About
I have always had a passion for music and the confidence it can bring out in a person as well as being a healthy outlet to expressing one's emotions. I have been teaching for over twenty years in my hometown, El Paso, Texas. I started teaching as a youth, studied music in high school and college and earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education (majoring in voice) from UTEP. I also play the violin and love singing! I have years of experience in accompaning student soloists as well. I come from a family of musicians who also teach lessons. I am also a mom of six children, most of whom play piano, and who are also starting to teach. Learning to play piano or any instrument will enrich your life, connect you to people in ways nothing else can, keep your mind sharp as well as help you learn other subjects! Contact me today to begin your journey in music. Sign up with me or possibly one of my children if appropriate.
I enjoy seeing students go from knowing nothing about music to gaining understanding of their own abilities, building confidence, and seeing them able to make music and feel proud of themselves!
Highlights
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Josh P.
Kristin E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I like to get to know them and any previous experience they have with music in order to figure out the best pace to go with them. I start by familiarizing them with the keyboard and it's layout along with teaching good posture, hand/arm positioning. Then I have them start playing a few notes at a time to get familiar with the ascending and descending tones working on fingerings and simple motor skills. We work on hand/eye coordination with simple sheet music in front of them and gradually get them reading music! I demonstrate how to play each exercise as we move along. In most cases I start with Nancy Fabers "Piano Adventures" series.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied music at The University of Texas at El Paso and earned a bachelor's in Music Education. I have over twenty years of experience teaching individual piano lessons. I also have six children which has given me a lot of patience in working with children of all different personalities.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge a monthly tuition of $80.00 for one thirty minute private session each week. Additional time may be alloted for the student to work on my computer program (Music Ace) which is a fun way for students to get extra practice with note identification, ear and rhythm training as well as music theory.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught my friend and next door neighbor who was five years younger than I was. It was just for fun but, realizing I had a skill, I started taking more students and teaching them after school. I was eventually able to put myself through college by teaching piano lessons.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students of various ages and levels as well as adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Listening to my 11 year-old daughter who I have been teaching perform Vandall's "Sonatina in Colors- Blue" at a retirement home, for memory with confidence and her own beautiful interpretation of the piece.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to hire someone who is both competant and down to earth who you can feel confident and comfortable with , but who also helps motivate and inspire you to set and acheive your goals.