Evangelia Maragouthakis, M.Ed

The first step when evaluating a prospective student is to understand what they know about the instrument and what their short-term and long-term goals are for learning. I usually do this within the context of a 30 minute consultation so that I can get to know them and build a degree of initial rapport. I want to know what their interests and ambitions are. I also focus on what they know, gauge anything that may need to be further clarified later, and get a sense for what they really want to learn and then we build from there together. 

My musical journey started early in life. Formal lessons were a part of my weekly routine from age 7 to age 20. I attended Westminister Conservatory in Princeton New Jersey. I have done several recitals and camps during my time at the conservatory. It was there that I learned about the discipline of music. I experienced several different teachers with different instructional styles. In high school, I joined the concert band to experience the resonance of playing with other instruments and people in a group. After high school, I began offering my own private lessons at an elementary school in Pittsburgh, PA in 2008 while I was pursuing my undergraduate degree. I ultimately obtained a Masters degree in Educational Psychology in 2013, which I feel has contributed to my instructional repertoire helping me to integrate the most current teaching apporaches and techniquies. I view learning as a structured discovery process. I find that quality instruction all pulls from the same methods regardless of what you are teaching. My teaching style is very adaptable to meet what works for the individual. Music is very interdisciplinary. It draws upon lanugage, history, mathematics etc. Thus, I strive to integrate all aspects into the educaitonal experience that I cultivate. My experience in education has taught me to not allow learning to become dry or redundant. I do everything in my power to engage the learner in a fun and dynamic exploration of the instrument. 

My average rates range from $30 a half hour to $60 an hour. Rates may vary slightly based on individual need and circumstances. Amount of time per lesson, frequency of service, financial restrictions, and total travel distance (on my part) are all variables that I take into consideration when determining the cost of service. 

I have also worked with children with Autism as a musical instructor. I have worked with children who are gifted. I have worked with children who have diagnosed emotional and attentional difficulties. I have worked with adults coming back to the instrument or learning the instrument for the first time. My eldest student was 70 years of age while the youngest student I have worked with was 4. Everyone comes to the piano at different ages and different stages and they bring their own unique experiences to the keyboard. 

I would advise the student to work with someone that they connect with and feel comfortable with. I would advise them to consider the type of style they want to learn and to choose an instructor with that type of background. I would also caution them that being proficient in playing an instrument is not a selling point for instructing on how to play an instrument. Not all performers will make skilled teachers. Find someone who teaches to you and can relate to you and your experiences as a student. Relating to the student is very important to teaching. 

1. What are your expectations for learning?

2. What are your personal strengths and limitations?

3. What are you committed to learning specifically? (goals)

4. How much is too much? How little is too little? 

5. How much time you have per day or week to practice?