Helen Dietz Piano Studio

My name is Helen Dietz ( pronounced deets). I am a native of Richmond, VA. My Mom was from London, England; my dad from Brooklyn, NY, yet their parents were from Italy and they both grew up in the Italian quarters.

Dad was a professional violinist, who, along with other musicians, founded The Richmond Symphony Orchestra. He had a Trio and Quartet which played for many events in Virginia and all over the country. My dad inspired me to continue with piano and to share my love of music with my students.

My understanding of the young child comes from teaching Elementary Music, K-5, for 19 years in the public schools. Students need positive reinforcement, parental support and rewards to succeed. My program offers all this and more!

I am a professional piano teacher and love teaching children and teenagers. My background includes 19 yrs of Elementary School Music, K-5, in Chesterfield Co. VA and piano teaching for over 40 years.

My approach is relaxed and cordial, yet focused on the child’s musical development.

I teach in my home on a Steinway Piano and ask my parents to stay, so they can understand how to help the student practice at home. The success that my students experience, comes from several aspects of my teaching:

1. Insisting that the parents be the guiding force at home, in a kind and loving way.

2. Always staying positive and encouraging at each lesson.

3. Showing my love and care for each student.

4. Setting the bar high, yet being flexible about school exams, sickness, family emergencies etc.

5. My organization: Ex. Weekly assignments in their notebooks, giving deadlines for section by section of pieces to memorize for competitions, always having supplementary music available, as needed by students, giving competition pieces at least 6 months early, good preparation for recitals etc.

Students may participate in local and state competitions. An annual Spring Recital is presented in my home each year.