Samantha Z.
5(7)
USD $100/hr
PhD Musicologist, Composer, and Experienced Teacher 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
Tutor Information
About
Hi! I have a PhD in musicology and have taught music theory and history at both Ivy League and community colleges.
As a music scholar, composer, and performer, I have found that it is not enough to study a textbook. To become truly "fluent" in a skill – to develop such an experienced ear, feeling, and mind for a subject that it feels totally natural – we need to unleash our inner curiosity.
Rather than forcing my students through a strict, traditional regimen, I view my work as that of a guide. I help my students explore their own passions and goals. I inspire them to ask questions and think independently. I am particularly keen on navigating my students through the vast and amazing world of FREE online music resources and communities.
In addition to private tutoring, I have taught music theory and history at Brown University, New York University, Hebrew College, and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. I've written several blogs, including one on the music theory of Disney music.
As an out-and-proud transgender woman and omnisexual, I understand and fully support LGBTQ+ students.
I look forward to working together!
Location
West Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Language
English, Yiddish, Hebrew (modern), Russian, German, French
Timezone
America/Toronto
Levels
Elementary
Middle School
High School
College/University
Professional
Education
New York University
2012 - 2019PhD, Musicology
University of Michigan
2005 - 2009Bachelor of Music, Music History
Work Experience
Borough of Manhattan Community College
August 2018 - November 2018Adjunct Lecturer of Music Theory and Piano
Brown University
August 2017 - December 2017Visiting Lecturer of Music Theory
New York University
August 2013 - December 2015Lecturer of Music, Teaching Assistant
Reviews
Excellent Liturgical Hebrew and Trope Tutoring
Perfect combination of tutor-directed guidance and student-directed customization. Great pacing. Highly recommended.
By: Douglas Nathan
Excellent Yiddish teacher!
Excellent Yiddish teacher -- I've been studying with Sam for a couple months now and each lesson is incredibly helpful, not only in learning the language but also in learning more about Yiddish culture, music, poetry, etc. Cannot recommend her enough!
By: Ada
Excellent, Deeply Knowledgeable Teacher
Really one of the best teachers I've had: patient, non-judgmental, funny, warm, and is an incredibly knowledgeable person. My Yiddish learning has been scattered and a bit all over the place, some areas more built up than others, had missed some fundamentals, etc. because much of it was self-taught. But I've been provided a lot of structure now through a very thoughtful and adaptable teacher! It's already making a world of difference, can't wait to continue these lessons!
By: Yuval
First time doing online tutoring and definitely will continue learning Yiddish with Sam!
Sam is a very knowledgable tutor and a very friendly person. It was my first time using an online video call for language learning and just from the first lesson I know that I want to keep learning with her. We talked about my goals in the Yiddish language and developed a plan of action. I am excited for the next lesson!
By: Deric
Dynamic, Knowledgeable and Patient Teacher
Sam has helped me immensely in improving my musicianship skills. It is not easy for an academic to teach their expertise to someone who is an adult beginner, but Sam does it exceptionally well. She teaches music in a way that I am able to grasp easily and she is extremely patient when I am learning a new concept.
By: Jana