About
Lessons are infused with creativity, a diverse curriculum, and insights I've gleaned from reading widely about teaching piano and chess. For example, during piano lessons, I might pull up a YouTube video of a song the student is working on. For younger students and others who are visual learners, I might draw on apps, such as Flashnote Derby, Dustbusters 2, and Simply Piano.
I adapt sections on the fly to help students perfect challenging sections more effortlessly. To make lessons more invigorating I also incorporate student's favorite pieces and allow students to select which areas to practice between our lessons.
I also introduce interested students to improvisation and songwriting, as well as music theory and music history.
Since I'm also passionate about and experienced with teaching chess, several of my enthusiastic students have decided to study chess with me as well.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Rameez S.
Nicole S.
Cindy G.
Phuong-Mai B.
Carmen A.
Christine I.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask their parents and them what are their goals for working with me, what are their favorite subjects and activities, and how they enjoy learning (i.e. reading, working through questions, watching videos, computer games).
I also ask how much homework they have, in order to avoid overburdening them in an already challenging learning environment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a BA in History from Yale College, and an MS/MBA from Purdue. I have earned certificates in jazz piano and songwriting from the Dick Grove School of Music, along with a teaching certificate from Kaplan in Math and English.
To further enrich students' learning experiences, I've completed 10 courses in Psychology, including Developmental Psychology.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is on a case-by-case basis, which depends primarily on frequency and location of sessions.
How did you get started teaching?
I began tutoring in high school when the academic dean asked me to help his daughter with Math. My Freshman year in college I taught underprivileged students at a public high school in New Haven, CT.
After graduating from music school, I began offering private piano lessons to grade and high school students, in addition to substitute teaching English and Music classes at a private school in Hillsborough.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all diverse ages and proficiency with English-- ranging from 7 to 75 years of age; ESL to native speakers in English.
Most of my piano students have ranged from beginner to intermediate levels.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Select a teacher whose personality meshes with yours (i.e. laid back, serious, or detail-oriented)
Try to figure out if the teacher seems interested in your progress, and isn't just teaching to supplement their income.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time they are able to commit to practicing?
Why do they want to learn how to play the piano (to play for themselves or friends and family; play in a band; or, to keep busy)
Why are they choosing piano, as opposed to guitar, drums, violin, or singing?
What styles do they like to listen to and/or what style would they like to play?