Piano Lessons With Andrea

I work at the student's pace, there are no time restricitons to get things done.  We start with a basic book and they learn how to read music notes.  Reading notes is crucial when playing piano.  I make sure students are very comfortable reading music before advancing.  

I've been teaching piano for 20 years to ages 5 thru 80.  I belong to the National Music Teachers Association.  I had taken 13 years of intense piano lessons from a Hart Music School graduate.  From ages 6 to 19.   I was taught classicaly but she taught me many other genres of music as well.  I was also taught to compose music as I love to write music, and I pass this skill on the students who have an interest in writing music.  

I charge $38. for a 1/2 hour lesson. Payable at the first week of the month.   a 1/2 hour lesson includes a great deal of information that the student must remember.  I don't recommend more than a 1/2 hour for beginners.  I offer 45 min lessons to intermediate and advanced students. A 45 minute lesson is $43.00.  There is a charge for a beginner book (for beginners) and possibly music for intermediate and advanced students.  I make no money on the books.  I order them which makes it easier for the parents.  

My mother volunteered me to teach her friends children, and that was the beginning of my teaching career.  I've been teaching on and off full time for 20 years.  I recently moved and am accepting new students in my new location.  I travel to your home for the lessons each week, the same day and time.  

I work with students 5 through 80! (so far).  I work also with special needs students who have autism or downs syndrome, anxiety or adhd.  It's never too late to learn piano.  I have worked with students who like to compete and enter every talent show available, I have worked with students who also joined band in school and played two instruments, I have worked with classically trained only, I have worked with very talented students who incorporated singing into their performances, I have worked with several adults who want to play for fun,.  Each student has their own goals and needs, we explore those together so they have a terrific experience as a piano student.

I am always fond of my annual recitals.  Students work very hard to put on an excellent performance.  The recital is however, optional, not required.

I would recommend looking for a calm, patient and open-minded teacher.    It takes a special person to be able to teach.  I'd also look for someone who offers many types of music so you learn many different techniques.  You should be clear with your teacher what you are looking to get out of the piano lessons.  Some people just want to play for enjoyment. Some students want to perform and compete. Each and every student should be treated as an individual and their goals should be explored with the teacher.

Students should think about what their piano goal is?  For fun, competition, to play classical or a mixture of genres.  How much time they can invest in practicing.  Practice is necessary in learning to play the piano.  What they want the end result to be?  performing, playing for fun, competing, to be classicaly trained, to be able to teach someday, composing music, or for the sheer enjoyment of playing music.