Cameron Haslam Piano
About
I have been teaching piano lessons for the past five years, and started learning at a very young age. My instruction strongly emphasises music composition/improvisation, efficient practice habits, and performative techniques. I won 1st place in the MFMC Class VI Composition Competition three consecutive years and performed in a number of prestigious concerts including the MFMC Rhapsody Concert. I only take students who are self-motivated and do not need to be coerced to develop their skills. The first 30-minute lesson is always free.
I find it therapeudic to help others find their path. I love the feeling that I have enough influence to ease someone's anxiety about progressing and help them see everything in a less scary way. My students have often regarded me as a friend and their parents comented on how comfortable they feel with me. There's no reason for a student to be scared of their teacher or need to keep secrets, and I pride myself with finding a way to get students to stay self-motivated without giving them stressful pressure. That ability is one of the most satisfying feelings of this work to me.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always start by seeking to understand a student's past with music and their perception of music and piano lessons. Then I talk with them about possible goals and help them set a course. I also will usually show students my own ability to give them confidence in me as their teacher and to inspire them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received 6 years of instruction from one of the most skilled teachers in Southwest Missouri, Cindy Dittrich, and participated in competitions andand events. I have since worked daily to perfect my own craft. I also taught music theory for 6 years in the Play and Sing His Praises homeschool music academy, and have had my own teaching practice on and off around the same time.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I start most students with a weekly 30-minute lesson for $25 per lesson. I occasionally adjust the lesson time according to the student's needs. Payment can be made weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
How did you get started teaching?
I had friends who wanted to learn, and started teaching them andfor free. When parents of children 8-14 heard that I taught, and having heard me play, I unexpectedly received many requests for not only piano lessons, but violin, percussion, and music theory as well. While students moved away or chose to shift their goals, my student base changed eveey now and then. Having recently moved to Utah from Missouri, I am now looking to open my school once more.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have mostly taught children and teens at the beginner level. I have taught adults, and am willing to begin lessons with anyone. If I am approached by a student that is too high level for me to teach, I will give teacher recommendations.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice is to "interview" your teacher rather than letting them interview you. The student, and parent if applicable, is the one responsible for choosing the right teacher. If starting lessons with a particular instructor doesn't have a long-term agreement, I would recommend trying out a few if finances permits. Remember to keep your comparisons of each teacher private from your perspective instructors.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Your reason for wanting to learn the piano is the most important thing to consider. Famous martial artists like Jacky Chan and Chuck Noris had a drive to learn to fight because they needed to defend themselves and people close to them. While your reason may not be that intense, it should be personal and deep from your heart. Just because something seems like a common desire or reason doesn't mean it's not personal to you. Trust yourself. Your reason can be kept private. I'll see you at lesson 1.