About
I am an award-winning pianist with over ten years of professional experience. I've taught students who play piano as one of their many extracurricular activities, older students who are retired and want a new recreational activity, and advanced pianists who are working on a music degree. In addition to private lessons, I have also coached piano ensembles and small chamber ensembles.
I am classically trained and strongly believe that all students should begin their musical training with classical repertoire, as it lays the foundation for nearly every other musical style. My students are also classically trained, but I like to introduce them to other styles as well. Some of the other styles I've studied and/or performed are ragtime, jazz, musical theatre, pop, rock, gospel, and praise & worship.
Every piano student is unique and has specific goals and needs. I work with students and parents to ensure that those individual needs are met, whether that's teaching a particular piece of music, addressing a particular weakness, or preparing students for live performances. I also help my students develop good practice habits so that they are consistently making progress and never feeling discouraged. Most importantly, I believe piano lessons should be fun and engaging! By taking the time to really get to know my students, I can cater my teaching methods to their interests and distinctive learning styles.
Teaching piano is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of my musical life. Between my private studio teaching and university teaching experience, I have taught hundreds of students, each one special and unique. There is nothing more gratifying than watching a student succeed, whether that's in the form of receiving an A in my class or giving a fantastic performance. Perhaps even more rewarding is the fact that my own playing abilities have improved as a result of my teaching.
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Celeste
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My first step is to assess each student's aural, visual, and improvisational skills through rhythm games, singing, and various musical activities. If applicable, I will also ask new students to perform a short that best demonstrates their current playing abilities.
Even students who have never taken a music lesson still possess a certain level of musical aptitude, so I try to identify each student's musical strengths and weaknesses by the end of the first lesson. This allows me to direct them to the proper method books and other materials that will be vital to their musical success!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
•Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, University of Redlands, 2014.
•Master of Music in Piano Performance, University of Redlands, 2016.
•Visiting Lecturer, Piano, University of Redlands, 2017-2020.
•Community School of Music and the Arts, University of Redlands, 2011-present.
•Redlands Piano Camp Faculty & Board of Directors, 2011-present.
•Private Piano Instructor, 2011-present.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons. Please inquire about pricing.
How did you get started teaching?
One requirement of my undergraduate music degree was to take a Piano Pedagogy course. While enrolled in that class, I was assigned my very first piano student, and I ended up liking teaching so much that I immediately asked for more students!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide variety of students, from pre-K children to senior citizens. I've taught students who play piano as a hobby, some who take lessons in order to fulfill a homeschooling elective requirement, and others who are seriously studying piano in order to prepare for college auditions. I firmly believe that it is never too late to start piano lessons, and I happily welcome students of all abilities and ages.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
All of my past studio recitals are wonderful memories that have made me so proud to be a teacher. I do my best to prepare students for live performances and to make sure they are equipped to handle any "surprises" that can occur on stage, but little things can and do go wrong. In spite of this, I have never had a student give a bad performance. On the contrary, my students have always exceeded my expectations while on stage, and it a true joy seeing them light up while sharing their gifts with an audience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I strongly encourage prospective piano students to pursue lessons with professional performers and educators who specialize in piano first and foremost. The early years of piano study are absolutely crucial, and it is imperative that beginner students are given a solid foundation of music fundamentals and piano technique.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you own a piano or keyboard? If not, are you willing to purchase or rent so that you are able to practice in between lessons? What are your musical goals? Do you have time in your schedule for consistent practicing? What styles of music are you most interested in learning how to play? These questions can help students determine which teacher best suits their needs and the length of time they are willing to devote each week to piano lessons and to individual practicing.