Piano Lessons in Brandon, FL

Sharon A

Instruments: Piano

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I knew in elementary school that music was for me Prior to having teachers of music music class consisted of playing classical music on the radio I was very taken by it and it grew from there

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
In Middle School I tried to play the clarinet in Orchestra However it wasn't my forte I played in orchestra on the piano which was my true love

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My mother played piano and was my first teacher until I got better than her My father played guitar, and clarinet My daughter used to play first seat flute in the band and sang as well

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy playing classical music as well as reading fake books as stated before Both are a different style I enjoy playing either

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Maybe owning my own restaurant and playing as a cocktail pianist Teaching Elementary School as a classroom teacher

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
As stated earlier I like George Gershwin but enjoy playing Classical pieces as well such as Bach Beethoven Mozart Chopin to name a few I did do Rhapsody in Blue along with inventions of Bach Sonatas of Beethoven Mozart and Debussy to name a few

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a BS in Music Education I enjoy playing performing and theory which is the essence of reading music I always enjoyed music and knew it was my calling in my professional life

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Alfred, Bastion Hal Leonard Brimhall Theory Books I use the appropriate levels from primary to adults

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I have the student warm up with scales and chords Using the Circle of 5ths Identify Sharps and Flats, Learn the appropriate way of holding hand and fingers and then put on the finishing touches

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In order to be the best you can one needs to apply themselves by practicing I will be there to help you and the final accomplishment is to perform by memory once you have learned the rudiments and dress up with finishing touches such as playing dynamics pedaling and other decorative finishing touches to the piece of music

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I taught chorus and some went on to upper level singing I worked with Band students as a pianist during contests and award I did recitals and took much pride in the accomplishments of students and the satisfaction of the students as they accomplished reading music and performing

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
From when I was a little girl I knew that I loved music My mother played Piano and was my first teacher I enjoy producing music using the piano It is a versatile instrument and I could express my self playing the piano

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I played in many recitals My favorite composer is George Gershwin and for my senior recital played Rhapsody In Blue I taught in Public Private Schools and had the opportunity to work with preschool students through High School I enjoy working with students who wish to learn I enjoy teaching the music as well as opening up a world of music for the student Finally I ran my own music school and supervised teachers in all areas of instruments It would be my pleasure to work with you

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I was very fortunate to have worked with many teachers The one who stands out in my mind is one who was teaching me how to read, play count and learn to play chords and scales He introduced me to popular music I learned not only the basic classical music but he taught me how to use fake books, using chords It opens a word up for you I learned how to play jazz, popular music and even classical music with the melody line accompanied with chord symbols Learning to play from a fake book was fun and opened a world of enjoyment for me Given the opportunity I would like to share the above with you

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
It is my opinion the best age to start is between 5 and 6 It is necessary to know the alphabet and counting As the student progresses their level of ability will improve as well I have worked with children from those ages all the way through adults

When will I start to see results?
Depending upon the amount of time a person practices will be reflected in their progress The teacher who is wise will ask whether they did not practice or do they not understand the concepts and notes Each student is different and will advance at the level they put into practicing My theory is that you are not learning just one song but be able to play any song on the level appropriate to what they are learning

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Try to keep a schedule when you will practice If you are studying try to practice for at least 30 minutes per day Study the fundamentals of the music in order to play Important rudiments Name of notes, Time Signatures, Values of Notes Scales and Chords Most important do not play songs by finger numbers only A beginner may get help as to where to start a song but once you learn names of notes you will have less need for finger positions Enjoy Playing as well as learning

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