Play It Again Piano Studio
About
My passion as a piano teacher is to guide my students to play with feeling, like they are telling their story. I tell my students that music is an art so while anyone can learn to play the keys on a piano and to read music, it takes an artist with heart to make music come alive.
I studied under a concert pianist from Germany for twelve years and also took piano lessons in college, performing Claude Debussy's "Gardens in the Rain" in my end-of-the-year recital on a nine-foot grand piano in an auditorium filled with around four hundred people. It was exhilarating!
I have been teaching piano for nearly twenty years to kids and adults in Parker, Centennial, southeast Aurora, and Castle Rock. I love doing this! I also arrange music for my students and compose music every once in awhile. Please visit my website is www.playitagainpianostudio.com for more information.
My work as a piano teacher is especially enjoyable when the student gets music and plays with feeling and passion.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is jam-packed. We start with the lesson book, discussing types of pianos and keyboards and what the differences are. Then we look into how to sit at the piano and use hands and fingers, even shoulders and arms.
Next, we learn about three music notesnotes: the quarter note, the half note, and the whole note and their values. I associate the notes to coins to help in understanding the values and the concept of a "whole" measure of notes compared to a "whole" dollar. Then, it's time to learn more about measures, bar lines, and the double bar.
Finally, it's time to some songs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took 13 years of piano lessons with one year of piano lessons in college. I played in annual recitals (13 in total) plus for youth choir and church services. I have more than 20 years of experience playing for church and for choir. So, I know how to play the piano very well (it's NOT a those-who-can't-teach situation).
As far as teaching is concerned, I've been a Sunday school teacher, a mentor, and a tutor most of my adult life. I also have a bachelor's degree in social science with a teaching emphasis.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons cost $24 per 30-minute lesson or $90 per month for 10 months. For longer lessons, it's an additional fee based on length ($36 for a 45-minute lesson and $48 for a 60-minute piano lesson).
I offer family discounts when two or more children in the same family take piano lessons concurrently.
Other costs are: a yearly supply fee to defray the costs of practice incentives and awards, a recital fee to to play in the annual Big Recital, and the cost of the sheet music at face value.
How did you get started teaching?
A friend's of mine pointed out the lack of piano teachers in the area and encouraged me to teach. I walked into a local music store and signed up to be a piano teacher. Within a week I had three students!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all ages (from age four and up) with all kinds of learning styles (learning music, specifically piano, encompasses all learning styles), personalities, and attention spans.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A student looking for a 🎹 piano or keyboard teacher should make sure of three things:
1. Does the teacher teach the style of music the student wants to learn?
2. Is the teacher an expert (really knowledgeable) in the field of music?
3. Does the teacher have a personality the student can deal with and learn from?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think through at least two things before talking to their teacher:
1. Have I or am I willing to diligently and regularly practice the piano?
2. Is the solution something that will come with more thought (do I really need the help or can I resolve it myself)?