Back2Basics Music Lessons Online
About
The best part about being a piano teacher is sharing my love and appreciation of music with others! I have found over the last 15 years of teaching, that kids & teens, ages 6-16, have an amazing ability to absorb and retain piano music. There is music inside each of us!
I use an amazing beginner piano curriculum, called, Way Cool Keyboarding. The sheet music and accompaniment tracks are all provided to my students through email, making practice time fun.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before beginning lessons with a new student, I like to establish where the piano is inside the house, what technology the student has access to, review online etiquette, and if the student is a child, it's important to ask the parents what their goals are, and even a little something about the students personality... parents should be in the room with their child during an online lesson.
basic introduction to black and white keys
finger numbers and patterns
high and low sounds
loud and soft sounds
2 and 3 black key patters
C position
rhythms
Chord shells, full chords, chord styles, and chord charts
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
After using my voice as my main instrument for many years, I was introduced to recreational music making. I have been teaching group piano classes for beginners of all ages for 15 years.
In a group setting, students are clustered together by age and level. 4-6 years old, 7-10 years old, 11-17 years old, and adults 18 and older. Learning in a group is a fun and educational approach to piano, which includes music theory, ear training, music appreciation, and ensemble play. Over the past 2 years, I have been exploring online teaching, along with the rest of the world! It has been a great success and I look forward to what the future of online teaching holds! Online piano lessons are available in a private or group setting.
Over the past 12 years, I have attended numerous group piano trainings, as well as lead bucket drumming demonstrations, attended conferences, and I have been the enrollment director and head teacher for a music school in Corpus Christi, Texas over the past 8 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Online private or group lessons meet once a week. All sheet music, practice sheets, and reward charts will be digital. Students must have a piano to work from at home and a device for online instruction such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. Students are expected to arrive to their lesson time 3 minutes early in order to sign in on time!
$20 per 30 minute session
$80 monthly for 4 sessions
$150 ( $10 discount) for 8 sessions *must purchase ahead
How did you get started teaching?
Music runs in my family, so from a very young age I have been dancing, singing, playing, learning, and teaching. I thought voice would be my main instrument and I would travel the world with an opera production! After adjusting my sails though, I found that teaching music was a very fulfilling career. I found the desire in my heart to especially help guide children though their musical education.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages, both young and old. Young students who are just discovering their passion for making music, and older folks who don't want to live with the regret of never learning piano... some people had a more traditional lesson experience as a child that left a sour taste in their mouth and I feel it's my job to share this new recreational approach with them, as it can be life changing! I have also worked with many students on the spectrum, helping with a therapeutic approach to music making. Many children with milder cases of autism, asbergers, add, adhd, bipolar, and dislexia have found great success during their online lessons. I am not a licensed therapist, so I do take these students on a case by case basis, ensuring that the parent, student, and myself are all comfortable with the arrangement.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, I was faced with not being able to hold a traditional piano recital at the end of our 2020 school year, therefore I had to do my research and get creative with alternatives to a traditional recital. After teaching online "ZOOM" lessons for several months, I decided to hold a "ZOOM" recital, however I refer to my recitals as "CELEBRATIONS" because that's exactly what they are! A celebration of your accomplishments... each student played a solo, while we all watched and gave our applause... it went great! The best part was that parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles all were able to "attend" our ZOOM CELEBRATION by simply clicking the link provided!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Recreational music making is a fun and fast approach to learning how to read music, play by chords, play in a ensemble, and explore the technology available in an online lesson format. A lot of preparation, lesson planning, and research goes into each online private lesson. If you are looking for a personalized lesson experience with a teacher who cares, then I may be the teacher for you! I would not be the teacher for you if you are looking for a traditional classical piano lesson.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
As a music student, you should first decide your reason WHY. Why do you want to learn how to play the piano? If your answers include the following words; enjoyment, peace, fun, achievement, and stress relief, then I just might be the right teacher for you!