Mrs. Dawn Clark
About
I have been teaching since graduating from Bradley University in 1978. I have a Bachelors of Music Ed, and teach piano and french horn privately. I try to introduce a variety of music to my students, and steer the focus to things they will enjoy, while giving them music that will help them develop the basic skills for piano. We do two recitals a year, one in a local nursing home, and the other is an end of the year performance, generally in May for the parents.
I absolutely love working with kids and adults who want to learn to play. I am extraordinarily patient with students and understand the limitations some folks have when learning the piano. It is fun to help them overcome the obstacles and see them develop and improve every year.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start out by learning the notes, and I provide the books that will get students started. Piano students learn about the piano and how it works, French horns students are also taught about how to care for their horn. I am also available to teach via Facetime or Skype for those who don't want to travel far or cannot make it to my home for whatever reason.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BME from Bradley, Accompanist for Peoria Players, Cornstock theater, Caterpillar Chorus, Church music director, over 40 years experience teaching,member of the Peoria Symphony and Peoria Municipal Band, accompanist for several school districts, including Beverly Manor in Washington, Roosevelt Magnet school, Central Grade in Washington, Metamora grade school.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $14 per half hour. Students usually pay for the entire month at the beginning of the month. Missed lessons are credited if I am given a day's notice, although I will charge for a lesson if no advance notice is given. Last minute cancellations due to illness or inclement weather will not be charged for.
For those who find this price to be a hardship financially, I am more than willing to negotiate a fair price. Children who really want to learn should not be held back strictly because they can't afford it.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was at Bradley. One of the professors referred a student to me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages- 5 to 75. I have worked with beginners through advanced, and have also worked with minority and handicapped students as well. Regardless of their age or level, I have a great deal of patience with my students and am very flexible with their needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently we had our year end recital, and several of the kids did duets. I accompanied my horn students, and was even delighted to perform something myself that I'd been working on all year. The recital is always a highlight.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask these questions:What is the highest level you teach? Do you play anywhere? What style of teaching do you use- do you start with notes or teach finger patterns?
Teachers who only teach lower levels are usually not as proficient themselves, and you will eventually need a new teacher. Also,teachers who don't perform publicly may not be the wisest choice.