About
I started taking private piano lessons when I was 11 years old. At age 15 I started to play for church congregations and weddings. I also performed at my High School Graduation in 2004. After my teacher passed away, I took a few piano courses at City College of San Francisco. It was only a hobby until I started teaching. My first student was 6 years old. He took my place as the church pianist when I left to serve a full time LDS Mission in Dallas, TX in 2009. He is now 20 years old, and plays both piano and organ and has piano students of his own. He is one of many students I've had the joy of teaching. My teaching techniques are simple and straight forward. The book I use is adult level but its approach is basic, clear and easy enough for children to understand. I have a sweet personality, and lots of patience for teaching children as well as adults. I love what music does to the young mind, and the discipline they develop, which I know will benefit every aspect of their lives, just how playing piano has in my own life. The more I teach, the more I realize it's no longer a hobby, but my passion.
I enjoy working one-on-one with children. It's amazing to see their minds working. Sometimes they will even stop me, sit there and they will figure it out all on their own. It's like you almost see the little lightbulb turn on above their head. And they just get it. It's so rewarding to witness, and be part of that process.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Rochelle
M A.
Shareen J.
Rosi H.
Jeanette A.
Lena P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start off by introducing myself, giving them a brief background about me and how I feel about music. I ask them questions about their experience with music, specifically with the piano and why they are taking lessons. Once I get an idea about their goals and skill level, I'll introduce them to the book I will use and get started!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took 2 years of private piano lessons, and 2 semesters of intermediate piano at City College of San Francisco. The rest of my skills and knowledge was self-taught. I do plan to go back to school and learn even more, but for now I love teaching as well as spending time with my almost two-year-old at home.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing goes as follows:
30 mins $25
45 mins $30
60 mins $35
plus $10 if I travel to student's location.
How did you get started teaching?
I was serving as church pianist in my congregation. I realized I was the only person who knew how to play, and because I knew I would be leaving to serve a full time mission for 18 months in a few years, I decided to prepare a possible replacement. My first student was 6 years old. I didn't charge him anything because I didn't know how good I was going to be as a teacher. And that's when I realized how much I enjoyed and loved it. He made so much progress that by the time I was leaving for my mission, he easily took my place as pianist and organist. It was a very proud moment for me. I had other students as well, I gave lessons as a missionary and continued to teach when I came home.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have a lot of experience and am more comfortable working with beginners. I think it's important to establish a strong foundation of the basics in order to be successful in intermediate and advanced levels.
I have worked with students with a few months or short years of experience and I'm more as a guide for them when learning new piano pieces, and learning different dynamics to enhance their performance.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When my husband and I got married in 2012, one of my students played the entrance music at our wedding reception. It was such a memorable experience for me, but also a great experience for my student to play in front of so many people! He played Canon in C, and he did it beautifully!