Antonio Espinal Piano Lessons
About
Classical Pianist and conductor with over 20 years of experience teaching from kids to adults. Former Piano Faculty at the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico City. at age 21 when hired, I became one of the Youngest Pianist ever at the National Opera Company of Mexico playing the piano and coaching singers for more than 60 Operas. Bachelor with Honors at the National University of Mexico, Bachelor in orchestral conducting at the National Conservatory of Music, Master's in orchestral and choral conducting at Carnegie Mellon University, and currently, DMA (doctorate) candidate at the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at CUA, in Washington D.C. My unique approach is a combination of many pedagogy methods, from classical European to Jazz. My goal is that students LEARN by doing while having fun and enjoy and learn that DISCIPLINE is essential, but the discipline has to come from the inside out, NOT from the teacher to the student. My job is to inspire students to desire to be disciplined and get the results.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask the student to play something if they have played previously. Even if they are beginners. That will allow me to see the natural student's skills. Then I explain my technique, which is pretty much German one, based on RELAXATION of the muscles. ALL THE TIME. I( play and show the student, the difference between playing with tension and without tension. How the SOUND CHANGES when a pianist is NOT relaxed. and then, I explain the posture, with the student now in front of the piano, the basic rules, and I bring the book we will follow (Alfred All-in-one is the one I use the most). The student plays, I explain and give the homework. I tell the student, he/she needs to practise EVERY DAY.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was a Faculty professor at the National Conservatory of Music for 6 years. I've been teaching privately pianists and singers because of my Opera Background.
What types of students have you worked with?
From Kids 7-8 years old, many teens, to adults. I always say starting as a kid is the best! BUT kids NEED THE BEST CARE and Pedagogy. It is the GREATEST responsibility to teach WELL to a kid since we can make the difference between a child love music or hate it for the rest of their life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
a 5 years old piano student who come privately and she says coming to my class is the happiest day for her, and a 19 years old singer who started at age 10, Crisia Regalado in Los Angeles. Today she has her WON ROCK BAND, she composes the lyrics and music along with the guitar player, and the other day she wrote me: "Thanks, Antonio, for giving me a beautiful childhood".
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
to always look for a professional teacher who CARES about the process of LEARNING of the student. every student is different, so, they are not "recipes". We are dealing with human beings, some are more visual, some more auditory and some more kinesthetic. So, we have to be aware of the uniqueness of the student!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is what YOU WANT to play in the future? Do you see yourself more like a classical pianist, a Jazz pianist, a pop songwriter? Do you like to play the music for your church, for instance, with a gospel/traditional/contemporary choir? Do you like making music with others? like piano-violin, or accompanying a singer? Do you see yourself playing in a band? We could start always with classical, but keeping in mind your goals, will allow me to help you to achieve them. someone who wants the freedom and creativity that JAZZ music requires in order to improvise, requires a DIFFERENT approach, technique, repertory and structure of classes FROM THE BEGINNING, that teaching someone who wants to be a classical concert pianist!