BA, University of Texas in San Antonio, Music Education (Piano Principal)
Awards:
2012 - UTSA Chorus Award
2013 - UTSA Piano Performance Award
Overview:
I am a passionate pianist and organist--as well as vocalist--that loves working with students of all ages that are serious about learning their musical craft. In 2004, I graduated from the University of Texas in San Antonio with a Bachelor's in Music Education. My primary instrument is piano, however, I am well versed in my secondary instruments of organ and voice. I frequently serve as an accompanist around the San Antonio area and play a myriad of musical styles from Bach to ZZ Top.
EXPERIENCE
My teaching experience, on the individual and private level, goes back to my college days where I would tutor other students in piano to pass their keyboard barriers. While in the active duty military (I'm retired now), I provided private lessons to children and adults in my available time. It is important to remember that a student's individual practice time is invaluable; the lesson time is NOT supposed to be the first time to be reviewing an assigned piece! I believe in students performing a recital to show off all of the hard work during the year. Also, students who are very adept at challenging pieces I often recommend to be placed in piano competitions.
METHODS USED
For beginning students, I usually start with a reputable method book that will allow them to advance in "grades" as the skills get better. At earlier stages of learning, the focus is on the technique towards learning the instrument. As a student progresses into intermediate and advanced stages, several pieces from the solo repertoire (and if available ensemble pieces) become part of the curriculum. Throughout the advancement in levels, I try to focus on selecting pieces that the indivdual student will have interest in while balancing pieces necessary for learning more difficult musical techniques. Artistry becomes the main point when pitches, rhythms, and basic elements are mastered.
LESSON STYLE
Each student progresses at their own pace; therefore, I don't impose "deadlines" as to when a student should advance to the next level. A lot of that comes from the individual's motivation and reason for learning the instrument. During a lesson, I go over concepts in a given piece, help discover where more difficult passages will be, and show the student the techniques needed to master those elements. The main part of the lesson, however, is on the STUDENT...and by that I mean PRACTICE to prepare for the next week's progression. A student can only improve with individual daily practice--and then demonstrate that at the next lesson.