Rebekah Carter's Piano Studio
About
Rebekah Carter holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Cornish College of the Arts.
Ms. Carter is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Her style is described as "warm, outgoing, engaging, enthusiastic."
Ms. Carter has held numerous positions in pedagogical professional organizations. She teaches workshops to teachers and students, adjudicates for competitions, and presents for professional conferences.
She studied Piano Performance with Dr. Peter Mack and Dr. Thomas Otten. Ms. Carter was awarded the Tholen Fellowship from Portland Piano International and studied with Dr. Alexander Shtarkman (Professor of Piano, Peabody Conservatory).
Ms. Carter is an adjunct instructor in the Performing Arts Department at Treasure Valley Community College: Accompanist of Choirs, Private Applied Piano.
Ms. Carter has coached voice students at Cornish College of the Arts, student-directed the 2CJ School District choirs, and accompanied for numerous schools and churches.
Ms. Carter has taught piano lessons for over 17 years. She offers online lessons to students in the U.S. and internationally. Her students participate regularly have the opportunity to perform in festivals, competitions, examinations, recitals, and community functions. Her students have prepared for college auditions, and performed for weddings, played in worship bands, accompanied choirs and pep bands, fundraised for charities, and performed solo concerts.
Students study a well-rounded curriculum: reading music notation, technique, music theory, musicianship skills, repertoire from the classical eras, historical interpretation and composers. The curriculum includes all keys/key signatures, scales, arpeggios, chord progressions and functions, ear training, sight reading, rhythm, vocabulary, technique, and stylistic/historical interpretation of repertoire. This foundation gives students the ability to enjoy music for a lifetime.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to talk with the student about their interests, musically and outside of music. Once we build rapport, I start at the beginning - show the parts of the grand piano, their names, how they work. Read an engaging story about the invention of the piano.
Once the student has background about their new instrument, I teach how to sit at the instrument - how to adjust the bench themselves. I involve parents, show them how to do this at home. (Parents are encouraged to observe the lessons and participate in their child's practice at home.)
Beginning lessons include learning pieces that use the full instrument - all the range, not just "Middle C hand position." Students explore pieces with pedal, various techniques and styles (e.g. loud/soft) right from the start!
I also use a hands-on approach (after asking permission of the student) to shape their hands and fingers, the "playing mechanism," to play artistically and with good form. This is called "molding the hand."
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For students with previous piano experience, I ask about their former experience - teacher's style, former repertoire, practice/performing experience and habits.
From there, I give an assessment. The student plays for me, and I evaluate four areas of performance: Technique, Practice, Musicianship, Literacy.
After the assessment, I prepare a plan of study, individualized for that student. This plan is communicated to the student and parents. It considers which areas are strengths for the student and which areas will receive concentrated focus for progress.
After a specified duration of time, when goals are met, the student can progress into a regular course of piano study - lesson book curriculum, or intermediate/advanced repertoire.
For students who are preparing an audition, instruction will focus on audition material requirements.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree, Cornish College of the Arts
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
MTNA and Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA), National and State Conference Workshops
Blue Mountain District OMTA, Workshops
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$200/month, 1-hour weekly
$175/month, 45-min weekly
$150/month, 30-min weekly
How did you get started teaching?
Started teaching in 8th grade - wanted to teach beginners while continuing my own lessons
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 4-Adult
College Credit
College Audition Prep
Homeschool/Elementary/MS/HS
Special Needs
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is trained to teach AND to play. Look for certifications, formal music training or degree. Look at teacher's pedigree - who they studied with. Ask about teaching style/techniques.