Karen Francis Piano Lessons

My Training and experience: Music has been my passion since starting lessons as a child and training for years in performance and theory, culminating in a BMUS Honors degree in music from Edinburgh University and a master’s degree MMUS from the Royal Academy of Music, London where I trained as a pianist and composer. I have many years experience in teaching the piano. I have taught children ages 4 through 18, both in schools and at my studio as well as adults ranging from absolute beginners to those with advanced capabilities. My goals as a teacher: Strong technique and musicality are my main focus when teaching piano and I encourage students to expand their technique and to learn music from different genres and periods in history. I offer a fun approach for beginners, age 5 upwards and take time to listen to parents’ concerns and involve them in the learning process. I also provide notes from every lesson to make practice easier at home and I order all music for students so that parents don’t have to. Opportunities for graded exams, theory and performance: I offer students the chance to take virtual graded piano and theory exams through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK. Exams are not mandatory but I encourage students to learn the syllabus which enables them to focus on technique, repertoire, sight reading and ear training exercises which result in a well rounded education in piano. I also provide opportunities for students to perform in public and to learn music theory which furthers their progress in note reading. I am very committed to every student’s journey in learning the piano and to providing instruction that is both challenging and enjoyable. In the year ahead I will give students the opportunity to earn small prizes for effort and will award a Junior Pupil of the Year and a Senior Pupil of the year. I also love to teach adults and plan a program of learning for them individually based on their goals. Customer satisfaction is very important to me. I will give an evaluation of each student at the end of the academic year and also invite feedback. In summary: I am a kind, gentle and goal oriented teacher. If you give me the honor of being your piano instructor I will be excited and motivated to take this musical journey with you and will strive to help everyone play piano to their heart’s content! 🎹 🎼 🎶 ☺️