Gavin Laur

20 years of piano experience and 1 1/2 years of teaching experience, with a Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance (Summa cum Laude) from Arizona State University.

My philosophy is that a love of music must come first, and that teachers ought to help students become independent learners as soon as possible. I strive to leave students with a feeling of genuine excitement after every lesson so they are eager to practice and develop out of their own interest.

To accomplish this, I incorporate a variety of activities into lessons, including music theory, improvisation, composition, listening assignments, singing, dancing, and demonstration of proper movements away from the piano. I check in with the student often to ensure they understand the materials and are engaged in the lesson. Through all of this, I try to strike the right balance of enthusiastic wandering and goal-directed focus for each individual student.

Lessons with me always include a practice plan, to ensure that you are clear on assignments and know how much time to spend on each activity. We will work together to determine a realistic and achievable plan based on your schedule. That being said, I will hold you to a high standard and ensure that assignments are appropriately challenging.

My past teachers include Steinway artist Jacquelyn Helin, Bösendorfer artist Baruch Meir, Taubman Method leading expert and Steinway artist Robert Durso, and Temple University jazz professor Tim Brey. I commit to honoring and sustaining the legacy of these musicians.