Introduction: As a piano teacher my goal is give each student a well-rounded musical education. When my students "graduate" from my studio they should be able to play with good technique, read music well and be able to sightread up to their playing level, play at least a simple melody by ear and know how to accompany it with at least basic primary triads, know how to play a "fake" piece using lead sheet music and understand how to play the accompanying chord suggestions or use chord substitutions, play at least a simple 12 bar blues progression and improvise on the blues scale, grow in their knowledge and understanding of music theory which is the basis for doing so many things in music. To help to facilitate their learning of music theory, and the many elements of music, each student gets to spend some time each lesson with a wonderful, easy to use computer program.
I expose my students to classical music and teach them the stylistic interpretation of each era, and in addition encourage them to explore any type of music they love and would like to play.
Here are some reasons I think I excel as a piano and voice teacher: I enjoy teaching, first and foremost; I enjoy seeing the musical growth and development in my students over the years that they are with me; I understand the process of learning (and teaching); I have fun with my students (keeping lessons as stress free as possible); I encourage my students to have a can-do attitude, not only in regards to music but also life in general. I support my students to go as far or as fast as they want to go.
Our studio enjoys a very supportive environment where students support each other in group lessons, recitals, parties, festivals, adjudications, etc. I offer my students a wide variety of opportunities and they can choose their level of participation.
I approach voice lessons in the same way, working with my students to develop strong and healthy vocal technique, and to learn and sing a variety of music,
My years of study in Music School and University in addition to my many years of teaching, reading, attending professional conferences, workshops, and my affiliation with several professional organization, along with my willingness to learn, adapt, grow and be attentive to my students musical needs and preferences, I believe, make me a skilled teacher and create for my students an outstanding and nourishing studio environment.
For one, I get to do what I love, being thankful every day for the opportunity to do it. I love that I get to play a small part in the growth of my students, whether they are children, teenagers or adults. I love that students enjoy coming to their lessons and have a positive outlook when they leave each lesson. I am thankful that over the many years of teaching I have had the privilege of passing on the gift of music and musical knowledge to the children and the adults I have taught. I am really blessed to do what I do.
