Piano Lessons in Huntington, NY

Instruments: Piano Accordion

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice every day at least 20 min It becomes a habit. Make it ether first thing in a morning or same time after school. If you practice every day for three years you will see what a change it will make in your technique. Start your practicing with the scales, then play songs. Never play a new song from the beginning to the end. Work out the mesures that not working well enough. Make a family concert, play for family members couple times a month. Use metronome to ensure you are always on time.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Usually a child is ready when he/she knows his ABC and can count from 1 -10. The best time is when a child is 6 years old, but every child is different. We have to look at the entire package. Does a child able to move all his fingers. Can he or she play with both hands. Are the fingers strong enough to push the keys down to make it sound. Also we have to look if the child has any delays talking, or understand directions. After viewing all the factors the child can pass the test, you can be sure he is ready to play.

When will I start to see results?
You can see results shortly after 6-8 lessons. Depending what method you will be teaching, after 1.5 month or 2 months children can play three easy songs. Older students are able to handle harder pieces and play more difficult or longer song. Every child is different, but with a lot of practice and pation you can see results any time from 2-3 months. Hand positioning and fingering usually need adjustment for the 12 months for the young children. If you continue practicing every day, you will get the technique faster than you are expecting.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had two Russian teachers and I am so thankful today. They were very strict but knew how to aprouch to teach. They both were very different. One was very young and used to demonstrate in a very pationate way, the other teacher was old, and used to perform with dynamics. Sometimes closed the book, and say you have to practice more. At the beginning I used to get frustrated. Endless practicing made me to understand how to perform with correct fingers and beautiful dynamics. I dearly love memories about both great teachers.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I loved piano the most. I had a best friend that played piano. Her piano was so advanced. Just by looking at her fingers moving fast, I didn’t want to play any other instruments. Very shortly after couple months of great instructions, my fingers became so fast as well and I am so glad I chose a primary instrument piano. Piano is the easiest instrument to start playing and the hardest instrument to master. I love challenges and take studying seriously. Piano was my favorite instrument when I was a child and still is.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
My special method is to teach from N. Fibers books. Her books are most sequently written. The books are fabulous full of pictures, directions and excersizes. It comes from very introduction how to play on black keys and takes you to the songs with different levels. It teaches you entire music theory. The books teaching important things you need to know when you starting. Every student should have a beginners book. Students can start learning from Alfred’s or Bastien books as well. Variety when you have a lot of students is good. I do teach Suzuki method as well. Every book is for a different student.

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