MaryJo Hawley
About
I began teaching 40 years ago as a requirement of my study in Piano Performance at UCI. I have enjoyed every year of my life as a music instructor. I am a much better teacher today than I was when I began. The art of teaching never ends. Our students always have one more piece of the puzzle to fill in.
I am a member of the Music Teachers Association of California as well as MTNA. I taught AP Music for the El Dorado Distrist for 3 years.
I love seeing the young ones begin to develope their musicality. I love helping the intermediate student realize that persistence and determination always pay off. I love seeing the advanced students become what they always admired and take the many lessons that music education has taught them into their future.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Gettin to know them. Asking why they want to play the piano. Making sure the lesson atmosphere is as friendly and nurturing as possible.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Piano Perforance from UCI and a MA in Piano Pedagogy from CA State University at Fullerton.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
45 minute lessons are $180 per month
60 minute lessons are $240 per month
90 minute lessons are $360 per month
How did you get started teaching?
It was an requirement of my undergraduate degree.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach all ages, levels of skill and degrees of talent starting with age 6 through 76. I have two autistic students who are thriving. I believe it is the center of their lives.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I teach a set of twins who have two older siblings at higher levels of skill. The twins are a delight, a little boy and a little girl. They are both doing well. The other day the little boy, who is a pistol, informed me that he really wants to play the piano better than his older brothers. He likes to play but he didn't realize it was going to be so hard! I laughed outloud at his serious demeanor but applauded his continued ambition.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The teacher should be enthusiastic about the student's desire to learn and always positive in the learning approach. Above all the teacher should be blessed with great patience and empathy and joy for the art of playing the piano.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What they want to achieve in playing the piano. What kind of music they like to listen to & wish to play.
How they will work consistent practice time into their lives.