About
My name is Mariam Mouawad, and I run my own private music studio called Studio MusiCAL. I have been teaching ever since I was 15 as a student-teacher, and took piano lessons from the age of six all the way through college. I've had multiple piano teachers, and my teaching style has developed from what I've learned with each of them.
I participated in multiple Festivals, the National Piano Auditions, and various other performances, concerts, etc. My participation in these events and my experiences with live performance has given me the tools to prepare my own students adequately for the same thing. I'm proud to say they have all done extremely well, and have learned to enjoy it!
Besides teaching, I enjoy composing, improvising, performing as accompanist at my Church, and working on different projects on the side. I've had experience being Assistant Musical Director in musical theater, did recordings for a CD soundtrack that accompanies the epic fantasy series The Epic of Ahiram, and performed live for different events such as wedding and funeral services, conventions, and social gatherings.
I had and still have students who incorporate their musical skills in their own lives; either as student teachers, performing for the choir at their own Church, joining a band, composing their own music, and performing for weddings.
More than anything, it is my express desire to work with each student in finding and completing personal goals in music, as well as to understand and appreciate this wonderful musical ability. I love what I do, and that makes my job a joy and a dream come true.
Thank you for stopping by and visiting my page!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step is giving parents/new students all the necessary information they will need with regards to my teaching style, studio policy, and teaching philosophy.
Secondly, I request information from each new student so that I can better understand and guide them to their personal goals.
Lastly, we meet up for a trial lesson, which is where I assess the students' level and musical knowledge, and where they can get a feel for my teaching style.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
-Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music with an Emphasis on Pedagogy and Composition
-Member of MTNA (Music Teacher National Association) since 2013
-Member of CAPMT (California Association of Piano Music Teachers) since 2013
-Vice President for SDNC (San Diego Northern California) of CAPMT
-High School Diploma in Social Music from the American College of Musicians
-15+ years of piano playing
-8 years of piano teaching
-Performed as pianist at St. Ephrem in El Cajon for almost 10 years
-Choir Accompanist for St. Gabriel's in Poway
-Assistant Musical Director for the play, Lost and Found
-Composer for CandleBright Books Inc.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
-Tuition is charged at the beginning of each month for the entirety of the month.
-Lessons are broken down into 30 min. (for beginners ages 10 and under), 45 min., and 60 min.
-There is an extra charge to cover travel costs (this varies depending on the region)
-Tuition is subject to change either annually or biannually.
How did you get started teaching?
I started out as a student-teacher when I was 15 years-old, and haven't stopped since! I realized how much I loved the art of teaching music, and I see myself as a guide in helping each student reach their musical goals in life, whatever that may be. I've taught students from all ages, the youngest being 5, to adults, and all levels. It's been an honor to see each student grow and become well-rounded pianists throughout the years!
What types of students have you worked with?
My student clientele have ranged from serious, focused pianists who take a traditional, classical approach, to those who are learning piano as a hobby, to those working for a specific goal (i.e. composition, improvisation, accompanist at Church), as well as those with special needs. Whatever the goal/idea, I see it as my job to help each person achieve it in the absolute best way possible.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learning the piano is an art. It provides the player with a set of skills, techniques, and a special understanding of how music works. While the education you receive from learning something as intricate as music is irreplaceable, it is important to remember that 'practice makes perfect'. It may not always be fun or easy, so you must take music and piano playing seriously. But if you're willing to put the effort and work into it, you'll be able to reach a level of professionalism and be able to use your experience in other areas in your life!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Make a list of what your musical goals are, what opportunities you would like to seek, and what areas of music you would like to learn about. There's so much to cover, including technique, theory, accompaniment, classical repertoire, jazz, improvisation, composition, music history, ensemble, performance, recording studio, teaching, and more! If you know what you would like to focus on, that will better help your teacher in guiding you through it.