Carolyn Curtis

Carolyn Curtis

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About

I have been in this business for many more years than I like to admit, and have a wide variety of experience, from classical performance to accompanying, opera, theater, pop styles. I give one to one lessons and like to laugh a lot, but I demand practice to gain mastery. I am willing to try new music but expect to teach classic style. Will be happy to see a few special students.

I enjoy the personalities of the individual students, and also enjoy devising methods to make music meaningful (and legible!) to them all. It is a real pleasure to see a student make significant progress, especially when the music suddenly clicks into place. It's a real challenge, and keeps me happy.


Highlights

1 employee
Serves Phoenix , AZ

No reviews (yet)

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Frequently asked questions

I interview the student to find out what he/she knows already, then indtroduce the keyboard and the concepts of up and down as well as proper hand position and posture.  I then spend time teaching the staff and how to find it on the keyboard.  I introduce a lesson book (for beginners) or a technique book (for more experienced) and start to work at the beginning.  With more experienced students, we discuss their goals and what they expect and that helps to determine our direction.

BA, Music, Smith College; MA, Music and Education, Clark University.

40 + years teaching piano, as well as working as a piano professional:  accompanying, performing, arranging, directing performances.  Church and Temple work same experience.  I also have studied organ and voice and have expertise in those areas.

1/2 hour lessons, $28

3/4 hour lessons, $41

1 hour lessons, $60

I was shanghied by a neighbor who wouldn't take no for an answer, and have been at it ever since.  Also did some teaching during my school years.

Every type you can imagine!  I do not have extensive experience with handicapped or mentally challenged students, though I have occasionally taught them.  I teach children starting at age 6, and have taught adults as old as 90.  There is always something to learn!  I enjoy them all, as long as they don't fight learning and are willing to practice.

I'm really sorry I missed the Phoenix Chorale's performance of Duke Ellington's Sacred Service in October, as well as their Christmas concert last week.

Either have or get a decent keyboard/piano.  I can give recommendations.  Define your objective:  I do not like to put students in competitions and have pretty much given up givig recitals.  I am not a jazz teacher, though I can show you how to do chording and improvise.  I can teach you to have good familiarity with the keyboard and printed music, but do not much teach by ear.  Know that you will have to practice on your own.


Services offered

Piano