About
I've been teaching piano in my Wexford studio since 1988.
I've held leadership positions in professional piano teachers organizations as the National Guild of Piano Teachers and Music Teachers National Organization and National Federation of Music Clubs.
I've developed two very successful systems to teaching young children piano.
1) The Keyboard Kids -- designed for the young preschool beginner ages 4-6
2) The Discovery Piano System - a comprehensive system for teaching grade school children.
And while I love teaching young students I really appreciate my adult students that give me a nice change of pace in my teaching day.
I would love the opportunity to teach your children (or you) and share with you my love of music.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Carol M.
Karen
Sajna
Jack
Brooke
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If the student is a beginner, I mostly ask the student a lot of questions concerning their likes, their favorite subject at school, what caused them to want to study the piano, their extra curricular activities. Then we gently move into the piano lesson almost as if it's part of the conversation we are having together.
If the student has had previous lessons I ask the student to bring the latest materials they have been working on. I will have the student play something for me to get a sense of how well they have mastered the material to see if there is a need for review or if the student can begin from where they left off with their previous instructor. I work with the student, as much as possible, from their old books until I get a sense of the student learning capabilities. From the information I gather from the first couple lessons I can more safely springboard into different teaching materials.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began teaching piano (and organ) in high school out of the sheer desire to do so. I have two college begrees. One in liberal arts and the second in piano performance. Both degrees have been very useful in my teaching profession. After my college education I continued with lessons with various professors in studying not only piano but composition and arranging as well. I've also become involved in various professional organizations involved in developing students performance skills; organizations like the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the Music Teachers National Association.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I presently have a pricing system for single lessons ($30) and a monthly tuition rate ($110).
How did you get started teaching?
I started in high school and enjoyed in greatly and continued teaching through the time of my two college degrees.
What types of students have you worked with?
Since I've been teaching since the late 60's I think I've seen, and taught, about every type of student imaginable.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Presently, I'm building Piano Teacher Press, a website designed to present to the public all the books, teaching materials, arrangements and personal compositions I've written through the years I've taught piano and seeing other people enjoy and use those materials is something that is very satisfying.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher with a personality that fits your personality because it's not unusual to be with a teachers for several years. I have students that I've taught from pre school to high school graduation.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should clarify in their thinking exactly what they want from their piano study. Students should realize that piano study is a long term commitment, especially if they have aspirations to being able to play the piano as a lifetime endeavor.