Lessons

Beginners learn to read music through the intervallic method as taught in the Faber and Leonard books. In this streamlined process, they learn first to recognize the distance between two notes on the page, and feel that distance with their fingers, eliminating the need to name the note or to look down at the keys. Later, they learn to rapidly identify the note names so they can quickly move their hands to new positions as the music requires.

From the first lesson, good posture and technique are emphasized, helping students develop habits that will enable them to play any kind of music they wish: Rachmaninoff or Billy Joel… Bach or Enya. Music theory is part of every lesson too, so they understand the structure of music and composition.

I emphasize accuracy in rhythm - even in the harder parts - and in playing. We work in two modes: 1) learning the music: when we go at a slower pace, and we DO stop and work through any mistakes that occur and 2) performing the music: when we just keep going after a mistake.

Ultimately, beginners achieve mastery and have the fun of playing along with musical accompaniments in many styles, from bluegrass to swing. With the CDs I use, sometimes the novice pianist feels like a soloist with an orchestra in the background! Or a rock band! Or bagpipes!

More advanced students learn to play with the metronome to achieve velocity. Learning scales and technique helps in mastering the more advanced repertoire. I currently have high schoolers playing Early Advanced repertoire. And, I have adult beginners. All are welcome; all are given the respect and attention any musician needs.

Since 2016 I’ve given students the experience of playing a professional grade piano. I sold my beloved Knabe and, with help from a generous patron, bought a beautiful Yamaha C-3 grand.

All students, regardless of their level, know that I care about their developing musicianship AND I care about them as people.

I also host monthly Group Lessons. Click the link to read more about it.