Teaching
My philosophy
I believe in a meditative teaching approach that encourages positive mindfulness while practicing. This allows students to develop and reinforce their own healthy habits, in addition to promoting self-confidence. My studio is a safe space to grow and make mistakes free of judgement. Let’s learn together.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
8 + years of experience
Expertise teaching all ages
Masters in Voice Performance
Bachelors in Music Theory & Composition
WHAT I TEACH
Voice (pop, rock, opera, musical theatre, etc.)
Beginner/Intermediate Ukulele
Beginner Piano
Beginner/Advanced Music Theory
Behind the scenes…
In addition to a rich performance career, Michelle Lerch has been drawn to teach the next generation of musicians, starting in undergrad where she helped establish the East Carolina University chapter of SNATS (Students National Association of Teachers of Singing). Michelle worked as the Children’s Choir Director for the First Presbyterian Church of Kinston starting in 2012. While there, she planned and led lessons, performances, vacation bible school, and the yearly Christmas pageant for 5 years. Michelle has taught many private voice lessons over the years, and even volunteered her services to Kabarak University in Kenya. Here she taught voice at the collegiate level for 2 years.
Outside of private lessons, Michelle has tutored many students in Music Theory/Composition. She was the Music Theory teacher at East Carolina University’s Summer Vocal Music Intensive Camp for high school students in 2016. In addition, she periodically substituted for her Music Theory professors in undergrad.
When Michelle Lerch is not performing, she enjoys playing the ukulele and has since high school. She has since continued to hone this skill by taking lessons at the Ukulele Academy in Wilmington, NC and has performed casually at local restaurants throughout NC. Since moving to Chicago, Michelle has been teaching group ukulele lessons to adults who also want to learn to express themselves through music!
Michelle has taught private and group lessons to people of all ages for the past 8 years. She believes in a meditative teaching approach and encourages positive mindfulness while practicing. This allows students to develop and reinforce their own healthy habits, in addition to promoting self-confidence.
Pricing
Trying something out for the first time? Your first 30-min lesson is free! Just go to the contact page and type in “New Student” and I will send you all the information you need to get started.
*There is a $5 travel fee for in-home lessons
Voice
$30/30min · $45/45min · $60/60min
Open to all ages, I offer virtual or in-home lessons to the Chicago area. All lessons are crafted to your personal needs, whether your are a beginner or professional. My goal as a teacher is to help you find a healthy and confident sound of your own, whether that’s singing pop, jazz, musical theatre, or classical!
Piano
$30/30min · $45/45min
I offer beginner piano lessons to all ages, online or in-home. You will learn the basics of the instrument, as well as beginner music theory. My goal is to take away the stigmatism that learning piano can’t be fun! I strive to incorporate your tastes and styles into each lesson in addition to providing you the tools to continue to practice on your own.
Ukulele
$30/30min · $60/60min $70/60min Adult Group Ukulele Classes
Private lessons are open to all ages, available online or in-home. I offer beginner and intermediate lessons in ukulele. No prior experience required! All lessons are crafted to your personal goals and tastes.
Trying to find something new to do on wine nights? Well get the gang together and try a group ukulele class! I offer in-home group classes to the areas presented below. No prior knowledge of music is necessary. I will teach you all the basics of ukulele so you can strum along to all your favorite tunes.
Music Theory
$40/60min
Trying to prepare for your college auditions? Or maybe you’re in college and dreading that Music Theory Midterm. Let me help! Music Theory can be overwhelming, but I have an extensive library of tools to help you grasp all there is to know. My goal is to create manageable study habits to make Music Theory more manageable and give you the confidence you need to succeed.
Consistency leads to the best results! Want to book something on a regular basis AND save? Reach out about lesson packages!
Where I teach
Hours
Monday 3:30-9pm Tuesday 3:30-6pm Wednesday 3:30-9pm Thursday 3:30-9pm Friday 3:30-9pm Saturday N/A Sunday 11-5pm
*Hours for Group Ukulele may vary
If you are located outside of this area and want an in-person lesson please reach out! Available on a case by case basis.