About
I have taught private voice and/or piano lessons for about 20 years to students age 4 to adult. I teach classical piano and voice and in addition to voice I teach musical songs and jazz. My piano students learn to read, play in a relaxed way, and demonstrate good technique. I am a member of the Music Teacher's Association of California and have had students participate in the Certificate of Merit program for at least 15 years.
Over the years, I have learned how to keep the student's interest, and have developed my own method for teaching how to read music.
I have a Master's in Music Education with a Kodaly Emphasis. This means that I teach musicianship, ear training, music literacy (how to read and write music), and theory, all in a very fun way! My approach is good for all students learning an instrument and also for vocal, and choral students to learn to read music without the aid of an instrument.
The vocal technique I teach works quickly in the voice to extend the range in both directions, to project the voice, and to relax so that the student learns good singing habits. Of course, the students has to be willing to work, and try new things.
I LOVE seeing progress! I hear over and over how my students love their lessons. This comes from students who are learning piano and musicianship together. The musicianship is challenging in a fun way, and it makes learning piano (or voice) easier.
I also enjoy teaching students of all ages. Teaching takes patience. I have learned this over the years, and am very sweet with the student. I have been told many times, that I am the "Best" teacher.
When I see students learning and having fun, I am motivated to work hard on behalf of the student. It's fun for me too!
Highlights
Reviews
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Damon W.
Elisabeth W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If the student is new, I start by teaching them a little piece to get their interest, and give them simple exercises to develop good technique. There is a large foundation to establish so the little pieces, taught by: ear or by rote, or using finger numbers and also letter names, help the student get through pre-reading exercises and learning the staff, until they can play pieces by reading them on their own.
If the student has prior lessons, I will have them play something for me, I will ask them theory questions to see what they know, and I will have them play something simple which they haven't seen before to see how well they read. I will then make an assessment as to how to proceed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Masters in Music Education with a Kodaly Emphasis. Search on Kodaly, if you are not familiar with it. Zoltan Kodaly's philosophy and concepts are amazing!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hr or $45 for 45 minutes. 30 minute lessons ($30) are only for very young students.
How did you get started teaching?
Some time after I received my Bachelor of Music, I volunteered in my son's elementary classroom (3rd grade). The students loved the lessons and so I started teaching piano and voice privately and soon got a job in an elementary school teaching general music lessons and recorder. I also started an after-school choir.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am comfortable with all ages and nationalities. I am currently teaching piano and musicianship to an amazing 4 year old. And also I am teaching voice (ear training), piano and musicianship to a woman in her 60s; and everyone in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just last week, I was teaching piano to an 8 1/2 year old boy. I sat on the bench with him so we could play a duet together. He told me how sad he was that his mother was gone (she was in Japan on a business trip). He leaned his head on my arm. His voice was very sweet, and innocent as he talked about how he wanted his whole family together. In a minute or so after saying that, he was ready to play the duet with me, and did a good job focusing on his part.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is difficult for those who have limited musical experience to know if a teacher will teach effectively. Most students do not learn how to read music; which means, most teachers do not teach effectively how to read music. Students can learn to play something but if you put new, simple music in front of them, they cannot play it without looking at their hands, and count out loud, and keep a steady beat, and make very few to no mistakes.
I would ask the teacher what is important to them when they are instructing a student. Most teachers want the student to play pieces to show they are making fast progress. As a result, a foundation in reading and technique is secondary. However, the student will have difficulty getting into hard music if they don't read or play clearly and cleanly which is a result of having good technique.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about the kind of teacher they want to work with and their goals.
If the student wants to learn to play play rock n roll, they should probably not go to a classical teacher. Or.... start with a classical teacher, learn something about music for a few years and then switch to jazz or rock n roll.