About
I individualize each student's lessons according to their level of music knowledge, so they become independent and more confident in playing creatively as well as by reading music. The bright smiling faces, as a result of our lessons together, are my reward as is theirs for their accomplishment in playing the piano. I begin finding out their level by asking them to identify the notes on the keyboard and on a music sheet. I then ask if there is a piece they would like to play for me, even if it is one they have created or know from memory. The teaching involves: filling in the gaps of the music knowledge that might not be as sound as it should be, teaching the correct hand and body position, recognizing the different sounds of each note by playing and singing the do-re-mi scale, together, and writing the scale as I play the notes, using the musical notes to spell out words in their music staff notebooks and learning major and minor scales and basic chords. Thus, learning all these skills, and much more, assists the student to become more and more comfortable playing creatively as well as with reading music as time evolves.
The most enjoyable part of my work is to see my students' utter enjoyment on their faces as they progress, from one level to another, in playing creatively as well as with music compositions.
Highlights
Reviews
Shokhida
Komila M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At first, I find out the student's level of knowledge in music, by speaking with them and having them show me what they know. I create the first lesson, based on what I find out. The goal of the first lesson, and every lesson thereafter, is to engage the spirit of the student into the music knowledge in a fun way.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
30 years of music experience. Received diploma as a Professional Pianist after 7 years of music school, equivalent to high school, giving me the advantage of earning a living by teaching music to kindergarten and by giving private lessons. As soon as I received my diploma, I continued to a 4 year music college and earned a diploma which enhanced my professional status as a musician. While I was in college, I taught and gave free concerts (numerous people would ask when I would play, so they could attend) at the college and taught at a professional music high school. Next, I was off to 5 years for a masters degree at the music conservatory, at which I continued teaching students and giving free concerts. During this time period, my musician friends and I created a band and played in other European countries at their request. I was the lead singer in the band. Once I earned the masters degree, i continued my education in the Moscow Conservatory, did internship instruction and earned what is equivalent to a PhD.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 mins - 50$
60 mins - 100$
How did you get started teaching?
After getting each degree in music, I was invited to work as a piano teacher and sought out students for private lessons.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from ages 4,5,6,7,8,9,10..., teenagers and up to age 61, with or without music backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Two of my present students, ages 6 and 8 years old, had had "very poor piano lessons, compared to you" as per their mother. Their mother and I have joyfully watched as her sons have evolved into piano players...and singers. The brothers' mother tears every time the children are taking their lessons and showing such amazing progress. They eagerly come to the piano lessons, unlike the first time they came and they just as eagerly practice each day at home. Practice makes perfect. At this point, both children can read music well. The oldest brother is accompanying a church choir in the Christmas show this month. The youngest brother has an innate ability to create wonderful melodies, now, that has been developed from the skills I taught to him.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure to know the musical background of the teacher. It is better if the teacher has all the skills mentioned in the profile. The students will then be well rounded musicians.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should have an idea of why they want piano lessons. They should think of the kind of music they would enjoy playing creatively or with music, so that lessons could be taught using what makes them happy. This way, students progress out of the love and joy provided by the music they play.