Piano Lessons in Spring Hill, FL

Instruments: Piano

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Mostly gradually from the time I was 16 when I auditioned for my first organ position. It was so cool. The priest was the first who encouraged me to continue and make time to practice after school and he would take me home. I could stay for supper with them but I didn't have to. I loved the attention and love they gave me so I usually stayed then he drove my home.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I did select another instrument, cornet because I had the correct lips and jaw for that instrument, Dr. Centrone was the band leader at school and I love at the precision of the marching band. I loved being in the band/

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
In my mother's side of the family. Mostly piano and singing. I was the only one who was in the band. I was not encouraged to play and sing with them too much as it was their family who sang and played following our holiday meals. I listened and I must say clowned around. Mostly cause I was jealous and mad they didn't include me.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre is probably classical. I find all of the classic giants very predictable however, solid in their goals and objectives. I used to listen to the instrumentation and the orchestration and loved that part of the writing. I never liked individual melody writing but I could always suggest instruments that would feature the melody.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have no idea because from the time I was being potty trained my Mom tells the story that I sang all the while I was being trained. And when I went to school, I just wanted to sing and hear the piano accompaniment. I don't ever remember thinking of any other occupation. It was always music.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
The Moonlight Sonata and I have it close to performance ready. I love the ebb and flow of the dynamics and the low sounding melody with accompaniment even lower.

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 Music Education. I didn't select performance cause that isn't my area of expertise. I like the "nuts and bolts" of the piece making it more of an educational excercise.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I warm up on scales and a few Hanon exercises, Then I isolate the most difficult passages and practice those before putting the entire piece together. I am usually at the piano or organ for 2-3 hours.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I usually select the method due to a childhood reason, For instance one student because they like to color, some like the duets, some like the melodic songs so each will vary by student. It helps me to stay alert, stay fresh, and I like variety.

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