About
A natural teacher at heart, I teach Piano, Visual Arts, and Yoga. With over 10 years of experience taking piano lessons, I love to share my knowledge to new or intermediate level students. I began playing the piano at age seven and advanced to honors recitals of Certificate of Merit through the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). I have been teaching private piano lessons online and at home for the last seven years.
I use a variety of materials like flashcards and book series to teach classical, jazz, pop, and sacred styles: Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, Bastien Basics, Bastien & Bastien, Faber’s Piano Adventures, FunTime Faber & Faber, Piano for the Older Beginner, Alfred Masterworks, and Hal Leaonard Songs from Disney.
I cater your learning experience based on your preferences at your level. I combine theory, technique, practice, counting, vocabulary, and performance pieces.
My students love the patience and personalization that I bring to each lesson. Demonstrating each piece, we often have fun singing along and adding games or flashcards to aid in understanding. Although playing and making music should be a fun experience, it also requires patience, discipline and self-awareness. Students need a piano or keyboard are expected to practice a minimum of an hour a week at home.
I love helping people to follow their curiosity, learn, and achieve their goals.
Howard Washington Thurman states, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Maya K.
Easton B.
Luna
Alison R.
Logan B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After deciding on an appropriate reacurring day and time, we start the first lesson with a review of, or teaching of, finger numbers and note names (flashcards). Depending on the student's level, I will have a selection of piano books to choose from and we will decide on the first piece to learn. If the student has previous experience, I encourage them to work with the set of books that they used in the past, if they liked them. Then I will demonstrate how to play the piece while counting the rhythm. If there are words to the song, the student is welcome to sing along. I also allow video recording to help the student familiarize themselves with the flow of a piece. I will give the new student a practice record sheet to record how many minutes they practiced each song and reward a minimum of 1.5 hours with stickers and minutes of Piano Tiles to be played at the end of the next lesson. After learning a song at 80% or better, students receive a stamp, on their piano passport, from my collection.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certificate of Merit through the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $1 per minute for a minimum of 30 minutes and maximum of 60. I charge an additional $20 travel fee to drive to your location.
How did you get started teaching?
As a California Credentialed teacher, I taught Visual Arts at a local charter school. After it closed down, I began to offer private art lessons and began to offer piano as well. Now I have 21 students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with Pre-K students, elementary-aged children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and elderly recovering from brain injuries.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy attending symphony performances and hosting annual casual piano recitals for my students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I encourage new piano students to commit to excellence and to stay focused on their goals for learning how to play the piano.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about how much time each week they have to practice as well as what styles of music they prefer.