Piano Lessons in Frisco, TX

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Organ Accordion Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Running a piece from top to bottom over and over is something I have learned a lot of students think is useful, but actually is a much less effective way of learning a piece. I coach my students to break down each piece into phrases and work on each part until they can play it memorized because they know it so well. This helps them learn the piece as individual phrases with expression and not just a memorization of a fingering pattern. Breaking anything down always helps learning, not just in music. I think it's important to remember that learning music is like learning another subject and takes time, assessment, and study.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
One major question you need to know is if are they willing and ready to practice. If they just want to go to lessons, learn from the teacher during that 30-60 minute period once a week, and go home and not touch the instrument then they are not ready. This won't be effective learning. Music requires a lot of individual practice time using the tools taught at lessons. If your child seems excited about learning the instrument and wants to dedicate some time a week for practice, then they are ready.

When will I start to see results?
Every student learns at a difference pace. This is not something that can be measured universally across the board. Age, maturity, dedication, willingness to learn, practice time, and pre-music knowledge all tie into a student's results. As a teacher, the student needs to understand that I can not turn them into a great player, but that they need to put in the time and effort. I can only guide, instruct, and lead them to teach effective ways to practice. Most students make the widest span of improvement in the first year because they are effectively learning so much information and learning the tools to become a better player.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first piano teacher was a very kind, patient, and understanding teacher. She worked with me to not only teach me piano essentials and standards, but found out what music on piano I'm passionate about playing and listening to. It is important to learn and play music of all styles. Even if you know you want to be a jazz player, it's still important to learn classical standards as well and vice versa. She worked with finding me pieces she knew I would enjoy playing, as well as important pieces for me to learn to develop piano strength. This inspired me to keep being involved in music up until even today, learning as many instruments as I can, as well as spreading the love of music!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Something about the horn always called to me. Ever since I was little I enjoyed listening to symphonies and movie scores and picking out the horn parts and listening closely to their tone. I wanted to be able to make that sound soar when I played just like the recordings I heard. The first time I picked up a horn, I had the natural embouchure to play it without being told how to do it. Many times students will think they want to play an instrument but may not be able to make a sound on it, while having a great tone on another. It is important to listen to your natural ability on an instrument, but also enjoy it at the same time.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started on piano because I wanted to learn music from a very young age. I loved playing piano, but I was ready to take on another instrument and I was still to young to start a band instrument. This is what encouraged me to start the violin. When it was time for band to start, I picked up a couple band instruments so I could be involved in concert band as well as jazz band. I have been spreading myself to learn more instruments since because I love the process of learning something new, and the challenge it brings.

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