About
I am the sole piano and sole voice teacher on the Juilliard School's Private Teacher Directory in the following two cases:
IN PIANO: I am the only piano teacher listed from the Los Angeles area to the Washington State border, east through Utah.
IN VOICE: I am the only voice teacher listed from the Mexican to the Canadian borders, east through Utah, with the exception of another voice teacher in Oklahoma.
Highlights
Reviews
Sara M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The student AUDITIONS me: he or she watches me teach another student around the same age and/or experience. After this, we have a discussion where i answer questions, and the student then makes up his/her mind. ALL LESSONS ARE VIDEOTAPED so the student is able to repeat what was learned! Students are strongly encouraged to ask any question which may come up.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Cornell: 1'st recital by an undergrad in school history.
Juilliard: 1'st grad school with piano major.
Queens College: Musicology and Music Education Master's degree.
NYU Steinhardt: Ph. D. in Piano Technique!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Too complicated to explain here. This is discussed at the student's audition of my teaching.
How did you get started teaching?
Donald J. Grout, Cornell's Music Department Chairman, asked me to teach piano when the two faculty piano teachers schedule were full.
What types of students have you worked with?
Geniuses; Regular students; Autistic; Asperger's; disabled. Ages 2 through 95.
I have elderly students who use music as therapy to enhance cognition, etc.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
See photo: I have been invited back for my 4'th tour of China in 5 years! I shall likely produce a classical music Festival in Hong Kong within the next two years.
I am one of the few teachers in the Bay area who has an active performance career in addition to teaching.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for congruence between your idea and mine: this should be clear within 3 months. For instance, if a teacher tells you to "Go home and practice," and you are NOT SHOWN HOW TO PRACTICE, find another teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I want to study piano?
Do I really need to learn piano if I am a voice student?