About
I understand the learning process and the performing process...I made my living as a working musician along the East Coast and in Nashville,Tn. as a writer, studio musician and keyboardist for recording artists live performances.
I have a passion for what and how a student could move forward to pursue a career in music..or just help someone to explore their love for music and learning to play piano.
I love seeing the aha! Moment when a student understands something new, or reaches a new point in their playing. It's very rewarding.
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Meryll D.
Daniel S.
Daniel S.
Karen B.
philip R.
John G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is a "getting to know you" time....i like to see if there is anything that the student would like to play for me or i have all levels of materials with me to see what they can do and where they excel...i discuss goals and music interests.
If they are beginners and don't know, then i start showing them the basics of learning the keyboard,hand position,etc.
I like working with the Alfred or Bastion series of books.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My parents got me to piano lessons at age 4..the piano was a magnet to me. i have a very strong ear and i could hear melodies at a young age and play them. i studied for 12 years with Bristow Hardin. Later, I studied jazz piano with Pat Curtis. I had my own band at age 12, all through Junior high and high school. Then i swithed to playing and singing solo in a piano bar setting which i still do from time to time.
i attended Gardner Webb University and James Madison University studying music education majoring in piano and minoring in voice.
In 1985, I moved to Nashville,Tn. where I got involved in recording and helped musicians with piano tracks for their projects. i also recorded my own songs.
i toured with Brenda Lee for 5 years as her pianist and BG vocalist.
I moved back to Virginia in 2000 and started teaching out of my home. I preferred being a private teacher as opposed to being in a classroom. i taught piano at Alpha Music in 2015 for a year. Now i have my own "go to the home" business which i most enjoy.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $35 for a half hour lesson, $50 for 45 minutes and $65 for 1 hour lesson. I will give a discount if there are more students in 1 household.
How did you get started teaching?
Going to college i chose a music education degree to pursue. I knew I wanted to teach when my performing life slowed down.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught young children age 7 up to seniors in their 80's. Some wanted to learn classical and some wanted to learn contemporary.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing and entertaining a local nursing home for their activity time. They love music so much and are so appreciative.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask questions in detail about anything that comes to mind. Ask to hear me play something for you. It can be specific if it's something popular.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It depends on their age and experience..thinking about what they like…if they are children being brought by their parents, then the teacher would know how to proceed. If they are older and have an idea what they like..then talk to the teacher about different approaches to achieve their goal.
In my case, my playing by ear was what drove me..i was very young and my teacher knew just what to do with me. we focused on good habits..correct fingering,hand position,learning theory and sight reading,etc.