About
Music is for everyone to learn and enjoy. I have taught for over 30 years sharing and making music with my students. I love being able to share my experience and encourage my students to continue their lifelong love of playing and creating music.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Lisa L.
Faraja E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process for working with a student with no musical training is to start by asking questions about what styles of music do they listen to, what interests them, and what are their goals in terms of playing the piano. With younger beginners I like to stick to their interests and favorite types of music. With students who have had some musical education I will ask them to play for me if they have something prepared and then complete a few sight reading activites. I will also ask some general music theory questions as well as stylistic interests and what their goals for piano study are.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching piano for over 30 years. I am classically trained and hold a Bachelor & Masters degree in piano from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition to classical training I have studied and performed in a variety of popular styles througout my career.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons for beginning students are 30 minutes in length, once per week and I charge $30 per lessons. Intermediate to advanced students will have either 45 - 1hour lessons depending on level. 45 minute lessons are $45 and hour lessons are $55.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching my senior year of high school teaching young beginning students. I found that I really enjoyed teaching and have been doing so ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide variety of students over the years. The youngest student I have had was 3 years old when she started and my oldest student was 89 years old. I have worked with students interested in classical styles, popular styles like R&B and country music as well as students interested in jazz.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have had Benjamin as a student for 5 years and he has always struggled with reading and understanding rhtyhm. We have worked many different ways to better understand and interpret rhythms. The past 6 months I have seen and heard tremoundous progress in Benjamin's rhtyhmic reading. Watching and listening to all of his hard work paying off is a great reward for me as a teacher.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you have. I am here to help you achieve your musical goals and the best way for me to understand those goals is with open communication. I absolutely love students who are full of questions so ask away!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What styles of music are you interested in learning at the piano? How much time are you willing to practice during a typical week?