How old does my child need to be to take online lessons on a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone)?

Sharon is a graduate of Regent University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organization, Leadership and Management and a minor in Piano. She is the CFO of The Music Loft. Sharon is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, and the Virginia Music Teachers Association. Her study of music began at the young age of six, and she cannot remember a time when she was not playing or teaching piano. At the age of twelve, Sharon was asked to accompany choirs and programs at school, and from there, her accompanying skills and opportunities continued to grow. With the encouragement of her parents and through continuous private lessons, Sharon competed in various fine arts competitions throughout middle and high school, culminating in the completion of her High School Diploma Certificate from the National Piano Guild. Sharon continued her piano studies at the collegiate level where she once again performed and was assessed by the National Piano Guild. She has since performed in multiple recitals and performances.

Sharon began her private piano studio while in college. Over the years, Sharon has had private students who have won piano competitions across the country, and she enjoys preparing students for college auditions and entrance exams. It has been a joy for Sharon to see some of these students graduate and complete their degrees in piano.

Her teaching experience extends to the classroom as well. She was previously the Music Director at Dominion Christian School where she developed the school’s music curriculum, was responsible for school-wide yearly performances encompassing multiple disciplines of music including choirs, hand bells, small ensembles, and recorders. Sharon’s passion is to build a solid theory foundation and to then develop her students’ listening skills and musicianship so that they can hear and express the beauty in each piece. Each lesson is filled with kindness and encouragement. When not at The Music Loft, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family (and her German Shepherd), watching any Boston sports’ team, or exploring Colonial Williamsburg.

Laura Readyoff has been a music educator since 1986 in both the public schools and private sectors. Laura has been owner of The Music Loft since it’s opening in 2010.Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the prestigious Crane School of Music in New York. She received a Master’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Public School Administration for grades Kindergarten – 12th grade from The Long Island University in New York.Laura has conducted award-winning orchestras both in New York and Virginia, served as an adjudicator for multiple solo and ensemble festivals in New York and Virginia, and has written music curriculum for Commack Middle School.

Laura’s style of teaching is always filled with creativity and fun. Her objectives are to give students confidence in their abilities, to see them flourish as musicians, inspire and challenge students, and to instill in them a love for music.Because of her love of children and community, she has created various award-winning community programs such as Percussion works, NoVa Youth Ensembles, and Play it Forward Instrument Donation Drive.For her work in the community, Laura and The Music Loft have been awarded numerous awards including the prestigious “Distinguished Volunteer” awarded by the mayor and Herndon town council, “Arts Leader” awarded by the Dulles regional chamber of commerce, and “The President’s Award” awarded by Arts Herndon for her work in the arts community.

Currently, Laura is engaged as a strings consultant, adjudicator, and clinician for both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.​Laura also performs locally with a band on electric bass and violin.Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, scrapbooking, knitting, playing in a band, traveling, and anything that has to do with her hometown, New York.