Piano and flute teacher opens studio in Derby

DERBY — When Pamela Taylor moved to Derby in November of 2021, she was looking for a new home for her music studio.

Coming from Easton, PA, the flute and piano teacher took all her online students with her, and moved to the lower floor of her house on Hinman Settler Road.

As COVID restrictions were lifted, Taylor began teaching in-person lessons again.

“After living in the Northeast Kingdom for a while, I noticed a lack of private music teachers,” said Taylor. “During the pandemic, school music programs were hit hard, but now bands are back together again, and kids want and need regular lessons. My goal is to offer these lessons in a fun format at a price most people can afford.”

From the age of four, Taylor knew she wanted to become a professional musician.

At Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music she studied both flute and piano.

Before moving to Vermont, she was principal flutist with the Staten Island Philharmonic, and flutist and piccoloist with Orchestra of St. Peter By-The-Sea.

Until its closure, she was principal flutist of Metro Lyric Opera.

She has appeared with the NJ Capital Philharmonic Orchestra, and many musical theatre organizations.

She also performs solo and chamber engagements.

One of her greatest passions is introducing children to the magic of music.

“I’ve always taught early childhood music classes for kids and their parents, and I am so happy to bring them to the Derby and Newport area,” she said.” “I know there’s a need, because seconds after I put an announcement on Facebook, the phone started ringing. I even got a call from an Elementary School in need of a music teacher.”

Apart from teaching one on one, Taylor will be offering group piano lessons for eight students at a time.

“Not only does this keep the price down,” says Taylor, “but kids love learning and playing together.”

Pamela is one of only two teachers in the USA, accredited by the Forte School of Music in Australia, a pioneer in group classes for all ages, from babies to adults.

Forte teachers use a multi-sensory approach to music teaching which involves the eyes, the ears, and a lot of movement.

“Different people learn in different ways, and the Forte program incorporates different learning styles. Research has shown that children who learn music this way, will do better in other areas of education as well.”

Once renovations are completed, she plans to have an open house in January.

Call 610-515-9152 for more information, and to put your name on a waiting list.

You can also send an email to [email protected].