About
I have been teaching for over 35 years. I have a Master degree in Piano Performance from the UW and a Bachelor degreen from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. My studio offers a quiet and inspiring environment with 2 high quality grand pianos: a 6.7 ft Kawai and a 9 ft Bösendorfer. It is located at the Phinneywood neighborhood. I teach students from beginners to advanced level. I take a very personalize approach to each student based on their goals, personality and skills level. I believe on guiding my students to a conscious practice, by identifying the technical challenges in their pieces and how to solve them intelligently and musically. It avoids the aimless and inefficient practice. I do specialize on adults and offer weekly 60 minutes one on one lessons in person or online.
Besides private lessons students also participate on Performance Classes where adult students perform for one another. They share their experiences and love for music in an encouraging and loving environment.
I am the recipient of the 2019 Focus Brazil Award, 2017 4CULTURE Grant Award, 2013 Artist Trust GAP Award. I am a Concert Pianist, Recording Artist, Master Teacher. I have produced and recorded 5 solo piano albums. For more information please visit my website: geisadutra.com
For my performance videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=geisa+dutra
For me, the most rewarding part of my job is my students progress and witnessing how they benefit from the healing effects of music.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Angela O.
Teresa L.
Charlie S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
On my first meeting with a new student I do a lot of listening. I listen to their goals, their hopes, likes and dislikes and I ask questions.If a student already knows how to play I ask him/her to play a couple of different samples of their choice. That allows me to assess the student technical abilities and personal musical approach and personality.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started my musical education at 3 years old. My mother was also a music teacher and that allowed me an early start. My Bachelor Degree in Music is from the School of Music of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and my Master in Music is from the UW School of Music. I have taught Master Classes and given lectures and workshops at the National Music Teachers Association Conferences, at the WSMTA, SMTA and the Vitoria International Piano Festival in Brazil.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge per month. The tuition covers weekly lessons and includes the quarterly Performance Classes.
How did you get started teaching?
Through other piano teachers recommendations.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have students ranging from all levels: beginners to advanced and from ages 8 to 86.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently took my adult students to a field trip to a piano museum. We all learned a lot together, had lots of fun and played some very rare instruments.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don’t look for the cheapest or the closest to your home. Find the best qualified and someone you enjoy as a teacher and as a person because you will find that piano lessons are a very close and personal experience.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First question: Am I willing to practice?