About
Classical-trained pianist. Doctor of Musical Arts by The University of Kansas. More than 12 years of teaching experience with students of all ages. Specialized in contemporary and Latin-American repertoire as a performer. Teach all music genres and styles.
My approach to teaching music, and particularly piano, is designed to enrich my students’ expertise of the instrument, while nurturing their musical abilities as a whole. The learning process should be navigated with encouraging charisma, and I believe that a true educator allows students to learn on their own, while facilitating such discovery. Music is merely a medium that should serve as a way to foster students’ education, and I encourage my students to grow as individuals through their work with music.
My private lessons include discussions about the relevance of my students’ repertoire in a historical context, as well as in their own artistic lives. I constantly tend to remind them about the importance of developing an understanding of counterpoint, for instance, when I teach pieces by J. S. Bach, or the relevance to achieve a nice legato playing, when working with Chopin pieces. I always put into context the importance of their repertoire not only for music history, but also in their personal development as pianists, and the reasons under such necessary steps. I am also a true believer of music as a tool to achieve our better selves as human beings. I aim to inspire my students by advocating the main reasons why we do what we do: to enjoy a precious art that allow us to express our inner emotions and to connect with the world outside through it. I believe my job is to guide my students in the decision-making process, but not do it for them. I see myself as a facilitator, guide, and mentor that they can use to nurture their music knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I believe that it is my role to motivate my students through different activities and with many strategies. While much of my teaching focuses on technical and musical development, I try to also find ways in which students can nurture their own learning process. For instance, I encourage students to explore their compositional skills, if they have a tendency towards it, or utilize their singing qualities to find the natural flow of phrase or specific passage. I carefully choose repertoire for my students, always taking into consideration their technical needs, while making sure that their personal taste is taken into account for such decisions. I believe that a student who is not passionate about their repertoire pieces tends to feel discourage in the learning process. Expansion and diversification of the main canon is also a priority in my search for pieces. I tend to recommend pieces that can serve to expose my students to works or even composers for the very first time.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctor of Musical Arts - Piano Performance: The University of Kansas
Master of Music - Piano Performance: Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance: Sao Paulo State University.
Conservatory diploma - Asuncion, Paraguay
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1 hour lesson: $50
45min lesson: $35
30min lesson: $25
How did you get started teaching?
My first experience teaching piano dates back to 2008, while I was finishing my conservatory studies in Asuncion, Paraguay. Since then, and all the way through my college and graduate studies, I kept having a large studio of piano students of all ages and levels.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have a worked with students from all backgrounds, starting with kids with no experience with piano and music whatsoever, to college graduate students. I have also taught adults who wish to improve their piano skills and have a hobby.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love performing, and a big part of my career devotes to this type of art form.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Always look for quality of work. The cost might not reflect the quality of teaching but career accomplishments and success in pedagogy comes from a vast experience in the field. An efficient and caring piano teacher can make all the difference in your musical training and development.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask them about their teaching strategies or philosophies. What method books they use for beginners? What about intermediate-level students? Does the interest of the student play a role on the decision of the pieces? Years of experience teaching students. All of these different aspects are relevant and essential when choosing a piano instructor. Also, read the person. I believe that a piano instructor, while strict and effective with their students, needs to be a warm and welcoming figure to their students.