Being assigned my very first student as part of my course degree was both thrilling and nerve-racking. Two years ago, I had my introductory lesson with a prospective student and I discovered that being on the other side of the teacher-student equation was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Adapting and adjusting my teaching style was something that was critical to improve my craft as an educator. Becoming a piano teacher has given me a greater appreciation for music learning at a young age, and motivated me to fuel the fire that prospers in young aspiring musicians. After taking on more students, I yearned to inspire them the same way my teacher in the UK had. For every new student I take on, I ask the same question I was approached with ten years ago: “Why do you want to play the piano?”
Teaching Style:
I believe that we should use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to help us interact with students or parents who are
struggling. Generally speaking, we can assume students want to do well. Behavior is often not conscious and
Not a reflection of how people feel about us. Trying to ask a student to learn something when their brain is
not in optimal shape means some of our efforts will fall by the wayside. This helps me not take others’
behaviors personally and also motivates me to look at underlying causes to try to solve the issue rather than
just put a bandaid on it for the moment. Therefore, it is in my best interest to best utilize my teaching time,
which means it’s in my best interest to address the root causes. At the end of the day, achieving self
actualization for musicians is a journey ripe with emotional rewards, not a destination or trophy.
this helps to make the learning environment as effective and efficient as I can, and I will always strive for my
students to do the same.
Why are five-finger positions an essential part of piano learning? It’s not just because our hands have five fingers. The relevance of five-finger patterns applies at virtually any level of piano playing. Working on your five-finger pattern builds the fundamentals of note recognition and intervallic reading firmly in place. Therefore, this multi-key approach can take hold without liability. After students learn the basics of reading, we can use five-finger positions to enhance reading skill by eliciting visual, kinesthetic, and aural pattern recognition. Lastly, this finger pattern prepares you for major and minor scales. As a result, with this teaching method, scales will teach you about key signatures and prepare you to play in a variety of keys, transpose, and more.
Studio Policy:
Lesson fees are $30 for a 45 minute lesson, payable one month in advance.
No lesson will be extended for a student who is not ready on time.
Music will be ordered and provided personally, fees for books and sheet music will be charged on
upcoming monthly bill
With enough notice (at least 48 hours in advance) lessons which conflict with other
special activities such as school programs, doctor/dental appointments, or personal matters, may be
rescheduled.
Last minute cancellations and no shows" will result in a charging of the full lesson fee, payable
at the following lesson.
Lessons may continue on throughout summer break at the same rate as provided above.
Group Performances will be provided at the end of each month for all students to perform and show off
what pieces that they have learnt.
This allows students to gain the confidence they need for performing and appreciate the beautiful
sounds that each other are creating.
KEEP THOSE NAILS SHORT!
These lessons are meant to help you develop your piano skills and needs. The importance of
music is to be able to enjoy and share your expression through beautiful music. EXCELSIOR!!!