Piano Lessons in Waldorf, MD

Sandra H

Instruments: Piano

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I'm proud of receiving a music award before my graduation and for having the opportunity to play for the senior prong in high school. I'm proud for the opportunity that I had in playing for both the school and the church choir and for playing for the two dance schools. What I'm most proud of is help bringing the talent out of my students so that they can bring joy to their families and those around them. I'm grateful for their love for music and for their hard work. My life has been bless through my students.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Not at this point. Most of my students are still in school. One of my students has started taking violin this year. Her teacher was impressed what she already know and move her up to advance. My older students started late in life. They range from their 50's through their 70's.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
My instructor kept after me on this one thing. He said, "Read your Notes Sandra". I had a bad habit of memorizing and picking things up by ear. It also took me a little longer to learn my classical music.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I mainly use the Alfred Series. I looked at the different materials and it seems like the Alfred Series is more detail and has some excellent tunes for the kids to learn.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
The practice session would mainly be studying and working through the assignments. The assignments would not be too lengthy but would be at the pace the student can learn. The lesson would be cater to them.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have no degree, but a lot of experience. My instructor taught me a wide range of music which included improvising, ear training, sight reading, chord structure and dynamics. He taught me to compose as well as to read what's written. He was the one who got me my first job at the dance school when I was just in High School.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
The Holy City is my favorite piece. The music is beautiful and the words are inspiring. My other favorite selection is O Holy Night. Both of these selections tell of Christ and that is why they are my favorite songs.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would probably just be working in the office doing clerical work.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Spiritual and Rock music is my favorite style/genre of music. The reason is because they are uplifting and I enjoy playing them. Classical music is my other favorite style of music. I feel a deep respect for the great artists who compose them. Last of all, Country Music is another one of my favorite styles of music. When I play Country Roads, I feel a part of nature and this beautiful world that we live in.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I learned Organ, because at the time, an organist was needed at my church; however, my specialty is piano.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Aunt Jean, my mother's sister was the organist and soloist for her church. My grandfather on my mother's side played violin when the folks square dance. He was known as the best violinist in the State of Michigan. My daughter had the opportunity to sing a couple of solo's for church when she was growing up.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I became a professional musician years ago when a family heard me played. The parents wanted me as their piano teacher for their children. I taught all three kids in the family. They recommended me to others and the word spread. I'm now teaching 23 students.

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