
About
Hello!
My first priority is teaching towards the interest of my students. I teach all aspects of music but focus them towards what my students would like to accomplish. While reading notes, knowing theory and learning technique are all important I believe improvising, playing by ear, and being able to play off of a chord sheet is just as valuable. Whether you would like to play Moonlight Sonnata or your favorite pop song, I am here to empower you.
I have taught piano for two years, at Jacaranda Music Studios, Harmony Studios and my own private lessons. I majored in music, emphasis in voice, at Biola Universtiy. I recieved lessons around the age of 9 but stopped after 4 years because of moving around. Throughout highschool I taught myself by ear and would spend hours on the piano. Throughout college I continued with piano and learned the theory behind what I had figured out by ear.
This is why I approach teaching wholeistically and creativley. I believe music is like learning to speak, read and write a new language. We do not teach children grammar before we teach them words, and we do not teach them to read before we tell them stories. I believe learning to improvise and play by ear is just as important as reading notes. I believe hearing the tonal differences between chords and recoginzing patterns is just as important as knowing music theory. Thus, much like learning how to speak, I approach teaching music from many angles so the language of music can be imbedded inntuitivley instead through memorization.
My favorite moment in teaching is when a student has conqured a hard section, piece, or consept and I can see the pride on their face. Growth in music is exciting because it is easily indetifiable, there are many different skills to grow in, and the restul is usually something beautiful.
I also enjoy watching the wonder of music capture my students. I get to see their eyes widen and a smile instantly light up their face the first time I play a blues scale for them, or the first time I show them the different sounds of a minor and major chord. The magic of music, the different feelings and tones that can be communicated through sound, is what drew me to music. Seeing my students become excited over the mini worlds they can now create is truly rewarding.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I figure out what their goals are in music and decide what would be the best strategie to reach those goals.
I then gauge which level they are at musically and according to this recommend which set of books they should buy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took 4 years of piano lessons and music theory before College. In college I studied voice and took Keyboard I-IV along with Theory I-IV.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First lesson is complimentary! After that:
30min = $25
45min = $35
60min = $50
+ $5 If I am driving to you.
I give a 10% discount of total price if I am teaching multiple siblings.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano/voice during college at two different music schools, at one point I had a total of 30 students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked mostly with students between the ages of 4-14 with some adults sprinkled inbetween. They all had varios learning styles, skill levels, and attention spans. Because of this I have implemented visual, audio, and kynesthetic learning tools into my teaching style.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your favorite band/song and why? If you could learn to play any song, what would it be? What previous experience do you have with music (this includes listening, playing, reading notes, dancing etc)? Why do you want to learn piano?