Teaching Philosophy
I. Beginner
I believe every beginning piano student is unique. There are many method books available today and one method isn’t suitable for all students. My long experience as a piano teacher has given me the ability to accurately administer particular methods for the beginning pianist. The beginning students in my piano studio learn the fundamentals of piano: correct positioning, sight-reading simple melodies, understanding rhythm and meter, creative thinking, and one of the most important of all – listening. I strive for a healthy student-teacher relationship in which the lessons learned reach far beyond those of a musical nature.
II. Intermediate
The intermediate level piano students in my studio have a firm grasp on meter, rhythm, and simple harmony. This is the stage where the knowledge of keys, harmonic progressions, complex rhythms, and a keen ear for good tone become imperative for further advancement at the piano. The intermediate student will learn about style among the different periods of music and will focus on important composers of those periods. These students will have the opportunity to try their music in front of a peer audience.
III. Advanced
With a firm foundation of music theory, the advanced piano students gain an understanding of the structure of particular works. Advanced students will learn to move beyond what is right or wrong and will begin to ask more subjective questions. Learning about the context of a particular work becomes important in answering these questions. Advanced pianists will have the opportunity to enter competitions and perform throughout the community in addition to peer performances where they will receive helpful and friendly advice.