Getting Started
Where words fail,
music speaks.
- Hans Christian Andersen
The Beginning Years
Most of my students begin private lessons at age 6-8. This is the time for playful learning. We learn the language of music with fun pieces to play. We learn to listen and play along with upbeat accompaniment apps. We train the fingers to develop coordination and good technique as a solid musical foundation is being set. It takes time & patience to learn the basics. During these years, students will need the help of a parent to develop a routine for practicing the piano every day. Consistency is the secret and I model that value to my students every week. Attendance by the parent at the lesson is very helpful at this age.
The Middle School Years
When students reach middle school, they typically have a well-rounded foundation for musicianship. Lessons begin to focus on time management and effective practicing strategies. Students learn how to solve problems and how to set and achieve realistic goals. They are learning life skills now! Lessons become highly individualized as I teach classical, jazz, popular and contemporary styles and meet the needs of each and every student. I am equally comfortable offering traditional exam preparation or a more flexible arrangement that might better suit your child’s needs.
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
- Victor Hugo
The High School Years
Many of my students continue lessons right to the end of high school. The path for every teen is unique: some teens choose music to relax & escape into contemporary styles, some choose the jazz/contemporary stream offered by Conservatory Canada and others are extremely motivated to work on high level classical repertoire and examinations. At this point in their studies, I am helping prepare older students for how music will be in their lives for years to come & to reflect with pride on how much they have achieved through years of discipline in studying an instrument.
Adult Lessons
Maybe there has always been a desire to learn the piano, or to resume lessons after a long hiatus. Can I do this? At my age? I am always encouraged by being contacted by an adult learner since I truly believe that everyone can play the piano. And since I understand how much courage it takes to contact a potential teacher. The adult learner and teacher needs to be a good fit so after some conversation by phone and email, it is good to meet in person in the studio to have a “get acquainted” lesson. I then encourage the adult learner to go home and think for a few days and then contact me again if they would like to begin. Chances are that this relationship, rooted in music, will last a long time!
