and supplement them with a wide variety of literature.
I offer flute and recorder students techniques to protect their bodies and instruments while learning to make their instruments sing, emphasizing clear sound quality and clean technique. I include ensemble playing techniques, and offer well-rounded lesson materials (orchestral, concert band, small ensemble, duo, and recital-appropriate material in addition to popular, holiday, and folk music from around the world).
My Musical History
I began piano studies at age 5; flute at age 10. My first professional “gig” was when I was a young teenager, when I was hired to play for a wedding. Shortly thereafter I began the first of many church service performances. My college education began at Meredith College, where I was recruited through the National Merit Scholarship process. I double-majored in mathematics and music; the latter made my attendance possible due to the award music scholarship. Due to receipt of the Music Talent Scholarship awarded by the college.
I was recruited to join the NC Army National Guard Concert Band in December of 1973; in late spring of 1974 I participated in the Stripes for Skill basic training made available to national guard enlistees, after which I was promoted to E-4 and participated in summer drill with the concert band in the Outer Banks of NC.
My full-time professional career as a flutist/teacher began in 1974, when I was the first woman instrumentalist accepted in the US Army Field Band. I left Meredith College to join the US Army, was assigned to the first women’s combat training company at Ft McClellan, AL, and shortly thereafter arrived at the US Army Field Band headquarters at Ft George G Meade, MD.
My flute and piccolo performance and coaching experiences include orchestras, concert band, woodwind quintets, mixed instrument chamber ensembles, harp/flute duos, and recitals. I play piano professionally for churches, restaurants, recitals, book signings, benefits, assisted living facilities, and private affairs. Recorder performances include church, benefit, and private recitals. Customers and venues have dictated repertoire, which has proven to be wide-ranging and great fun!
Teaching My Students
All students are offered performance opportunities, and strongly encouraged to take advantage of them. All students study music theory.
My students are neuro- and age-diverse. Lesson plans are individualized to special interests and needs. Students are offered ensemble and performance opportunities. Most importantly, students are encouraged to share their special interests and goals, towards which we strive while learning how to discover and develop the joy of sharing music!