Albuquerque Piano School
About
Is it possible to combine high standards of quality with flexibility and fun? Over a decade of success at Albuquerque Piano School would suggest that it is. Instructor Sabrina walks students of all ages, backgrounds and creeds through a comprehensive education and personal development. Students learn to play at a high level with efficient, sustainable technique. They learn to read, write, and hear the music theory at the level of their playing. Sabrina's students have played with orchestras in Santa Fe, chamber music recitals teaming up with local violin studios, and auditioned yearly for membership to the American College of Musicians. Others have enjoyed the fulfillment of playing for their own private enjoyment, and everything in between. All students have laughed a lot and felt free to be themselves from day one. Albuquerque Piano School has six yearly opportunities to share music with others and annual masterclasses with guest instructors. For your convenience, APS accepts online payments, credit card, check or cash. APS continues updating its services to meet your modern busy schedule!
Earning the trust of my students is incredibly rewarding. When you honor any viewpoint, however surprising a child's viewpoint may be at times, you are then able to see students flourish as musicians in a trusting environment. I feel honored that students want me to know about what's important to them and what's going on in their lives. You can't dread going to work when you know someone's been waiting all week to tell you about the prize she earned in school! I love looking back over years with a student and seeing how far he's come and how much he's grown.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My students get through their books in about 2/3 the average time of most studios, because I get them to be stellar, independent sightreaders in the first couple of weeks. I give a free trial lesson where the family gets to meet me, ask questions, and get a feel for what lessons can be like. Then I get them on my schedule and we get started on my program learning multiple songs a week with no stress!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Since acquiring my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, I have continued building my experience as a pianist by working as an accompanist in ballet schools, musicals and churches. I perform with ReVozo at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. I have taught piano for over a decade, privately and at the New Mexico School of Music. I continue to seek out feedback by holding masterclasses with guest teachers and setting up duets with other studios.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
All payments are on autopay through Coinhop. It takes two minutes to get signed up and then you never have to think about it again for the whole school year!
How did you get started teaching?
While still a college music student, my neighbor kept asking me to teach her kids. I finally accepted, and found that I loved it! I followed up with music pedagogy classes at the university and have been continuously teaching ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with people ages 0 to 74 (or so). Some have been ambitious about music and some have been more casual. I am happy to work with both.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Winter 2016 I commissioned a local composer to write piano music for some of my students. We worked together to categorize each piece by level so I could assign them to students of different ability levels. The pieces were each about a different story from New Mexican folklore. It was great to see children playing new music written just for them, about stories they grew up hearing! I started the process in the summer and the students performed the world premiere with the composer present at the winter recital in December.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Never, ever go for the lowest price. There is a direct correlation between price and quality in this business, and with good reason.
Go for a teacher who can tell you about measurable results in their studio.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask the teacher if he still performs. Performing keeps a teacher fresh, even if it's just a church job or something like that.
Ask the teacher what you as a student or a parent need to do to make the most of the instruction they offer.