Piano Lessons

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. When considering a piano teacher for yourself or your child, ask for credentials. Ask to meet with the teacher, and have a preview lesson. How long has he or she taught, and how was he or she trained? May parents sit in on lessons? What performance opportunities does he or she offer? Some teachers participate in juried competitions - is this something you want your child to do? Does the teacher teach straight from the book, or does he or she encourage the students to include pieces that they want to play?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Learning any instrument requires an investment in time. Practice time outside of lessons is a necessary component of the learning process. Parents, does your child want to take lessons? Does your child have time to devote to piano practice at least 4 days a week? Do you have the patience to listen to your child practice, to encourage your child, especially through the tough times, and to praise your child for trying? Middle and high school age students, check your social calendar -- do you have the time and self-motivation to devote to practice at least 4 days a week? Adults, again, do you have time to practice? And do you have the patience it takes to learn a new language, a language of symbols rather than words. To become fluent in the language of music is not accomplished quickly. Adults especially need to appreciate this aspect of the learning process, lest they become discouraged prematurely.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I encourage performance. My younger students play for the residents of the local assisted living community 2 or 3 times a year. I host a few soirees at the house in which the students play for each other and for their parents, then share refreshments and enjoy un-spotlighted piano time. My Spring Recital is held at St. Anne's in Annapolis. It is Stop #1 on the Historic Annapolis tour. Both the church and the recital are open to anyone and everyone. My students always rise to the occasion.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Last year I had a 10-year-old who wanted to audition for a part in a Hollywood movie. He had to play Fur Elise, but he was a beginner piano student. We practiced 2 hours at a time, 4 and 5 days a week, for a month. He not only learned the piece; he memorized it, and performed well for his audition. He did not get the part he wanted, but qualified for a separate audition for another movie.