Dallal Music Studio
About
I have been teaching ages 4 - 74 for a long time now, and love what I do. I am nationally certified, and have always had a talent for teaching. I believe in getting students as advanced with proper technique as quickly as possible.
I use the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program assessments as tools to encourage students to do their best, to develop their ear training, as well as technique and songs of all eras of music.
I also use the Jane Tan Well-Prepared Pianist system to teach proper technique which cuts the time for becoming intermediate IN HALF. If you use standard method books, usually that process takes twice the time.
I love the interaction and with the students and parents, I love the creativity that happens in the studio with improvisation and composition. I also enjoy teaching, because it's fun, and every lesson is unique, and tailored to the student, so we have fun in the lesson.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Seeing where they are musically, and what instrument (keyboard or piano) and what their goals are. Then tailoring a program to fit their goals. That program can include jazz, reading lead sheets, learning to create their own arrangements of hymns, or popular songs learned by ear, and can also incorporate classical and jazz music. For very young students I have learned from the Music for Young Children how to really engage the youngsters and have fun with them as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Continuing education with the Music Teachers Association, and lots of training with various performers and doctorates of music. Growing up I studied with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (affiliated with the University of Toronto) and achieved my Grade 10 before joining the United States Air Force Band where I learned to play rock music with the keyboards and played in the rock band, and performed with the Jazz Band.
I am certified with the National Music Teachers Association, and I have performed for bands, choirs, orchestras, ensembles of various kinds.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Please call for details.
How did you get started teaching?
I had a passion for music when I was very young (3 years old) and played my first song on the accordion when I was 3 with my mom pulling the bellows. From then on, I LOVED the sound of a piano so much I begged for it, and when I was 8 years old my parents got me one. I LOVED the piano, and from there developed my musicianship and have continued ever since. When I was 18 years old I started teaching, and then joined the United States Air Force Band, where I developed my ability to play be ear, and improvise, and played in the jazz and concert bands. After that I did various performing and did church services, performed for choirs, and developed my arranging skills as well.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with ALL types of students from 4 years old all the way to seniors. I also encourage adults to have lessons as a couple - since I have multiple pianos/keyboards in the studio I can teach 2 at a time.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My student just played for the Convention Recital Competition and won Honorable Mention, even though he was competing against high schoolers and he is in middle school. I also enjoy the Trudy Woll Composition Competition where I usually have a lot of composition winners.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a well-rounded teacher that inspires you to enjoy music, and give you a) good technic, b) music reading skills, c) the ability to improvise and be creative, d) teaches theory, e) gives LOTS of opportunities for performance and creative outlets in the studio. It's not enough just to practice your songs - you also need to have places to perform what you have worked on.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) Make sure you have a DECENT keyboard (88 WEIGHTED keys with touch sensitivity at the very least).
2) If you have not purchased an instrument - there are a LOT of inexpensive used pianos that are good instruments out there.
3) Find a teacher who has a good background and experience in performing in various settings, and put you in touch with a variety of places to perform.