About
Dr. Batista has over 30 years of experience teaching and performing the piano. At Dr. Batista Music Studio, all our teachers are professional musicians whose music education ranges from bachelor's degree in music to a master's degree and doctorate degree in music. All our instructors are background-checked and very knowledgeable. Private instruction provides an ideal environment for mastery of a musical instrument, allowing the teacher to meet the unique needs of each student, adapt to his or her challenge level, asses technical strengths and weaknesses, and create an atmosphere tailored to the student's learning style. We specialize in piano lessons.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If the student is a total beginner, I start by giving them an introduction to the piano. How it works, how the keys are named, etc. Then, I also get to know them to see what are their main goals with the lessons. We then take it from there and I customize their education depending on their age, level, interests, and goals.
If the student has had previous lessons, I will listen to their playing, test their sight-reading skills, look at the books they brought, and then discuss with them my assessment of their playing. We will talk about their goals and I will let them know what I can do to help them achieve a higher level of playing. I will start assigning them materials based on our new goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Doctorate in Music from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I studied pedagogy and have taught beginning students up to university-level piano students. I also have a Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Music performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I currently compose, perform, and teach privately and at a local college.
My team of instructors is composed of professional musicians with university-level music education and degrees in music. We have all been background checked.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
At our studio, our private lessons start at $35 for 30 minutes (our Bachelor degree teachers' lesson fee) and go up depending upon the experience and college level of the teacher and the length of the lesson. My lesson fee starts at $40 for 30 minutes of the private lessons since I have many years of experience, and a Doctorate degree in piano performance. All lessons are customized to each student and we include theory as part of the lesson.
Lessons are paid a month in advance and all lesson fees are non-refundable. Books and/or other educational material needed (like flashcards, metronomes, sheet music, etc.) are not included in the lesson fee.
How did you get started teaching?
Music has been in my life since I can remember. I started teaching beginners at 15 years old while I was attending the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.
What types of students have you worked with?
We only accept students that are 7 years and older for piano lessons.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy looking at the studio YouTube page and seeing my student's performances throughout the years. From very young, up until they graduate from high school. It is very rewarding to see their progress.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you are a serious consumer looking to make an investment out of your music education, then our studio is for you. Some people choose a music studio based on the price, and it is my experience that you get what you pay for. Most of the time, when a student comes from another studio to mine I have to spend the first months trying to correct what was taught incorrectly! Do your homework and choose an experienced professional.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Parents and students must first ask themselves whether they will set aside 30 minutes minimum every day to practice. Learning the piano is an art that requires commitment, discipline, and practice.