Frequently Asked Questions

I teach students from kindergarten through high school, as well as young adults with intellectual disabilities. General music is available for K–2, and instrument-specific lessons begin at 3rd grade.

I offer private lessons in piano, voice, flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and euphonium, plus general music for younger learners.

Lessons are held in-person in Windham, NH at my private in-home studio. I serve families in southern New Hampshire and the greater Boston area.

Send me a message through the Get In Touch page! Tell me a little about your child and we'll set up a time to chat about the right fit.

No prior experience necessary — complete beginners are welcome. Students should have access to their instrument at home to practice between sessions. Not sure what to get? Reach out before our first lesson and I'll point you in the right direction. I'll recommend lesson books after our first session once I get a sense of your child's level and learning style.

Lessons are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the student's age and attention span. 1–2 times per week is the standard recommendation — and practicing between lessons is just as important as the lesson itself.

Rates vary depending on lesson length and frequency — reach out directly and I'll share all the details. I don't offer trial lessons, but I'm happy to answer any questions before you commit. I want you to feel confident before we get started.

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for all cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged the full lesson fee. Lessons cancelled with more than 24 hours notice may be rescheduled at no charge. No-shows will be charged the full lesson fee and may result in loss of your recurring time slot.

I tailor every lesson to the individual student. I start with strategies that have worked well for past students and I'm always willing to try something different if it's not clicking — we keep going until we find what works. I draw on trusted materials like the Faber series for piano, but more than anything, I meet students where they are and teach with genuine care. Repertoire is always chosen based on the student's goals, interests, and skill level, because kids learn best when they're playing music they actually like.

Yes — and it goes beyond professional training. I grew up with an autistic sister, and she is the reason I pursued this work. Watching her navigate the world shaped how I think about learning, communication, and what it means to truly meet someone where they are. I specialize in inclusive, adaptive music education and I'm currently a graduate student in music education with a focus on autism and special education pedagogy. I work with students who have autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, anxiety disorders, and more. This isn't just a specialty I offer — it's the heart of what I do.

Every student gets a lesson structure built around how they learn best. I adjust pacing, communication style, sensory considerations, and teaching strategies based on the individual. I incorporate visual aids, structured routines, and alternative communication strategies as needed — and if your child uses an AAC device, I'm more than happy to incorporate that into lessons. Communication should never be a barrier to making music. Progress is tracked through regular parent check-ins and something I call a "mock performance," where the student performs for me as if I'm an audience member and I fill out a rubric. It's a low-pressure way to build confidence and get real, structured feedback.

Students can call me Ms. T, Ms. Turriza, or Ms. Montserrat — whatever feels most comfortable!

Beginner: Little to no experience with the instrument. Still learning how to hold it, read music, and build basic technique. Intermediate: Has some foundation — can read music, knows basic technique, and is working through more complex pieces. Advanced: Comfortable with the instrument, reads music fluently, and is refining technique and musicality at a higher level. Not sure where your child falls? That's completely normal. I assess every new student in our first session and we go from there together.