About
We specialize in the precise yet nurturing, classical training of the very young starting at age 3, 4 or 5. Most of our students go on to be highly musical, can play by ear, develop long term memories and are very comfortable with performance. We hold mini-recital every week to give ample opportunity to share. We also train students to participate, if they desire, in the Certificate of Merit program through the State of CA Music Teacher's Association.
Since repetition is the name of the game, we play lots of games! Candyland, Chutes n Ladders, Rubber Duckies, Monkey Math, Tic Tac Toe and anything we can think of to inspire good repetitions.
Parents are parnters in the Suzuki piano method. We love our parents! They sit at the piano with the student as an extra set of eyes and ears to understand what we need to accomplish together in the home environment. We gladly bring the parent to the piano for some personal training time at the end of lessons.
If you would like to schedule one lesson, we will follow up to make sure you are happy with your location and teacher. All teachers are Suzuki trained and mentored by myself. We have teachers that are used to working with the very young student, but we gladly take students of all ages. Our oldest student is almost 70 and has tested at the state level 2 years in a row with Excellent marks!
I love that in the Suzuki method, we never audition the student because at the heart of the method is the belief that every child has talent. If we can all speak our native tongue with fluency and precision, there is every ability to learn the language of music using the same environmental influencers. We take time to joyfully accomplish the repetitions at the piano together and to play the recordings for complete immersion in the language of music.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Monica G.
Monica G.
Ruta
Sheila
Paige
Karen S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the Suzuki method, students begin to develop their ear before beginning to read. Reading music begins after musical competency is achieved both rhythmically and melodically. Great emphasis is placed upon technique and layers of understanding through listening to dynamics, articulation, phasing and all areas of musical detail. Listening, observation and imitation, and performance are internalized and theory is learned through practical explanation and experience. Reading is taught naturally and carefully in order to guide the well-trained ear do you understand what it is seeing. Sight reading samples in the five finger patterns as well as traditional reading series help to train the eye. When students have achieved a basic level of reading, they may be invited to participate in the California state music exams.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor degree in music from Brigham Young University, certified in Suzuki piano levels one through six. 27 plus years teaching and training teachers and students in the Suzuki method. Former director of Music Together Programs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We charge a flat monthly rate, but if you begin at mid-month, we will of course prorate that month for you.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching before I graduated with my piano degree to make sure that I enjoyed it enough to complete it. I have been teaching since I was 18 years old. I now have 4 children and am headed towards 48:)