Dianne M. Johnston
About
I provide private lessons each week, and group lessons every six weeks. Through group experiences, we develop comraderie with other students, playing for each other and learning together. We also build our confidence in performance through group experiences. Because I belong to Music Teachers National Association, at the local, state and national levels, my students can participate in numerous activities with other students in the area.
I help my students explore many different styles of music as well as improvising and ear training.
My goal is to see each student succeed musically as best suits their learning style and personality. I love seeing students develop their skills from beginning to whatever advancement they can acheive. Several of my students have gone on to continue their music training at the college level and are teachers themselves.
I have been teaching for over 35 years in the Kingston area, and have been the pianist at Gateway Fellowship for 30 years.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I offer an interview prior to beginning lessons, to allow students and families to visit with in my studio and discuss their goals and my teaching without charge. I accept students from age 6 to 80 all levels.
I offer weekly private lessons so students may progress at their speed and group lessons every six weeks to develop comraderie with other students and confidence in performance.
I use a variety of music materials that seem best suited for the student's age and ability. Depending on a student's past music experience our process includes learning to decode written music, developing dexterity skills, music theory, improvisation, ear training, memory and performance.
Students have the opportunity to participate in our studio recitals, other county wide performances, a music carnival, musicianship exams, performance evaluations and master classes.
Several of my students continue piano study through their high school and adult years.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my BA in Music from the University of Washington. I continue to attend teaching workshops and master classes to improve my teaching skills.
I have a Washington State Music Teachers Association Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate. I am a member of Kitsap Music Teachers which is a local affilitate of Washington State Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. I have held positions in each of those organizations and have been awarded an Honorary Life membership.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer 40 minute, 45 minute and 60 minute lessons with monthly or quarterly tuitions appropriate to the time desired.
How did you get started teaching?
I began my teaching after being recommended by the University of Washington School of Music to a family inquiring for a piano teacher in their area. I have loved teaching and continued since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with young beginners usually age six and older as well as intermediate and advanced high school students and adults. Serious students from my studiio have been ready to minor or major in college piano. Others have studied piano for enjoyment and enrichment.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy meeting with my colleagues in the Kitsap area monthly. We recently met with a Teacher/Composer who shared teaching ideas for students interested in composing at a begining level.
I also was thrilled at the opportunity to watch a former student give a college recital.
I am delighted with each student's personal acheivement be it a small revelation or a major accomplishment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It's important when looking for a piano teacher to meet them in person before you begin lessons to be certain their objectives in teaching are a good match for you or your child.
Inquire about a teachers continuing education, affilitation with other teachers and/or professional music teacher organizations. It's important that private teachers maintain and upgrade their teaching skills.
Ask about their studio policies and opportunities. What instructional materials do they use? What is their basic lesson structure?
Can they offer references from other students?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Either the parent, if a student is young, or a student should have a piano and have some idea about what they want to accomplish or why they want to take piano lessons.
What do they like about the piano? Why the piano as opposed to other instruments?
How much time do they have to give to practicing?