Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. I am pleased to offer a superb Classical Program for all ages with Technique, Repertoire, Scale and Theory work. I offer Students opportunities to learn the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern Piano Masters.
Please, I am cannot teach Jazz, Pop, Rag. I specialize in Classical and am not able at all to 'cross-over' as a few Musicians and/or Teachers can.
In my Specialty, my Students are taught very succinct methodology and Technique to play their very finest for their lives!!
Music Is Joy!
Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.
A. The last two Students were wonderful Classically trained young people who wanted more knowledge on scales, and technique. They were from out of the Country and found me on Thumbtack. Each Student worked very hard with all the 24 Scales, harmonic, melodic, naturals, arpeggios, cadences which encompassed much work and many hundreds of hours.
Another Student, a older woman, Lilly, came and wanted to brush up her Piano Skills. She wanted to begin once again. She was open, at first, to the early books; but, grew bored soon with that. She desire 'modern jazzy' Music but I said I do not teach anything but Classical. Sadly, she left angry and not understanding we, Classical Musicians, sometimes do not 'cross-over' to other genres, such as 'jazzy'. I am a specialist. But, Lilly did not comprehend the difference between crossing over and specialists. We had a nice ending; but, she left very upset.
I am just a specialist and cannot do all types of Music. The western European composers are generally my area of expertise, with Tim Brown, Helen Marlais, Valerie Roth, and others, too, for the Post-post Modern era.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. It is so important to have a 'meet and greet'. An 'over the phone' interview is nothing. One must meet me and see my serene and beautiful Studio with two Professional Yamaha Instruments.
Also, try to trust me. That is difficult for Families, I do realize. Sometimes, Families have had not so good experiences with Piano Teachers; however, not each Teacher is the same. So, trust.
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. I am extremely exacting in my work with Students. Students learn everything about technique and Repertoire which is possible. Each scale is learned and phrase work is done; all to prepare the Student for fluid and beautiful Artistry at the Piano. Fingering is highly valued and I am sure to make certain that fingering is always correct. Without exact fingering the Instrument is almost impossible to play.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I love working with Students and Music and the challenges that all of that brings! Music is passion and that comes across through my enthusiastic teaching and presentation of materials.
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A. Fees: Money is never the first question. Personal chemistry is always addressed first. Money is last for I adapt to Families and their personal situation. No one is turned away from lack of financial resources, ever.
Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?
A. In the very thick of Music; when Recital time is arriving; nerves are thin; fingers are sore: That is the time that I sense I shine the most for my beloved Students. Though I push them hard, I know precisely when to pull back, ease through, and lighten up.
I believe I have pocketed over 35 Recitals and I could count on one hand Students' breakdowns at the bench in Recital. It does not happen because they are so prepped and ready to go. Further, they know I stand a foot off to point a way, correct position, and make them shine!!
Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A. I come from a long lineage of Musicians, Artists, and Pianists. My Maternal Grandmother was a Concert Pianist and my Paternal Grandmother was a Jazz Pianist who played with some of the early great Jazz Musicians of her time.
I began lessons around 5 and as my mother stated to all: " Esther took to the Piano like a Duck to water"
I love what I do and will continue and on and on and on!
Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?
A. Our modern world has so many opportunities to reach out to those who heretofore could never enjoy the beauty and majesty of private in-home lessons.
By opening my Studio of 38 years experience to SKYPE, the entire globe is invited to learn!
One of my Students who travel to China each year for a couple of months, was so happy to hear that I will begin SKYPE for it meant that the young Child will continue her lessons; albeit in China.
Another Family travel to Taiwan each Summer and were thrilled about lessons by SKYPE! Instead of having a long break in lessons, resulting in losing skill, the Student continues remotely.
SKYPE will prove to be an outstanding instrument, so to speak, for my Clientele who travel the world.
Q. Write your own question and answer it.
A. NEW MEMBER OF MISS ESTHER'S PIANO STUDY
A few days ago, Miss Esther and her Student's welcomed a new Shigeru Kawai sk 2 ( 5' 10") into her beautiful Studio. The hand-built Instrument is capable of taking the Student to a new level unknown before. It will hone even more precisely their skill and their ability to create magnificent and memorable Music!
To our New Shigeru Piano:
W* E* L* C* O* M* E*
