About
My mission in music is to help students develop their God given talent, to experience the joy of making music, develop the skills to express music on the piano, and the confidence to perform as soloists, accompanists, and as a member of an ensemble. I want my students to be proficient at reading music and to develop their potential at playing by ear with skillful accompaniment as well. I also encourage students to write songs and will teach ongoing theory which will give a good foundation for composing. Performing in front of an audience is the best way to develop confidence and poise in a formal setting. To this end, I will present my students in recital at least twice a year and will look for other venues and opportunities for them to share at all levels of performance. I have been playing piano and taking lessons since I was three and have a B.A. in music with a piano major. As a public school teacher, I taught general music in the elementary school and taught group piano lessons. I prefer private lessons however as it allows each student the attention they deserve to progress and develop their unique capabilities. Besides teaching piano, I have directed choir and served as organist for various churches and currently play piano with the worship band at my church.
I enjoy working with each student, finding out what their goals and desires are for making music and helping them realize those goals. My students are like a family now. At a recent recital I was so proud of each one who performed. Afterward at the reception, families were greeting one another, congratulationg the performers, and commenting on the growth they heard in the students' abilities.
Highlights
Reviews
Sally S.
Qianyan C.
Elaine P.
Albert D.
William K.
Nadia M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I talk with the student about their aspirations and motive for wanting to learn to play piano. I asscess their experience and determine their readiness to learn (that is, is the student at a pre-reading level, such as a young child, is able to read and understand abstract symbols, or has had some note reading experience.) If the student has had lessons, I like to hear them play something they know.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken piano lessons from age 3 through college, earning a B. A. in music with a piano major. I have also been teaching piano throughout my life, beginning in college in the 1960's.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My price is $45 a lesson in my home, with an additional travel/time fee of $10 in the student's home.
Additional family members will be $30 per lesson.
Recitals will be a suggested donation of $10 per family. Adult students may choose whether or not to participate but all are welcome to attend my Spring and Fall recitals.
How did you get started teaching?
As a college student with a major in piano, I had a full schedule of students on Saturdays in my home town (40 miles from my college). Well known to friends at church and through school, my students came to me by word of mouth. I also had several students during the week that I got through student employment office at Cal State Fresno.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught all ages, kindergarten through adults of all ages. My eldest student was 73, a very sharp guy who taught flying. I also taught general music in the elementary schools in Sacramento as my full-time employment, which gave me extensive experience working with a wide variety of personalities and ethnicities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am very proud to present my students in recital twice a year. We have a lovely venue which gives students the opportunity of performing on a grand in a formal setting. Preparing for the recitals gives students motivation to polish their performance and the anticipation always prompts them to do their best.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In addition to checking out the teacher's experience and qualification, there has to be good chemistry. I recommend meeting the teacher for a trial lesson before committing to selecting a teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Find out what the teacher expects in the way of attendance and practicing.
Learn what methods the teacher recommends. If your goal is to play popular music for example, will your lessons include this genre, or will it be strictly from lesson books or classical repetoire.