Studio is currently full and I am not accepting further piano students for the Spring 2024 semester.
Training new generations of artists and musicians is a privilege and honor. I maintain a fairly small studio of piano students, and, occasionally, organ and flute students as well.
While some piano teachers prefer to use the same method for all students, I prefer to tailor the method to the student. The goals in common for each student include:
- life-long love of music
- ability to feel and internalize steady beat
- proper posture, hand position, and technique
- ear training (playing by ear)
- note and rhythm reading, in other words – sight reading
- basic fundamentals of music theory
- all major and minor scales with basic chord progressions
- lead sheet and chord chart reading
- skill and knowledge necessary to improvise and create original compositions
- development of artistic expression in creating beautiful and engaging music
The mastery of any instrument requires consistent practice and commitment. Particularly for young students, that consistency and commitment must be even greater on the part of the parent. Young students need daily help and encouragement to stay the course.
If you are a parent interested in music lessons for your child(ren), please read this article, entitled, “The Important Role of Parents in Their Children’s Music Lessons,” before you make the commitment to begin this important and rewarding endeavor.
For most students under 10 years old, I require the following:
- positive attitude with a willingness and eagerness to learn
- preparedness, resulting from daily, consistent practice
- parent participation and attendance at each lesson, actively taking notes (and sometimes videos) on what will be required for daily practice
- daily practice with parent encouragement and participation
- consistent weekly lessons
For most students older than 10 years old, I do not require parent attendance at each lesson. I do, however, require the same positive attitude and commitment to daily practice and weekly lessons.
What all students need to bring to lessons each week:
- positive attitude with a willingness and eagerness to learn
- preparedness, resulting from daily, consistent practice
- daily practice
- consistent weekly lessons
- three ring binder with dividers
What I will bring to lessons each week:
- a positive, encouraging attitude
- focused preparation for each lesson
- consistency and commitment
- practice charts with detailed instructions
Please note — Since I am also a professional collaborative pianist, there will be seasons (particularly around the end of each semester) when we will need to be creative with our lesson scheduling. There will be times when lessons will either need to be rescheduled or missed altogether. I have always appreciated the patience and understanding from my students and their families during these times.
Click here if you’d like to talk about music lessons.
Click here for information on fees for lessons.
