About
Learned secrets of the great Classical pianists of the early 20th century like Emil Sauer and Alfred Cortot via the late great Detroit Symphony Orchestra pianist Mischa Kottler. Among these are relying on the strongest fingers, splitting notes across the hands, sight-reading techniques, and maintaining the maximum possible physical relaxation.
For recitals, competitions, or exams, which are optional, I give students previously learned music to polish into expressive performance, rather than music at the edge of their ability as most teachers do. In this way my students build superior confidence in performance.
Also studied jazz piano in Detroit with the late great Matt Michaels, and played a variety of paid gigs with a combo while a college student. Given that I began improvising at the piano as soon as I began playing, I acquired excellent skills with various kinds of improvisation and eventually created award-winning compositions as well.
Have Ph.D., M.Mus, B.Mus., and Associate degrees, all in music.
Learn more about me at http://fortuitous-artists.biz/learnMusic/learnMusic.html
I love taking my students from wherever they are, and motivating them to grow as musicians as far as they wish to go!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Student plays something they know well, and tells me about their background and experience, and their goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Decades of successful teaching experience. Studied educational psychology while earning my B.Mus. in piano. Judged youth piano competitions for years. Worked as teaching assistant and professor while earning M.Mus. and Ph.D. in music.
How did you get started teaching?
Began teaching piano in my home studio while earning my B.Mus. Then was selected to teach piano to underprivileged youth at the Weekend School of Music at Wayne State University.
What types of students have you worked with?
Piano, music theory, music composition: Child beginners from age 5 and up, adult beginners, intermediate students for Classical and jazz, and advanced Classical students. Also have taught undergraduate college music courses in these subjects.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learning from a highly skilled, experienced teacher might cost more in dollars, but will repay itself many times over as to the results you get, and could even save you from bodily damage from practice - I know from experience.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Every adult or parent will have individual ideas as to this question. It is fine to just start taking lessons and see where it might lead!