Piano Lessons in Reston, VA

Christopher Z

Instruments: Piano Flute

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I made the verbal announcement that I wanted to major in music when I was 15 but I truly believe I had decided in my head a long time before then. I have always loved music and I always will.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am proud of my earning a degree in musical performance from college. I am proud of the numerous performances I have done with the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started with the flute at an early age. Somewhere along the line I picked up the piano as it was suggested to me that I should learn it as well. I of course did and grew to love the piano as much as I do the flute.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My parents are not musicians, nor anyone in my immediate family. I have one uncle and a couple cousins however who play the guitar. But otherwise, no one else.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre of music to play is classical music. Classical music is a great timeline, an archaeological record of the history of the world. Its complexity and intricacies and emotional value greatly surpasses other genres of music.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degree is in musical performance for flute and piano. I always wanted to study music since I was a teenager.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I am a lover of classical music. As I learn and perform current pieces, I am constantly adding more pieces to my list that one day I want to learn, I am especially eager to learn all the etudes by Chopin and the Transcedental Etudes of Liszt. And my ultimate dream is to learn the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Music occupies the majority of my energy and interests but I certainly have other interests. If music was not my career, I would pursue the field of computer science and cyber security.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
One third of the lesson involves exercises that build technical development: scales, arpeggios, articulation and breathing exercises (for flute), and various chord variations (piano). Musical selection becomes more diverse once the student reaches a certain level. We start (and stay) with a method book piece and in time, musical choices of their own choosing (per my approval).

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For the most part, I will make use of whatever books the student already has. I will always supplement the lesson with my own exercises and material of my own. But in terms of preference, I am fond of Piano Adventures. I find the series very comprehensive and step wise in its progression of musical exposure and development.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest part of mastering ANY instrument is once you reach that level of mastery where you realize that there is more to music than just playing notes correctly. Masterful flute playing requires so much nuance in actions that would seem so insignificant. Piano playing constantly illuminates the paradox that faster playing requires more and more relaxation.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
In elementary school, some man came in and demonstrated all the possible instruments available for 4th grade band class. He picked up the flute and played a fast little riff for that was only about 3 seconds long and after that, I knew I wanted to play the flute. The piano was more taken on as a suggestion by family members. I wasn't opposed to it, and in time, I would find that I had found my second love.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I have been fortunate that the majority of my music teachers have been passionate, and nurturing people who truly cared. From band teachers, orchestra conductors and private music teachers, I have been encouraged and pushed to do more, and push harder.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If the child is physically able to either hold an instrument, move their fingers and to be able to stay focused for short periods of time.

When will I start to see results?
Every day that effective practice is being done, progress will always be achieved. It is important when learning a new instrument to appreciate smaller, more subtle achievements as they invariably lead to larger ones.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
It is not so much time spent as much as accomplishing specific goals. Furthermore, create specific small goals to achieve. It is important to be able to always know what you are going to practice each day.

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