Maxine Salvatore
About
I have taught for 30 years and I know that makes me sound old, but I'm young at heart and very experienced since I've taught almost every kind of learner. I majored in music at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. That included instruction in piano, voice, music theory, and music history as well as a full load of general course work. I grew up in Washington, DC where I had very fine piano teachers.
I structure my lessons around each student and work with them at their levels and interests. I have them keep track of their practice times by writing them down and having their parents initial their sheet.
I LOVE it when my students "see the light"...when they get what I'm showing them - whether it's rhythm, notes or phrasing, etc. It makes me very happy when my students proudly play a piece that they've been working on.
I started playing the piano when I was 5. I had two older sisters and I wanted to do what they did, only, I wanted to do it better and that's how it turned out. I still LOVE to play the piano as well teach others how to enjoy time at the piano.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I find out the student's age, grade in school, prior music experience and I ask him alot of questions about his likes and dislikes. I want to know if he's shy or outgoing and if he plays sports. Then I talk to him about how to sit at the piano, about short, clean fingernails and how much fun we're going to have together. I also tell him that "work" is involved. If I have a gut feeling about the series I want to use, I get it out and
I find out their age and grade in school and ask why they want to take piano lessons. If they tell me their mother wants them to, I tell them that I hope pretty soon it will be because they want to. I check out their fingernails and show them that they need to have them short so that their fingertips will sit on the keys without interference from their nails. I ask about their favorite subject in school, what they like to do for fun and even what their favorite food is. I want them to feel comfortable with me. I already know alot about them from talking to their moms beforehand, so then I get out the books I've chosen and start on the first page.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association, the North Carolina Piano Teacher's Association and the National Piano Teachers Association. The local group meets once a month and we have wonderful speakers and meetings. We have workshops that I attend and I also meet with a small group of piano teachers once a month who get together to share ideas and problem-solve.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I teach 4-45 minute lessons a month for $140. The fees are due at the first lesson each month. I also offer 4-hour lessons for $185.00 a month.
How did you get started teaching?
I loved taking lesson when I was a child and I went to college to study music. From there, I decided that I would love to inspire other people to love playing the piano.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with many kinds of students from children 5-18, and adults from 18-75. Most of my students have excelled in their school work, but I've had a few who were mentally and physically challenged.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Our Association puts on an Ensemble Festival every other year and I've been the Chairman, co-chairman, committee member, etc. for many years. We have 4 pianos on the stage and as many as 12 children play at the same time. Generally, it's 8 at the 4 pianos playing duets, but sometimes, it's 4 students playing duos at the fours pianos. My students love it and we have about 110 students from our membership who play. We really enjoy going to Meredith College for this event.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise a student to come and meet me, to express his/her goals and to ask questions that had been thought out and written down ahead of time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much practice do you expect? How soon will I be able to play ......such and such a piece? How long will the lessons be? Do I get to play (or have to play) in a recital? Are there competitions for me to compete in? Do you have group lessons? Do you belong to an organization (that's probably one for the parents).