Piano Lessons in Westminster, CO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My Masters Degree is in Music Education with a Piano emphasis. I was playing trombone in the large ensemble, but taking private studio lessons on piano. I chose music education as I was already 17 years into a thriving teaching career. Earning a masters degree in education would help provide me with more strategies to be effective in my teaching relationship with students. As long as you are majoring in a music study, performance is a big part of your program. I still perform quite frequently, with and without students. Sharing this passion through education allows the passion to spread and flourish.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
That is a relative question, based on the level a student is playing. Beginners often struggle to get two hands to play independently of each other. It can also be a challenge to move into a triple time signature. More advanced students sometimes find it a challenge to bring musical expression into a technical piece with phrasing, dynamics and tempo. Playing at a consistent tempo and not rushing can be a challenge, especially in performance situations. The piano is a very expressive instrument, great for solo and accompanying. Putting it all together is exciting!

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Yes, I do use specific curriculums in the interest of making sure all the bases get covered. I have used most of the major ones through the years, but have primarily narrowed it down to a couple now, at least for the beginners and intermediates. Depending on progress and efficiency of learning, I will make a choice of which method I think may be beneficial to a particular student. More advanced students begin to choose a direction their musicianship is leading them, so curricular choices become more varied.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Students are given 3-4 books to work out of - Technique, Theory, Piano Literature (where everything is ties together into actual songs) and Performance. Practice sessions should begin with some technical studies for warm-up of fingers and mind. These are very gradual in their approach to technique - fun little exercises suited appropriately for the level where a student is currently. Upon completing the technique practice, move into the piano 9lesson) book. I would suggest playing the song through as far as you can comfortably go, making note of anything that needs work. Then, go back and work your way through the problem spots slowly. Pick out just the tiniest part of that spot until you can play it well. Then add some context to it until it can be played well, three times in a row preferably. This little fixit session should be applied each day until the song can be played all the way through with no mistakes.

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