Jefferson Studio Arts

Introduction: Learning the craft of piano is not merely something you learn. It is something which changes you, something you become. From the perspective of the piano instructor, I firmly believe in the concept of learning music as steadily building a tower at which the student stands atop. Each building block you add to that tower must be laid with care, quality, specificity, assurance, validation, and be as equal, if not more important, than the one preceding it. A thorough lesson is an ingrained lesson, where the student does not leave without taking home with them a newly-acquired element, while fully understanding it. Learning the piano begins with inspiration, is fueled by encouragement, powered by dedication, and continued through aspiration. Each of these qualities should be held with great regard and properly instituted by the piano instructor. The piano instructor should be conscious of any opportunity to reinforce these characteristics through common practice among their students. I believe there is no such thing as distaste for an art form, only distaste for ways in which an art form is being taught. The student-teacher bond is a sacred connection, and through successful collaboration, I will strive to meet the student's goals, if not help surpass them. I strongly enforce a well-rounded musical and educational approach, covering beyond simply the music. My goal will be to pass on my knowledge in a systemic fashion, so that the student is gradually progressing outside of lesson times. The fundamentals shall be reinforced, and the inclusion of theory shall be presented in a gradual manner, so the student evolves properly along each level they build in their own personal tower of accomplishment. (This may mean breaking old habits, and often, many of them). The student should be encouraged to put in the effort of what they wish to gain from private instruction, and structural thinking will be enforced and developed among each aspiring pianist. Through my training and lessons, I hope to teach the students how to train themselves to become well-balanced individuals in the musical world and overall. I hope my quest through music will shine upon them the dos and don'ts, haves and have nots, and proper goals to seek in developing a craft which never ends. Most of all, the one element I find soaring in importance above all else is fun. If not for this crucial element being taught to me from the very start, I may not have continued playing the piano all of these years. I hope to present lessons to students in a comfortable, studious, accommodating environment. The student's success becomes my own success, and I hope to be with them every step of the way, from note to note. David Jefferson B.A., M.M.