About
I specialize in gifted and exceptional children, but all beginners, transfer students, and adults are welcome. All students are treated as unique individuals. Lesson content and teaching approach are adjusted for each student.
My four studio rules are as follows:
1 The notes and the music are not the same thing.
2. Technique and interpretation are the same thing.
3. Practicing is practical and is 100% goal oriented.
4. Hard work is never in vain.
I am truely fortunate to have people come to my studio so we can make music together.
Highlights
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Kris H.
John W.
Kelley H.
Nicholas S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask them to play something in the initial interview. From this I can observe their technique habits, musicality, relationship to the instrument, and practice habits.
I then suggest a starting point in terms of technique and repertoire based on their stated goals. This is always age and level appropriate.
I adjust the lesson content as the student and I get to know each other better.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have two degrees in Piano Performance; BA, University of Minnesota and MM, Northwestern University, Evanston. I started in high school by teaching the neighbor kids. At Northwestern I took the Piano Pedagogy sequence and did supervised teaching of children and adults under Francis Larimer. I studied privately with Katherine Faricy, Founder and Director of the Master of Piano Pedagogy Degree Program at the University of St. Thomas, to be a better teacher. I also attended numerous summer conferences at St. Thomas and completed her rigorous seminar in Piano Performance Practices from Bach to Debussy. I belong to MMTA and and am a Past President of the Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum (MMTF). I studied the Russian approach to technique with Alexander Braginsky, Piano Chair University of Minnesota. At the University of Minnesota I completed for years of Music Theory, including two years of counterpoint study and several classes in advanced music analysis.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rate is $30.00 for 30 minutes. This is prorated for longer lessons.