Student Spotlight:
Petula G.
1. How long have you taken music lessons?
I have been taking music lessons for 18 months at Brighter Minds. I also took a year of online ukulele lessons before that.
2. What instrument(s) do you play?
I play the piano and ukulele, but singing is my favorite. I have also started to teach myself the guitar. I’m hoping to start lessons this summer.
3. Who are your favorite musical artists?
Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo are my favorites right now. I also really like Avril Lavigne and Dua Lipa.
4. What are your short and long term goals with music?
My short term goal is to finish my current piano book. My long term goal is to become a famous singer.
5. What is your favorite part about taking music lessons?
My teacher, Jeff. He makes lessons really fun, and I’ve learned so much from him.
6. What are your hobbies?
I like to swim, sing, and do arts and crafts. I also like to write my own songs and put them to music.
7. What are some of your favorite foods?
My favorite foods are candy and guacamole. I don’t recommend eating them together, though!
8. What is the coolest thing you've learned in your lessons recently?
I’ve been learning about singing harmonies which are kind of tricky but really cool.
9. Do you have any performances coming up or have you had a performance recently?
I played the piano and sang Christina Perri’s song Jar of Hearts for the most recent Brighter Minds virtual recital. I also perform every couple of months with a band that I rehearse with in St. Paul. I love singing onstage!
10. Why should other people play music?
Other people should play music because if it makes them as happy as it makes me, the world would be an even better place.
“Lessons at Brighter Minds have been such a wonderful experience for Petula.
She has loved every moment of them, and her teacher, Jeff, is amazing. He makes lessons really fun, but he also knows when to push her to help her achieve her best. We have been so impressed with Petula’s progress musically, and we have seen her grow in her confidence as well.
There is nothing better than hearing her practice, and it is such a thrill to watch her perform. (She also does some of her best singing in the shower!)
We are so lucky to have found Brighter Minds! ”
Petula continues to impress!
This month she finished the recording of her first single, a cover of an Olivia Rodrigo tune called “Out Of The Old” it came out beautifully!
Keep it up Petula!
We would like to thank Petula’s family for referring their friends to Brighter Minds Music.
~ Jeff, Petula’s Voice Teacher
“Take a listen - the song is AMAZING!
Thanks for checking in! We couldn’t be happier with Jeff’s lessons with [our daughter]. He connects with her so well, and she absolutely adores him. In her words, lessons are so fun and engaging. They work on both piano and voice, and he is always happy to work on songs she is excited about.
Most recently they worked on an Olivia Rodrigo song from High School Musical. Apparently none of the the instrumental versions they could find had the right backup vocals, so Jeff volunteered to bring in his recording equipment so [our daughter] could record the backup vocals and sing the rest. She learned more about harmony and recording was completely new to her. It was a wonderful experience for her, and the results were absolutely amazing! I have no doubt Jeff spent a good amount of time editing the song until it was just right. He went way above and beyond, and we appreciate him so much.
All in all, Wednesdays with Jeff remain the highlight of [our daughter’s] week. As her parents, we have seen her grow in her musical abilities as well as her confidence. It is so fun to watch her do something she loves! I’m including the file of the song they worked on. Please share it with Emily if Jeff hasn’t already. We were blown away by it!
Thanks again, and have a great night!”
YouTube - Out of the Old