Curtis Private Piano Instruction
About
Mrs. Curtis has a B.A. E in choral education and a Masters in Music from Arizona State University and recently retired from 39 years of teaching music at Mesa Unified Schools. Lessons are catered to the individual depending on skill level from beginner to advanced and on what they see as their goal. Classical music is taught as a foundation but everything from pop to Broadway to movie themes or jazz is used to supplement instruction with student input leading the way. Theory is integrated into the lessons in a practical way reflecting on the pieces being studied.
It is always amazing to see the joy on a student's face when they begin to be able to play for themselves and create music. I have enjoyed playing the piano since I was 7 years old and now I have the privilege of passing it on to others. It never gets old.
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on the age of the student, I talk with them and/or their parents asking what their background is and what has inspired them to want to learn to play the piano. I ask if they have any specific goals. I remember my first goal was to learn how to play the Star Spangled Banner! If they have played piano before, I ask them to play a piece for me so I can see what level they are at. If they are a beginner, I have an introductory lesson that introduces them to the parts of the piano and we begin to play with simple melodies at the first lesson
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A.E in choral education (1978) and a Masters of Music degree(1987) from Arizona State University. Piano was my major instrument. I received private instruction in piano since the age of 7. At ASU I studied with Dr. James Ruccolo . and after I received my Masters Degree I continued studying for my own pleasure with Mrs. Peggy Missal who was a performer in a classical trio and also played in a piano duo.
I also taught General Music in the Mesa Unified School District for 39 years. I was in charge of Music Instruction and Curriculum for K-6th grade students. I founded an after school choir at my school which ran for the 38 years I taught at that school. At the District level I was involved in organizing choral festivals and General Music Festivals and served on the Curriculum Committee to create standards for the General Music program for the Mesa Public Schools.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $20 per half hour. Beginning students usually have a 30 minute lesson once a week. Advanced students depending on amount of music study may have 30 minute or 45 or 60 minute lessons
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching after I received my Bachelor's degree because I love teaching and wanted to share my knowledge of piano with students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as 5. and adults in their 60's. I have worked with junior high and high school students. Most of my young students were beginners but even some of my adults were beginners. My high school students were more advanced pianists. I have some training in working with special education students and did teach one high functioning autistic child .