Karol Ann Badgett Piano And Composition Lessons

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

First, assess the age of the student and through an interview process find out how much background a student has and what they are looking for in lessons that will help them. If this is a very young student, a most important element is if they are able to read which is not a problem with them learning to play, but it is a very good indicator for the teacher as to how to pick materials and how to communicate what is in the books to the student.  I really like for young students to have the support of a parent in lessons.  I really like parents to be in lessons so they will know what I am asking the student to do between lessons times as far as "practice" and when the student has accomplished what we had talked about in the lesson.

My training as a composer has led me to these areas:  16th century counterpoint; 18th century counterpoint; form and analysis; and teaching of composition. (See references to degrees:  B.M. - Piano Pedagogy; M.M. - Masters of Music in Theory/Composition; M.M. - Master of Music in Piano Performance; DMA - Doctorate in Musical Arts in Composition.) These areas are different from teaching piano lessons and comprise a different level of curriculum that I call "tutorial".  People seeking this type of lesson should have a body of work that proves that they have a serious intent to learn, and be ready to present it to me for evaluation. I would also like to see a review or reference, if possible.  Perhaps from a band director or a previous instrumental teacher.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

My training as a piano teacher is about 30 years with excellent pianists as teachers:  I have done repertoire including late Beethoven piano sonatas and a very good area of the first Viennese school including Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert; Chopin Etudes etc.; Brahms; Ravel; of course, Bach.  Much of my compositional training has taken me to more contemporary literature like Bartok, Shostakovitch, Prokovief, and Stravinsky. (B.M.-Piano Pedagogy; M.M. - Masters of Music in Theory/Composition; M.M. - Master of Music in Piano Performance; DMA - Doctorate in Musical Arts in Composition.)

I have studied with some of the formost composers in the United States.  These composers are Donald Grantham, Kevin Puts, Joseph Schwantner, and Russell Reipe.  Any of these composers would be a reference as to my abilities.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

I usually charge $65 per hour.  I usually charge by the month with a notice that I need 30 days notice if a student is leaving lessons.