About
Hi -
I have taught over 20 years and passionate about teaching Each lesson includes learning technique, theory, pieces, sight reading, ear training and developing self confidence while having fun.
I have taught K-12 public school and I am a certified teacher. I have earned a Leon Fleisher award and played a recital at Peabody. I have a BS Music Education and earned several schoarships in college. Several of my students have majored in the music field as a band director, music therapist, and teacher.
I myself want to keep my fingers flexible and learn various teaching methods so I attend publishers workshops and take lessons from the retired BSO pianist. I perform each year and most recently performed a 2nd movement to a Mozart Concerto at various venues. I do have 3 CD's made with my music.
I am a VP of a local chapter of a National Music Educator's Association and with student willingness, have students play in recitals at least twice a year.
Piano, Digital Keyboard, Electronic Keyboard and classical guitar.... all caught by Kathy Kaneda.
I love seeing the children learn new songs, perform and smile when they come to lessons.
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Darrell W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Find out what kind of music they like and would like to play. Find out their learning style and type of instrument they will be using.
Have students put entire hand on the keys and individually play one key at a time with one hand at time.
Find out the patterns on the keyboard and discover where the high and low sounds are located. .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BS Music Education
Pedagogy classes
Private lessons with Baltimore Symphony Pianist
Earned Fleisher Scholarship and took lessons with Fleisher student and performed at Peabody
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing for children is based on a tuition basis which follows the school year. Rate is $110/month for a 30 minute lesson per week.
Adult studets can opt to take lessons twice a month for 1 hour or 30 min lessons each week.
How did you get started teaching?
I graduated from college and taugh middle school. From the middle school I had students inquire about lessons and I got started from there.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students from ages 5 - 87, students with ADHD, students with Asbergers, autistic children and those with special needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A student decided to play in a costume recital. She did not only a great job on her piece but she transposed it and then played a variation on the theme which she made up.
Another student, after many lessons on composition, submitted his piece for a composition contest and took away 2nd place prize.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Have fun playing music and celebrate progress. Don't worry about playing perfectly. If you make a mistake, keep playing and don't stop. Focus on the music and how the composer wants you to play the piece.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of music do they like. How committed are they to learning an instrument.