Julie Starling believes in a relaxed, fun, and flexible atmosphere for learning music. Students are encouraged to suggest songs that they would like to learn to augment and shape their music studies. Both piano and guitar students learn chord theory, music reading, and different styles of music. Composition and improvisation are encouraged.
Modern life is already pretty complicated. Students have much more demanding schedules than they did years ago. Thus, she offers rescheduling and make up lessons to help with those last-minute school events, colds, and vacations. In addition, she does not participate in any of the high-stress student music competitions. Instead, she has a relaxed recital once a year in the Spring with the aim of teaching students that performing can be fun.