About
I was trained classically, but I know that not everyone has the same goals. I try to match my teaching with the student's goals, and the amount of time they are able to devote to the instrument. I am friendly and casual. I emphasize music theory, and work it into all my teaching from the very beginning. Frankly, I wish I had been taught that way, rather than simply how to play. A knowledge of music theory enables one to enjoy listening to music so much more, as well as to play more easily.
I enjoy seeing students of all ages experience the thrill of making music for themselves. In the age of technology, there is nothing quite like making a piano respond to your own special touch. Once the student is ready, I enjoy introducing the student to the huge array of popular music that has been simplified for beginning and intermediate students. When a girl can can play "Let It Go", or a boy can play the "Star Wars" theme, they have tasted that thrill. And you'd be surprised at how many of them enjoy playing traditional classical music.
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Shannon S.
George Stevens I.
Shannon S.
Shannon S.
Brian O.
Brian O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to find out what kind of music they enjoy. As much as possible, I try to find suitable sheet music or collections that are simplified for a beginner. When talking with the parent of a prospective school age student, I work questions in that give me an idea about how to meet the child's needs: Is he left handed? Does she play any sports? Does he enjoy using his hands to crafts? Does she enjoy school? What kind of music do you and your child enjoy together? Does anyone else in your family play an instrument? I select appropriate instructional material for the age and interest level for beginners, from age 10 through the adult years. I teach not only to play pieces, but work music theory into all my instruction, so that the student understands how music is constructed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
After childhood piano lessons with the Sisters of St. Joseph, I studied privately on Philadelphia's Main Line. By the time I was in seventh grade, I was accompanying the concert choir at Tredyffrin Easttown Junior High, and continued as accompanist for the concert choir at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. I auditioned and was accepted as a music major concentrating in piano at the conservatory at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. Wishing to concentrate solely on piano and theory, without having to learn other orchestral instruments, I majored in English and minored in music. I accompanied violin and voice lessons, continued studying piano, and took all the music courses only available to music majors, including history of music, music theory, and harmony. I graduated with College and Academic Honors. Following college, my military officer husband was posted to Germany, where I played the organ for two chapels. Most recently, before moving to Florida, I was organist and choir director for the Reformed Church of the Ascension United Church of Christ for over ten years, while working as a professional librarian for the School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia for 25 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The price of $20 per half hour lesson is set by Marion Music. Ordinarily, this should be paid one month in advance, so that the student's schedule reserves their time slot. If necessary, lessons can be paid for weekly or biweekly.
How did you get started teaching?
My late mother, Norma Hall, was a church musician and piano teacher until she died in 2000. After being asked to consider teaching at Marion Music many times, I finally started after retiring from library work, and moving permanently to Florida.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I enjoy listening to music?
Do I really want to play the piano enough to devote at least 30 minutes a day to practicing?
Do I want lessons, or does my parent want me to take lessons?
Is Marion Music in Palm Bay convenient to where I live, work, or go to school?
Can I commit to taking 4 lessons a month, and consider my lessons a priority?
Do I have the financial resources to budget $80 per month for my lessons, and to purchase appropriate books and sheet music that my teacher recommends?