Witherspoon Music School
2 hires on Lessons.com
2 employees
12 years in business
About this pro
Hello, my name is Susanne Witherspoon, and I teach private and group piano lessons in the DFW metroplex.
My goal is to give students the most excellent piano music education in the area!
I love to teach, and I enjoy and respect my students very much. So, whatever they need to make the music come alive for them is what's important.
The Family Night Live! program is the icing on the cake! So much fun and so great for learning to play in public with ease!
One of the best features of our program and one that I enjoy very much is our Family Night Live (FNL!) musical dinner party that is held every three months for our students, their family and friends! FNL! is a new kind of piano recital!
FNL! meets on certain Fridays from 6:00-8:30p.m. and includes:
* Casual family and friends' buffet dinner,
* Fun musical games and icebreakers,
*Student and guest performances,
*Time of fun, food, and music making!
Here are four testimonials that are included in my brochure:
"I don't know why, but I feel so happy to be here! -Gabi, age 9
"Can we have FNL! again this week?" - Mae - age 6
"Can I play three songs instead of just one?" Richard, age 8
"I don't have to cook!" - Frequently heard comment!
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Credentials
Arlington, TX 76006
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson starts with learning the names of all the black and white keys, and which way on the piano is up, down, high, and low. We learn a simple song to play the C scale and usally learn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as it's fun to play, uses all the fingers, and feels good to know a song after the very first lesson!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's Degree from Texas Wesleyan University, Ft Worth TX
Ten years teaching experience
On-going study of piano performance and pedagogy with Leila Hallan of Arlington Texas, Regional Coordinator for the American College of Musicians
Multiple master classes in piano pedagogy at the local, state, and national levels
Participating member of Arlington, State, and National Music Teacher Associations,
Participating member of American College of Musicians
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, a $110 flat monthly rate, due by the 7th of each month, is the standard basic plan.
This rate guarantees four 30 minute private, weekly lessons in a month
A registration fee of $50 purchases the students first books and materials including a metronome.
No future lesson books and materials fees will be charged as the monthly tuition fee covers these costs.
A basic lesson time and day are scheduled but I do work with students around one extracurricular sport per season as long as practice/progress is maintained and notice is given.
For many students, a 45 minute lesson is optimal. I make that the best pricing offer to allow more students to benefit from this extra time. 45 minute lessons are $140 a month.
One hour lessons are also offered at a special tuition of $170.
All lessons include theory and ear reading.
How did you get started teaching?
I was working part time as a youth leader/administrator for my church when a former piano teacher of mine called and asked if I would teach piano at his studio. My first career was as a social worker and it had never occurred to me to teach piano. With his encouragement and, then, with new study with a teacher of pedagogy I soon discovered that I love teaching. This teacher now primarily performs and composes and I have my own studio! No one was more surprised than I!
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, 4 years to 85 years. "Gifted and talented", "learning difference". I love to work with students diagnosed with "ADD" as studying the piano songs really develops focus techniques!
I speak and understand some Spanish and enjoy learning more with my Spanish speaking students.
Teaching senior citizens is fun too! The only problem is adults always - always - think they should be doing better than they are!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
There are so many, but the one that stands out was the Casa Manana/Bass Hall performance of The Buddy Holly Story presented this summer. I'm honestly not sure I have ever had a better time at a musical or play anywhere in the world. It was music filled with joy for life - with great performances, wonderful music from an interesting time, and audience participation in singing and a little spontaneous dancing.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My first thought is that the student and the teacher should be able to communicate together well, enjoy working together, and celebrate the successes as important to both of them.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What education/experience teaching does the teacher have?
2. How will we study together?
3. What do you expect of me in practice? in performance?