About
My name is Maria Shemer, and I would first like to thank you for considering me to be your music teacher. I teach piano beginner - later intermediate, voice beginner - late intermediate, and beginner ukulele. In addition to classical and broadway songs on the piano or voice, and anything from pop - country on the ukulele, my students learn music theory from quarter notes to the circle of fifths and beyond. These are concepts found in elementary through college level music theory classes.
I have been involved with the National Federation of Music Clubs Music Festivals for over 17 years, earning numerous awards and eventually moderating the rooms for the judges. My past teaching experiences include two years teaching beginner through intermediate piano at a local studio, and directing the Pittsburgh District Jugendchor (youth choir) for their 2016 - 2017 season. In the spring of 2018 I was the first female to be nominated for the Apprentice Conductor program with the Beaver Valley Choral Society (BVCS), and the first Apprentice Conductor to conduct a whole concert with the Trebel Youth Chorale, BVCS.
I am currently the Assistant Director for the Pueri Cantorum and Gradus Cantorum of St. John XXIII Parish, and I am a member of their Schola Cantorum, which sings weekly for the Rite of the Traditional Latin Mass.
My dream is to make learning music a fun, wholesome, and pleasant experience for the student as well as for the family.
My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/maria.goelz19/
Related links: http://www.timesonline.com/entertainmentlife/20180402/goelz-appointed-conducting-apprentice
I enjoy getting to know my students and their individual musical tastes. I enjoy watching the lightbulb switch on as they grasp new concepts, and their excitement to practice and learn as they progress, and learn songs they love.
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Rebecca S.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After you reach out to me I will work with you to schedule a time for your first lesson. Depending on your skill level, I will order books for you, that you can buy off of me. The student should also supply a notebook so they know what to do each week.
Please give me notice beforehand if you wish to quit lessons, that way I can give someone else your slot.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was taught private Piano Lessons/Music Theory Instruction for 17 years.
I sang in choirs for 17 years, plus private vocal coaching.
Nominated first female Apprentice Conductor for the Beaver Valley Chorale Society.
I am the Assistant Director of the Pueri Cantorum and Gradus Cantorum of St. John XXIII Parish. These choirs learn Gregorian chant as well as polyphony.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
4-lesson pre-pay is required, or you can pay by the month.
There will be no charge should a lesson be cancelled at least 3 hours prior to lesson time, however a 24-hour notice is appreciated. If you need to cancel a lesson for any reason, especially sickness, don’t be afraid of canceling.
How did you get started teaching?
After years of being in the Pittsburgh Kingerchor (a K-12 German folk choir), I was asked to teach and conduct their youth choir in 2015. While I was doing that I was asked to teach piano at a local music studio. This ultimately launched my own private studio in 2016. In 2018 I was nominated as conductor for the Beaver Valley Choral Society's Trebel Youth Chorale for their winter semester. I have been successfully teaching piano, ukulele, and voice ever since, and am assistant director for the Latin choirs at St. Boniface Church on the North Side of Pittsburgh.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children and teens 6 - 18.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Spring of 2018 was my first recital, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh District Kinderchor and Jugendchor, at the Teutonia on the North Side of Pittsburgh PA.
Spring of 2019 was my studio's first independent Spring recital, in which all of my students, and even some of their siblings, participated.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher you work well with. For example, if after four lessons you find that you aren't getting the best "vibe" from the teacher, or they are not teaching you what you want to know, then try to find a new one. Your music teacher should be willing to teach you according to your own unique musical taste.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
FOR PIANO:
1) If I am going to learn piano, do I have a piano to practice on?
2) Do I have time to practice to make the learning experience worth my while?
3) What kind of music do I want to learn?
FOR VOICE:
1) What am I looking to achieve from taking voice lessons? What are my goals? (i.e. better breath support, better tone quality, etc.)
2) Am I willing to commit to practicing every day?
FOR UKULELE:
1) Do I have an ukulele to practice on?
2) Am I willing to practice at least 15 minutes every day?