My Teaching Studio
While the choice of your teacher is the most important factor in leading to success on the piano, the place where you take your lessons is also very important. Your lesson setting should be comfortable, spacious, and free from outside distractions. A well-designed piano studio will maximize the benefits from the investment you are making in piano lessons.
Comfort and Convenience
My piano teaching studio is on the east hill of Kent, WA, just a mile south from Lake Meridian. With 600 square feet of studio space above my detached garage, my students enjoy a quiet, spacious music environment with plenty of natural sunlight. Parking for students is in the second driveway (I have a circular drive). Click the Photo Gallery box to see pictures of the studio and waiting area. While in the gallery, you can click on any the photos to see them in a larger size, and read the captions.
Instrument
Students take their piano lessons on a Yamaha C-3, a 6' 1" Conservatory Collection Grand Piano.
Recitals are scheduled in halls that have state of the art concert instruments and excellent acoustics.
Recitals are scheduled in halls that have state of the art concert instruments and excellent acoustics.
Program
I take great pride in providing a well rounded curriculum that includes weekly lessons, several studio classes throughout the year, masterclass opportunities with visiting artists, theory, history, ear-training instruction, and three studio recitals. I am also able to offer interested students many unique competition and performance opportunities, as well as the ability to interact with professional teachers and performers from around the country.
Private lessons focus primarily on expressive and technical performances of piano repertoire, sight reading, music theory, and ear training. Monthly Masterclasses are on one Friday a month, and are a key element of my teaching. Although standard classical repertoire is strongly emphasized for purposes of technique development, each student’s curriculum is always tailored to their specific interests, goals, age, and learning style.
RECITALS
The piano is a performance instrument, so frequent, polished performances are encouraged. I approach public performance in a way that makes it an exciting, rewarding aspect of a student’s curriculum. While some students may express uneasiness about playing in public, the best way to overcome performance anxiety is to make performance a frequent, normal part of a student’s playing career from the very start. Studio recitals are held three times a year, typically in early December, late Feburary and late May. Students get to show family, friends, and the community what they have been learning.
PERFORMANCE
Performance opportunities help students gain the confidence they need in order to pursue music to its fullest. I am a member of the MTNA (Music Teacher's National Association) and the SKCMTA (South King County Music Teacher's Association. This provides my students with even more opportunities to play in competitions, festivals, and evaluations. In addition, I offer studio classes throughout the year in which students perform for their peers.
MUSIC THEORY
Music theory helps students organize music into logical blocks of information. As students grow in their understanding of theory, their ability to play difficult music also grows. Theory assignments include written homework, memorization, and even verbal exercises. Young students have books that include games, puzzles, and fun activities.
PIANO REPERTOIRE
I love to teach all kinds of repertoire. However, a solid foundation in classical music helps students acquire the skills necessary to play any kind of music they like. I work with my students to map out a plan that enables them to branch out into advanced classical music, church music, or contemporary styles.
PROPER PIANO TECHNIQUE
Posture, hand position, and body movement are all key aspects of getting a proper sound from the piano. I stress proper technique with all students. Beginning students begin with simple exercises while intermediate and advanced students work on building speed, dexterity, and fluidity in their playing.
Private lessons focus primarily on expressive and technical performances of piano repertoire, sight reading, music theory, and ear training. Monthly Masterclasses are on one Friday a month, and are a key element of my teaching. Although standard classical repertoire is strongly emphasized for purposes of technique development, each student’s curriculum is always tailored to their specific interests, goals, age, and learning style.
RECITALS
The piano is a performance instrument, so frequent, polished performances are encouraged. I approach public performance in a way that makes it an exciting, rewarding aspect of a student’s curriculum. While some students may express uneasiness about playing in public, the best way to overcome performance anxiety is to make performance a frequent, normal part of a student’s playing career from the very start. Studio recitals are held three times a year, typically in early December, late Feburary and late May. Students get to show family, friends, and the community what they have been learning.
PERFORMANCE
Performance opportunities help students gain the confidence they need in order to pursue music to its fullest. I am a member of the MTNA (Music Teacher's National Association) and the SKCMTA (South King County Music Teacher's Association. This provides my students with even more opportunities to play in competitions, festivals, and evaluations. In addition, I offer studio classes throughout the year in which students perform for their peers.
MUSIC THEORY
Music theory helps students organize music into logical blocks of information. As students grow in their understanding of theory, their ability to play difficult music also grows. Theory assignments include written homework, memorization, and even verbal exercises. Young students have books that include games, puzzles, and fun activities.
PIANO REPERTOIRE
I love to teach all kinds of repertoire. However, a solid foundation in classical music helps students acquire the skills necessary to play any kind of music they like. I work with my students to map out a plan that enables them to branch out into advanced classical music, church music, or contemporary styles.
PROPER PIANO TECHNIQUE
Posture, hand position, and body movement are all key aspects of getting a proper sound from the piano. I stress proper technique with all students. Beginning students begin with simple exercises while intermediate and advanced students work on building speed, dexterity, and fluidity in their playing.