Marilyn McClain-West Piano Lessons
About
I enjoy teaching students of all ages and with diverse backgrounds. As a former public school teacher, I know how to present lesson material in a clear, understandable way. I am patient with students, but also want to make sure they are playing musically with correct hand position and good technique. I have a BM in Piano Performance from San Francisco State University and have 18 years of experience as a piano teacher in the East Bay. I am presently teaching at a piano studio in Lafayette as well as privately in my home in Pinole. I am a member of MTAC and can offer the Certificate of Merit to students who are interested in participating,
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I consider the child's age and any previous piano training.
Next I select a lesson and theory book at the correct level. I use the Faber Piano Adventure series. For a young student with no previous piano lessons, we start by exploring the keys on the piano, making sounds, learning how to drop into the notes with the fingers. Then we learn finger numbers and how to follow the finger numbers in order to play beginning pieces.
In the first 3 or 4 lessons, we explore rhythm and practice tapping rhythms. The students learns how to count beats and how many beats each type of note gets.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BM degree in Piano Performance from SFSU. I also have a BS degree in Elementary Education which helps me in planning and presenting piano instruction. I was also a church organist and choir director for 30 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My charge is $25 for 30 minutes and $35 for 45 minutes. I prefer payment in advance at the beginning of the month or no later than the 14th of each month.
How did you get started teaching?
I began by teaching my own daughter when she was 5 years old. Later, I taught the children of church members at the churches where I was an organist. After getting my music degree, I expanded my studio of students and began teaching fulltime.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as 4 1/2 years old and adults in their 50's. Many of my students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Chinese, Indian, Russian, and Filipino. I have had students with learning disabilities and students with emotional problems