Education
B.M. Piano Performance, Manhattan School of Music, M.M. Piano Performance, Montclair State University
Expertise
8 years, private piano lessons, tutoring in music theory and aural skills to undergraduate music majors, directing group classes and theater ensembles
Years
First year
Ages Taught
All Ages, specializing in ages 10+
Instrument(s) Taught
Piano
Availability
Both
What do students need to bring to their first lesson?
Experienced students should bring some music they have worked on, beginning students can just bring themselves.
Learning Goals
Learning the layout of the keys (groups of black and white), introducing note names, and learning at least 3 pieces of music by rote. Technique: finding the correct seat height, feeling the weight forward towards the keys, feeling the free drop of the arm into the key with a unified finger, hand and forearm.
Supply List
For beginning students: Piano Safari method book. More advanced students will be assigned a variety of repertoire based on their strengths and challenges. Other things that are useful to have are a notebook, a pencil, staff paper, a mirror to place by the piano for home practice, and a footstool for young children whose feet don’t reach the floor.
Time Commitment
Weekly lessons and daily practice: length of time depends on the level of student.
Progress
By the end of the first semester, a beginner will have learned at least 15-20 pieces of music, and will be set up with a firm technical foundation to have a free and easy approach to the instrument.