My name is Hélène, I am originally from Brittany, France, and I am a French and Music teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience to all ages and in diverse environments.
My original degrees are in Music and Literature. After falling in love with San Francisco and moving to California, I taught French and Music in French-American schools while pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter. I now specialize in private and group instruction in Los Angeles.
My experience includes accent coaching on and off set, translation and interpretation. I believe in the parallels between language and music learning, fostering rapid progress tailored to students' needs. Working with children, adults and colleagues of different backgrounds and cultures, I have learnt to adapt to various publics, develop sound educational plans, and use patience and empathy to relate to my students and enhance their learning.
Foreign language learning, Listening to music, Playing musical instruments, Reading, Yoga, Travel, Guitar, Looking at Art, Literature, writing poetry
What is your favorite word in your language and why?
rivière (river) - because I like the sound it makes, and the idea of a body in constant movement & flow.
What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?
Buckwheat crêpes! Unfortunately I haven't found a good one in LA yet. There used to be a very good authentic Breton restaurant in Santa Barbara but it has closed now.
Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?
I speak conversational Spanish, know some Latin and I study Russian.
What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?
Reading, Songwriting and recording, Writing, Travel, Yoga, Swimming, Hiking.
What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?
Brittany is very special. I love the coastline, changing weather and easy swimming waters. The countryside is lovely as well, with old stone buildings, dense forests and rolling green hills.
