DK Studio Piano Lessons In Jersey Village
About
I have had 17 years of piano lessons and continue to study with performance artists; have completed all requirements for a BA in Music and am still studying everything I can. I am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) by Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). I have been teaching privately for over 22 years with winners in numerous performance competitions. All students are required to study Music Theory and Music History. Most students receive gold medals in these subjects for achieving scores of 98 and above on tests administered by Texas Music Teachers Association. I have had students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in student competitions such as Houston Young Artists Competition and CCMTA Piano Contest. I am an active member of MTNA; Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA); Cypress Creek MTA (CCMTA); National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). I served in the Student Affiliate Council of TMTA as the state Coordinator for World of Music, a program offered to teach music history. I am a Past President of CCMTA and 2nd Vice President and Chair of Student Affiliate Activities of CCMTA. I direct piano ensemble; accompany church choir as well as solo vocal and instrument.
My tuition is for 32 lessons over a 9 month period so the rate is 1/9 of the total each month
I love music, I perform music. What I love about teaching music is the look on a students face every time they have an aha moment. It is so exciting to experience the joy that comes with students achievements, large or small.
Visit me on Facebook, like my page and follow it https://www.facebook.com/DK-Piano-Studio-577400102373451/; See my website at dkpianostudio.com
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first meet with student and parents where we discuss what I offer and my philosophy. Before the meeting, they are sent a prospective new student packet with studio policy, fee schedule, calendar of events and lessons, "about me", a list of events with fee for each.
The first couple of lessons are spent on very basic instruction as I get a feel for the best method of working with the student. Each lesson is tailored to the individual student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have had 17 years, and continuing, of private lessons as a child and adult. 5 years of music theory, sight singing and ear training as well as piano performance and piano literature at Harris County Community College in North Houston and Kingwood, and Houston Baptist University; Music History and Pedagogy at HBU, followed by a certification prep course at Lone Star Montgomery Campus ending with National Certification (National Certified Teacher of Music) through Music Teachers National Association. I continue to expand my knowledge through active participation in Texas Music Teachers Association.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My fees are established based on the 9 month school year, beginning the end of August and ending with the end of May. That fee is then divided by 9 months so that the monthly tuition is consistant and there is no guess work. I teach 34 weeks during that time; but, the fee is based on 32 weeks with no make ups needed and any student who attends all 34 weeks receives two bonus weeks. Some families prefer to pay the total in August and that is fine too.
How did you get started teaching?
People would hear me play and often asked if I taught piano, so it was natural for me to consider doing that when I was ready to change from working for someone else to starting my own business to consider teaching piano. Once that decision was made, the next step was to study, to train, to become the best that I could so back to college I went.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from as young as 3 1/2 to 70. I enjoy teaching adults but my real love is the young beginning student through high school and early advanced literature. I am however lacking in skills for special needs students. Average to precocious students are my delight; but slower students who try are just as rewarding.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
May Recital is the most exciting time of the year. Students who earned Gold Cups through NFMC, trophies in competition, medals earned in music theory and music history are awarded at the end of the recital as their name is called and they come forward to receive them.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Interview, ask questions, research. Check with Music Teachers National Association at mtna.org or Texas Music Teachers Association at tmta.org. MTNA has a wonder section for parents with helpful questions to ask, as well as a list of teachers. TMTA also has a list of teachers. Local organizations are another good source, such as Cypress Creek Music Teachers Association at ccmta.org.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Goals! Why does the student want to take piano lessons. What type of music does the teacher teach or excel in; does it agree with students interests. Is student willing to study the classics as a basis of learning all genres of music. Does the student have time to devote to daily practice that will require an increase in time spent as the child develops skills.