About
My studio offers lessons in classical piano and jazz piano.
My goal is to cultivate in each student a life-long love for music and good work ethics. I do this by keeping an open-mind in choosing the repertoire for the student, while paying a great deal of attention to making sure that the student is developing a good technical foundation, which is the only way that the student will be able to progress far down the road. My teaching style is gentle but firm.
Teaching piano has been my full-time occupation over the last 16 years. I have taught at a number of community music schools in Massachusetts and California, including Orchepia and Opus119 in Irvine, California. I will be teaching part-time at the Cerritos Yamaha Music School beginning July of 2017. My private studio was established in 2004 in Massachusetts. Students of mine have won competitions and passed piano exams with merit.
I love playing the piano and teaching. I love seeing people grow through music and through developing skills at a craft. Teaching piano gives me all of these things.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Gail B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I take my time to get to know the student and parent through an informal interview or trial lesson. I assess their goals, the student's strengths and weaknesses, and determine if I am the right person to help them. If yes, then I will accept the student. If not, I will refer the student to others.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BM summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music
Piano pedagogy training at the New England Conservatory
(for my full biography, please visit my website at: www.facebook.com/teacher.ruth)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Currently, the studio gives only in-home lessons (i.e. travel to the student's home to teach). These prices include tuition and traveling:
$35 per 30-minute lesson
$52 per 45-minute lesson
$67 per 1-hour lesson
Please note that:
1. The teacher will travel only up to a maximum of 5 miles one-way from La Palma (zip code 90623).
2. An acoustic piano is required for lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching as part of a workstudy program at the Boston Arts Academy in 1999. After receiving my BM degree in 2001, I taught at two private middle schools in Massachusetts for a year. Then I taught at several community music schools from 2004 - 2014 while establishing and teaching at my home studio. My home studio became fully self-sustaining in 2015.
What types of students have you worked with?
Age 5 - 65; classical and jazz; students who want to do competitions and students who just want to play for fun. Basically - a very wide range.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A student of mine had some performance anxiety issues. She worked very, very hard towards a competition, and through the hard work we did together, she played very well and won first place in the competition. She gained a new level of confidence in herself - a confidence that she gets to keep for life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be humble and open-minded to learn; and be willing to work hard, very hard. Then you will go way further than you can imagine.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What is the reason that I'm taking piano lessons?
2. Do I have any specific short-term or long-term goals in doing this?
3. How much am I willing to practice?
4. What particular issues have I had with my lessons in the past that I hope my new teacher can and will help me address successfully?