About
I offers piano lessons to students of all ages. Lesson slots are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays in the Decatur area.
My piano instruction is informed by my many years as a pianist, a Kodály educator, an Alexander Teacher and a "Suzuki mom". Instruction is primarily in classical music piano, with an emphasis on theory and musical understanding as well as good piano technique. If you wish instruction in playing for contradances, I can do that as well.
Beginning students will be taught from a variety of sources, depending upon their learning style. More advanced students will be met where they are and working together, we can take you to the next level.
More about me:
Robbin L Marcus lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is
a multi-faceted Music Education Consultant with specialties in folk music and dance.
a certified instructor in Alexander Technique, specializing in helping performing artists and others unlearn habits which make them uncomfortable at their daily activities
a piano teacher of students of all ages
a contra dance caller and musician
Robbin serves as an adjunct professor teaching Kodaly Certification at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, where she is the Potomac Arts Academy Summer Kodaly Program director. She has conducted numerous workshops at the Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE) national conferences, as well as for local Kodaly and Orff chapters in 9 states. Robbin served as the head of the National OAKE Training Teachers of Materials Committee and is again on the OAKE board as a Member at Large. She previously spent 25 years as the lower school music specialist for St. Paul's School in Baltimore, MD. She served on faculties of Webster University, the American Kodaly Institute and the Children's Chorus of Maryland.
A well-known traditional dance leader, Robbin is an advocate for accurate performance styles in the music classroom. She regularly leads contra dances both in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Robbin's latest passion is playing piano for dances with the contra dance bands Renewable Energy and Reelplay. Robbin is also a member of the English Country Dance Atlanta house band, 'Round Robbin.
Since moving to Atlanta and giving up the daily grind of teaching in a classroom, Robbin's interests and talents have been given free rein and are branching out into many new areas. When at home, she edits the newsletter Quench for Well for the Journey ; teaches private sessions of Alexander Technique and piano for both children and adults and offers Introduction to Alexander Technique classes at Decatur Healing Arts in Decatur, GA. Robbin is also certified as a Usui Reiki Master.
I love helping students succeed in learning something new.
I get a lot of satisfaction by helping students find pathways that fit their individual learning styles, and by watching them grow as musicians over a period of years.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I am delighted to meet new students exactly where they are - whether they are approaching the piano as a brand new hobby or have been playing for many years.
Materials and lessons lengths vary depending on each student's needs, and we determine that together.
An introductory free lesson is offered to each student to see if we'll get along.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's Degree in Kodály Music Education, and I direct the Kodály Teacher Training Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, in the summers. I have over 35 years of music teaching experience. I enjoy teaching private students as well as classes.
I am an ATI certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and this informs each and every piano lesson I teach.
As a performer, I play in 3 different bands for Contra and English Country dances. I am as at home in folk music rhythm piano styles as I am in classical music. If you're looking for a pop music teacher, though, that's probably not me.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Students pay me by the month. In a month, there are 3-5 lessons depending on the number of weeks and holidays. It generally works out to 4 lessons per month for the 10 months a year I teach. (roughly September - June)
Monthly fees are as follows:
30 minute lessons, $125 per month
45 minute lessons, $180 per month
60 minute lessons, $250 per month
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano when I "retired" from teaching elementary general music in Baltimore MD after 25 years, and moved to Atlanta.
I discovered that I missed the students, and that I loved the one-on-one interaction that teaching piano allowed me to experience.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have ranged in age from 4 - 80!
Come see why it's fun to work with me, no matter your age or ability.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My studio students gave a wonderful, multi-age piano recital last May. One of the things I love is that my students are so supportive of each other - they enjoy meeting each other as they wait in the waiting room for me, and they always tell each other how much they enjoyed the other's performance.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
As you look for a teacher, find someone who works to impart a love of music in each student.
I believe that music lessons are not supposed to be stressful, or be about competition, or add more burden to a family trying to get their children to many activities.
I hope that my students will sit down at the piano because they want to practice - not because they have to.