About
There is nothing I love more than music so there is nothing that bring some more joy than sharing music with others. Helping a student find peace within music and a new look at life through the lense of art and music is my goal.
My goal is to to approach piano from an "all of life" approach rather than a "learn these 5 things and then these 5 things." It is meant to be enjoyed and to enhance everything around you. This should not be a chore.
I have over 10 years of teaching experience and international recognition for my improvisational ability and work with Liszt.
Watching someone have that "Ah ha!" moment is just so cool. The best part is that with piano those moments are forever. I have them to this day. Just last week I was drilling a passage of a difficult piece of music and for 2 hours it made no sense. Out of no where it all clicked and now its super easy.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Alexis F.
Ramaman D.
Paulette B.
Katherine K.
Brittany K.
Nathan G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Music is too fantastic and too great to ruin with boring lessons that no one really likes.
Figure out what your goals are and then set attainable mini goals along the way to the big goal. Not wasting time with lesson books or a rigid structure that is meant to be a "one size fits all" mentality. Every student is different and thus every approach needs to be different.
Practicing is a skill that is extremely transferable and helps every other aspect of life. There is a reason medical schools love Piano majors. We know how to be self disciplined without burning ourselves out. Teaching someone how to practice is the number 1 lesson to be learned from piano IMO. Next up would be finger independence and developing an ear that hears shapes and lines.
I am also one of the few teachers in the world that teaches classical improvisation. This is a lost art that is highly sought after in the classical community. It is a combination of technical practice and advanced music theory. You must have intermediate to advanced playing already before we start this.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I continue to further my education by now looking back at how the masters of yesteryear practiced and taught their students/children. Liszt would read books while drilling finger exercsies. Bach had a very regimented method of developing his childrens techinique and musical skill. Beethoven... Beethoven was grumpy and yelled at his students... lets not do his method! I follow these guidelines and have developed my own over the years, I am no longer taking lessons myself but music is a lifelong pursuit and I do believe that you can always learn something from somebody.
I got into a few of the big name brand conservatories and opted not to go so that I did not ammass $200k in debt... plus the cost of living in boston for 4 years... so probably closer to $375k really haha I used the lack of student debt to really dive into piano in a different way and take advantage of the amazing teachers around the country and put myself into masterclasses and spend well over 40 hours a week in some sort of musical pursuit.
I have been interviewed by a few classical music podcasts about my playing and my practice techinques. I go over the weird lessons I had in highschool that will sadly never be recreated again.
Short answer. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time on music and hope to spend an even more ridiculous amount of time on it for the next 20 years of my music career... and then hopefully do it again for the next 20... Read a ton of books, practice a lot, listen carefully.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The first lesson is always free!
I do not travel to the student for my lessons. I teach out of my home studio in Brentwood Tennessee. I have a Steinway grand piano in my living room, and will usually have some extra coffee in the kitchen if you need any!
30 minute lesson: $40
45 minute lesson: $45
60 minute lesson: $55
75 minute lesson $65
Improvisation lessons (intermediate and advanced students only)
45 minute lesson: $40 ($35 if already in other lessons
60 minute lesson: $50 ($40 if already in other lessons)
75 minute lesson: $60 ($45 if already in other lessons)
I have 3 slots left for a special pricing option for adult students. You get a discounted rate, but... if you don't practice that week then the rate is doubled.
30 minute lesson: $30 ($60)
45 minute lesson: $40 ($80)
60 minute lesson: $45 ($90)
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching piano was my first job and I have never truly stopped, I have just had fluctations in the number of students I have at any given point. I love music so much and I just want more people to experience the absolute beauty of playing music for yourself. Playing for friends and family and up on the stage are all great and each has a special place in my heart... but you do spend the bulk of your time alone with the piano and thats where a lot of self reflection and discipline can come in.
Experiencing the above is what drives me to teach piano, it is a life long journey that simply enriches every other aspect of being a person.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds! My youngest student was 3 (truly uncomfortably talented. Really blew me away.) And my oldest student was 67 when we had our final lesson.
I have also taught multiple students on the autism spectrum and feel very comfortable working with students on the spectrum.
Music does not discriminate and neither do I. All students of all walks of life and of all ages, as long as there is a burn for music I am happy to show up!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently completed a massive fugue for a string quartet, this has to be one of the biggest music projects I have taken on in a long time. A quadruple fugue in four voices where all subjects come together at once. When I was working on this I would sit down at the piano to work out the harmonies and write the notes out and somehow it would go from 1pm to 11 O clock at night in the blink of an eye. I love when you get so "in" a project that time and food seem to be the least of your worries.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Have the teacher play for you. Ask them if they still get to practice. I feel that it is of the utmost importance that a teacher continues to work on their own craft. If they have lost that then they have lost a certain sense of passion along the way. Music is an ever growing art form and it is important to treat it as such and to continue your education as long as you can.
I would also make sure the teacher is not just using lesson books. While lesson books have their place I do feel they are extremely limiting and there is a very sharp decline in usefullness at a certain point. It is a case by case basis but the sooner you leave the lesson books the better.
Also, if anyone ever mentions the Taubman method, run away. Its like a weird cult in music and its a cash grab. If I could get back all the money my parents spent on a Taubman specialist when I was in highschool... I could buy a certified pre owned mercedes.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why is music important to you?
What is your favorite song?
When you imagine yourself at the piano what do you see?
Are you ready to commit to practicing 6 days a week?
Do you like music?
Do you listen to music?
Do you feel things when you listen to music?
why do you want to learn piano?