Alison B
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Showtunes, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Alison B
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Showtunes, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-70
Associates, WSCC, Business Management Certificate, UA, Piano Performance Associates, GCNM, Nutritional Medicine
1983 - Performed for Alabama Music Teachers Association 1984 - Featured on University of Alabama's "Artist At Work" television series, 3 shows 1987 - Performed Mozart Concerto with Alabama Symphony Orchestra
I'm a very passionate and caring teacher who loves nothing more than to share my love for music. I've had sixteen years of formal professional training in piano starting at the age of four, as well as six years of cello which I played in the ASYO for four years. I also was the middle and high school pianist, church and choral accompanist from grades 6-12. I was pointed towards being a concert pianist had I continued in performance. I became a mother shortly after college to two beautiful children and have been able to impart the gift of music to them. I've played and sang vocals with professional bands and shared stages with some amazing musicians, even traveling the nation for a few years with a praise and worship team. I also play several other instruments and still perform regularly for events and with bands for fun!
I have been teaching out of my home off and on the last 25 years. I've been the master piano teacher, rock band teacher and concert director at a music performance school the last few years but I'm back to my basic love of teaching since I've just relocated to the West coast. Because progression will produce a passion for your instrument whether it's piano or vocals, I emphasize regular and consistent weekly practice at home with times varying depending on age and proficiency. I will always motivate them to not only learn to fluently use their instrument but following through to a polished delivery by participating in recitals, concerts and other performance opportunities. Composition, technique, theory and songwriting are all a part of what I teach, so I love and promote different genres to challenge each student and keep them engaged. I'm always looking to add a few more students!
For beginning students that are children ages 4-10, I typically use Faber Piano Adventures, using Faber Piano Adventures for Older Beginners usually around 11 yo and up. I also provide outside supplemental technique exercises if I feel they are needed. Once they become proficient in reading music I will begin to add solo repertoire that implements the techniques learned up to that point. For intermediate level students I will assess them first lesson to decide on course direction. All students will always have at least one piece that they have chosen to work on to keep interest while building skills. For adults I like to use Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Course. This has a site that can be accessed at home for extra help and accompaniments to play the songs learned. I add technique to adults to keep the fingers moving such as Hanon and Czerny. Adults usually know what they are interested in learning and I point their instruction towards their personal goals.
By trying to find out what inspires each student, I can customize their instruction to help develop a passion for their instrument. Nothing is more rewarding to see a student enjoy and become a confident musician! I allow each student to move at their own pace, but always challenging them so they do not become bored. Each student will need a small notebook for each week's assignments as this communicates to the student and parent what expectations have been set for the next lesson. I use a lot of teaching tools, flash cards, rewards, games, videos etc...sometimes we are in the floor learning rhythms with blocks or up moving to a new beat to feel the pulse! I believe in lots of praise and acknowledgement of ALL accomplishments, big or small...a child advocated will make them eager to learn more!
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