Where do lessons take place? Are they in-person or online?
All lessons take place online through the Muzie.Live platform. I do not offer in-person lessons.
What is your teaching philosophy?
It is important to me that my students play pieces they enjoy while acquiring a strong background in note reading and technique. Students of mine also learn time management skills and strategies to enable them get the most out of their practice sessions. I tailor all lessons to each student’s individual needs while holding each to a universal standard of fluent playing and reading. I enjoy complementing standard classical training with improvisation, composition, chamber music, accompanying, and pop and jazz styles. The world of piano music is vast, and I want my students to be able to open whichever door they choose.
What age range do you work with?
I teach ages 5 and up. I have worked with students as young as 4, however, it is on a case-by-case basis. Young children need to have somewhat of an attention span to start lessons, and very young children are not always ready to start even though they may be excited to play at home! Waiting until a child is 6 to 8 years old is perfectly acceptable, as they will have more patience and learn quicker.
What lesson lengths do you offer?
I offer 30/45/60 minute lessons. 30 minutes is sufficient for all beginners: adults and children! For younger students who have been taking for at least 2 years, 45 minutes is suitable. Hour-long lessons are for more advanced students. Lesson length can always be adjusted accordingly.
Do I need to own a piano? Is a keyboard okay?
Yes, you or your child will need an instrument to practice on! Many families are hesitant to make the investment in a piano or digital keyboard, however, it is necessary to have a good instrument. Digital keyboards are a good option since they are portable and do not require tuning. When purchasing a keyboard, the most important things are that they have a 88, full-weighted keys (do not purchase "non-weighted" or "semi-weighted" keyboards) and a pedal function. Realize that as you or your child gets more advanced, an acoustic piano is necessary for their technique and aural development. A beautiful piano (upright or grand) is a wonderful investment, and I can refer you to piano dealers. Many shops also offer rental programs for acoustic pianos.
How much will I need to practice?
Practicing is the single most important part of piano study. Students must practice every day and get in the habit of doing so right from the start. For beginners, it is especially important that they create a routine and stick to it, just as they would stick to completing their homework every night. Otherwise, learning to play becomes a very long and arduous process! Not only will students learn proper technique, but also how to read music well, understand theory, and acquire aural skills. Many of the key basics of piano can be learned easily after only a few months of lessons, however, regular and effective practice habits are the only way. Practicing is not about completing a certain number of minutes a day, but about setting goals for each session and practicing until they are achieved. I give all of my students detailed practice plans and strategies--learning HOW to practice is just as much of a skill as learning how to play the piano itself!
What types of music do you teach?
With all young beginner students, I start with a classical approach and teach reading, musicianship (scales, chords, arpeggios), theory, aural skills, and standard classical repertoire. I also teach a fair amount of improv and jazz with older students who have a good knowledge of theory and scales. For adult students, I give them more say in what they want to do since many already have a good idea already! Lessons are very much an exchange of ideas; I'm always willing to work with students' interests in different styles or specific pieces.
Do you offer recitals?
Yes, I host two recitals every year. They are wonderful opportunities for students to perform and show off their skills! I do not require students to participate in recitals for their first semester of lessons. However, students are expected to perform in them during the second semester and beyond.
Are virtual lessons comparable to in-person? What are the pros and cons?
I have been teaching virtual lessons for two years now, and have found that they still have all of the benefits of in-person instruction. I use Muzie, a lesson-specific video platform which is free for students and offers minimal lag time, high quality sound, as well as space for recording and sharing homework assignments. Because both myself and the student are sitting at our own pianos, it is much easier to demonstrate and assess techniques. Lessons require no travel time, making rescheduling much more convenient for everyone.
Online lessons do require more responsibility from the student in terms of recording notes in their own scores as well as staying focused and out of other computer applications during the lesson. However, these skills are all necessary for their own practicing! Virtual lessons have made my own students more independent and self-sufficient, as well as more relaxed since they are in their own homes.
For young beginners (ages 5-6), parents must supervise to aid in comprehension and keeping the student on task. However, I would suggest parental involvement for this age anyway for in-person lessons.
I host live and virtual Zoom recitals twice a year which are livestreamed on Youtube for extended family to view. They have all been successful, rewarding, and very convenient!
I’m currently taking on new students for online lessons, so please follow this link to schedule your first lesson!
