Your Kind Of Music -- Descant LLC
About
I love bringing the joy of musical creation into a student's life and helping them achieve individual goals along the way. Music is a joyful, universal language and helping others share that language makes my work fulfilling in big and small ways every day.
More than 35 years of professional experience as a performer, teacher, coach and collaborator in all genres. I believe students all have different goals and objectives, and lessons must be customized to meet individual needs while encouraging progress, sustainable learning, and fun!
Member MTNA, CSMTA, Denver Area MTA
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New student lessons are an exploration. First steps are to get to know the students goals, current knowledge, tastes in music, physical abilities or limitations, and reasons for studying. Then we begin to introduce concepts and see what kind of learning style the student has and how fast they pick up new information and skills. From there we can plan a course of study that will meet the student's needs and move them forward in a comfortable but challenging path.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a working professional pianist and instructor for 35+ years. After graduating from DU Magna Cum Laude with my degree in Piano Performance I began working professionally in the Denver area. I have performed as soloist with the Denver Symphony (now the Colorado Symphony), worked as primary coach/accompanist with Opera Colorado for more than 25 years, and have worked with a large variety of Colorado and international musicians and performing groups. I have coached every level from beginning students to international artists and enjoy customizing every session to the unique talents and tastes of the individual student.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons run $30 per half hour, $45 for 45 minutes, $60 for an hour. I add a small travel charge in cases where I travel to the student's location, usually $5-$10 depending on distance.
How did you get started teaching?
I began as a college student, covering student lessons for my own teacher when she went away for the summer. I taught on the side during college as time allowed, and after completing my degree I began building my studio. I have continued to teach throughout the years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with absolute beginners (both young children and adults) and also with advanced students preparing for college auditions or pre-professional training. I have coached and mentored highly skilled professional musicians both locally and internationally.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure any teacher is open to teaching you what YOU want to learn, rather than strictly abiding by one set course of study. You will enjoy your music more, practice more and get better faster if you are personally involved in making some of the decisions about what kind of music to play and have some ownership in the process.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your ultimate goal...to learn to perform, play for friends, play by ear, improvise, write your own music, accompany yourself singing, or just have fun? Those are all valid goals, but might take different approaches, so think about what you want to be able to do.