About
I tailor each student's musical journey to their interests. While there are some necessary materials to cover in order to become a proficient musician, anything that can be molded to meet a student's personal preferences will be done. Music is meant to be enjoyed!
Reviews
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Mindy C.
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Ellen P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask new students about their lives. Family? Music? Movies? Games? Food? Outdoor? Sports?
I strive to incorporate every aspect of a students' life into lessons, because music is a representation of life. It is an extension of our ways to experience meaning and express feelings.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
4 years of university music education.
8 years of private teaching.
14 years of composing for commercials, short films, and personal projects.
How did you get started teaching?
The first time I gave a private lesson was when I was a freshman in high school in 2004. A music leader at my church asked if I could teach him "some piano stuff." His primary instrument was guitar and he was looking to expand his skillset. When he realized playing piano was actually possible, his eyes lit up. Seeing that excitement and pride in someone else made me happy. I knew how good it felt to read, play, and write piano music. But giving that gift to someone else was extra special.
In early 2014 I started teaching on a steadier schedule. The rest is history.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all ages, 4 years - 73 years.
I've worked with absolute beginners, students with some prior experience, and students who had a decent amount of experience in the past but were picking it back up after many years.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask as many questions as you have. Don't hold back!
Music is meant to be enjoyed. Let your piano teacher know what kind of music you desire to play. There are more musical styles than years in a person's life, so don't waste time learning songs you're not interested in.
Piano is a contstant challenge, but it becomes very fun, and it is worth the reward.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your favorite kind of music? (Film Scores? Pop? Classical? Rock? Video game? Neo-Classical? Etc.)
What is your ultimate piano goal? (Learn a specific song? Be able to read music and play any song? Compose your own music? Play by Ear? Etc.)
What things in life are most meaningful to you? The answers to this question will help to identify how you express yourself with music. The types of songs you may enjoy, and the style of music you may eventually write yourself.