About
I have been teaching Piano Basics since the 1980's. I train and study with master teachers most summers and even attended a 2 1/2 week experience in Japan in 2004. Young students study by listening and recreating sound in much the same way as a young child learns language: listening and repeated practice. While students of any age can come for lessons, I specialize in lessons for younger children. My instruction is for piano, not electronic instruments.
I have 3 degrees in music from the University of Illinois. I have also taught elementary school music in Indiana.
I enjoy seeing students being successful with their development as a person and as a musician.
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Jeanette N.
Donna L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A prospective family can come and observe lessons to see if the location and style fits their needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees in music and music education. I travel most summers to do additional training with master teachers, often from Japan, where I study effective teaching techiques. I travel monthly out of state to study with other teachers and improve my own playing abilities. I actually traveled to Japan in 2004 to study for 2 1/2 weeks in Matsumodo. It was an amazing experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing takes into account what I must spend for ongoing training and the travel that it entails.
For most students, a half hour lesson is satisfactory. My fee for that lesson time is $22.
Longer lesson times can be arranged, if needed.
How did you get started teaching?
I began as a traditional piano teacher when I was 16. Later, when my own children were very young, I decided that they should begin music lessons early in life. Since piano is my personal instrument of choice, and because the method makes so much sense to me, I decided to train and becoma a Suzuki piano teacher. My piano teaching has focused on Suzuki principles ever since. The basic tenet is that ALL children (or adults, for that matter) can learn to play beautifully if given the proper tools and the appropriate atmosphere for study. Dr, Suzuki would say, "When love is deep, much can be accomplished."
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children beginning at age 4 all the way through high school. I have worked with parents and even grandparents. Adults are only limited by their ability to be patient with themselves. I have worked with children who live in the neighborhood and children whose parents bring them every week from another part of the state.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I once had a Down's Syndrome student who, with much love and care, completed Book One of study. For most children that might take 2-3 years. For her it took somewhat longer, but the point was that she completed successfully. It was a big accomplishment and she was so very proud of herself!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to the prosepective teacher, observe if possible, and see if what you are about to undertake will be a good fit for both you and the teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Learning an instument requires practice. Can the teacher support you after they first few lessons when the practice "bubble" starts to die down?
2. Are you comfortable with the way the teacher handles your child's lesson?
3. Are you willing to travel the distance to the teacher's house on a regular basis?
4. Will you, as the parent, be able to observe and/or even participate in this process with your child or will you be stuck out the waiting room, not knowing the process being used to teach your child or not knowing how to assist your child when you are home practicing?