Lessons By Laura

I meet with the student and evaluate abilities. In the first meeting(s) i like to get a feel for the students personalities and prepare lessons that will suit them beset. I also like to meet with the parents quickly to explain what my recommendations regarding practice times and methods.  

I have my Bachelor’s of Arts in Music from San Diego State University. I also have taken years of piano studies, as well as college courses that pertain to instruments that I teach. I also have years of experience as an accompanist, church pianist and music instructor for classroom music.

My standard pricing is $30 for a 30 minute lesson, $45 for 45 minute lesson and $60 for an hour lesson. I believe this is a reasonable based on my experience and education.

I began teaching in about 1998 when a church member asked me to teach her daughter who was four years old at that time. I followed the methodology of my piano professor because it included not only learning to play, but also included technique studies as well as performance techniques. I then started teaching at a private school and at one point had almost 40 students - piano, clarinet, violin, guitar and voice. I then pursued my degree in music which I attained from SDSU.

I have worked with students of all ages, my youngest who was four years old. I do believe that anyone who has the desire to learn can truly succeed. I have had a few special needs students and follow the same principal of making lessons interesting according to their interests and needs. Most students are willing to learn and I make an effort to find different ways to reach each studet.

A student that at first seemed a bit reluctant to learn suddenly became inspired and began to be first to take her lesson and has put in a double effort. It truly shows because she is learning new techniques so brilliantly. I am happy to see her smiling face when she reaches her goal. Of course, each gets a special sticker(s) as a reward for their efforts. 

I would like students to have an open mind and be ready to learn. It’s important that the student and parents trust the teacher’s abilities and methods in learning. Trust is very important. The student should feel comfortable with the teacher and the teacher should also have an patient method of teaching. Each student has a different way of learning and the instructor should cater to those needs. 

Of course, each student should be willing to practice. It doesn’t have to start at hours a day, but could even begin at about 15 minutes a day, building up to more time.

The students should evaluate what their goals are when it comes to learning music and their instrument. Also, they should understand that a commitment to practicing is essential, and start making a schedule for daily practice.