FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
When I was 4, my father asked me if I'd like to play the piano like Joann Castle, the ragtime piano player on the Lawrence Welk show. I said, "Yes!", started lessons, and have been going ever since. Music was the only thing I loved when I chose a major in college. Afterwards, I loved children and got Montessori teacher's training too, and realized that the Suzuki method training fit hand-in-glove with Montessori. Perfect for me! I love teaching piano. When I think of professions, using a familiar criteria: it's the one thing I would do for free.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Interview and observe teachers. Look for a teacher who has official training and qualifications, who you feel safe and happy around, as does your student. Observe lessons; listen to the teachers students play, to see the quality of teaching theyre receiving. An excellent teacher creates excellent playing. Realize that piano lessons require daily committed practice time; as Dr. Suzuki says, "Practice only on the days you eat."
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
It would be nice if the Suzuki method was generally understood, especially that students learn to play with good technique from memory and learn to read music at the same time.