Piano Lessons in Kailua, HI

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Each student should practice what he/she learns from the lesson every day for at least 30 minutes if the lesson is a 30 minute one. If the lesson is an hour long, the student should practice what was learned each day for an hour. If the instructor provides any type of writing assignment, the student should accomplish this task as well. This should adequately prepare him/her for the next lesson.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Do you hear your child singing or humming? Does she/he try to play a piano or keyboard whenever there is one around? Does your child enjoy watching singing or musical instruments being played on television? If any of the answers to these questions is yes, than I would think so. Also if you notice your child responding to music while it's being played by tapping his hands or swaying. Any type of response is positive and definitely promotes an interest. Music and math are interrelated, so if the child loves math, than she will most likely love music. On the other hand, if a child is not doing well in math, music can help.

When will I start to see results?
You will see your child or yourself begin to play simple songs immediately. Note recognition will be the first skill taught along with a few songs. Timing is very important in music as one can play at least three songs with the same notes, but with different timing and they will sound completely different. So, timing will be introduced very early in the lessons. As always, students will progress at different speeds and it is important for the instructor to find the best program to benefit the student.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre is classical because it is the most challenging and the composers wrote the music for the piano. I also like to play any genre that the composer wrote specifically for the piano. I enjoy playing soft rock, R&B and gospel.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does run in my family. I'm the only piano player; however, all of my uncles play/played string instruments. They played mostly violin or fiddle as they would say. But, not a one of them ever took a lesson. They all had perfect timing and played beautifully. My uncle Buddy plays bass, all types of guitar, mandolin, and now he's mastering the violin. He does teach lessons. Many of my relatives have beautiful singing voices and most sing and play in church.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I did not decide to become a professional musician at first as someone heard me play and asked me to play at their wedding. Then, someone at that wedding asked me to play at their wedding, and pretty soon, I was playing for weddings about every other Saturday for almost 10 years making anywhere from $100-300/wedding. This was in addition to my regular 9-5 job and my church pianist position. So, the money was really advantageous. It is also very rewarding to be able to be a part of a friend or loved one's celebration.

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