Mary Ann B
5.0
(11)
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes
Mary Ann B
5.0
(11)
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-79
Course Work: Berklee College of Music
For 25 years, I have had the pleasure of introducing children, teens, and adults to the joy of playing piano in many styles and through varying methods. A life-long musician, I starting playing piano at the age of 3, and was self-taught until the age of 15, when I began classical lessons. Moving on to Berklee College of Music at 17, I took jazz lessons, then played in various ensembles post college for over 20 years. In 2011, I began teaching General Music at the elementary school level, and continue that today along with my private piano studio.
My piano studio was started when a friend asked me to teach their daughter 25 years ago, and it grew from there. No matter what the age of the student, my greatest joy is seeing their delight when they have worked hard to master a technique or complete a piece that at one time was beyond their reach. Young and old alike are encouraged to practice dilligently, create compositions of their own, and perform for others through recitals, music festivals, and live performance venues. I welcome students from the age of 6 to 96.
For beginning students who are children, I start with the Piano Adventures Series by Nancy and Randall Faber. Once the student has progressed through the fundamentals, I will introduce appropriate level solo pieces for recital performance. For teens and adults who want to learn to play staff music, I use the Piano Adventures Adult Series and, as the student gains more of an understanding of what type of music they would ultimately like to play, I adjust my instruction accordingly . For those who want to play pop music following chord charts, I start with teaching theory through the scales so the student understands the formation of all of the various chord types. No matter what ability or interest level, I work at keeping my lessons upbeat, fun, engaging, and encouraging.
My studio and online approach to teaching is to keep myself approachable, engaging, flexible, and casual. Most of the time, playing piano is simply a small aspect of a student's life which fits in between school or work, family, sports, and other time demanding things. As long as the student is progressing at their own pace with realistic goals and small challenges each week and is enjoying the process, I am satisfied as an instructor. It is always important to me that a student is learning what interests them, and I tailor my instruction to be certain that they are engaged and are finding joy in each lesson.
Wendy Troeger
Mary Ann has been teaching my grandson piano lessons for more than 2 years. She has worked closely with him, supporting his choice of songs to learn. He continues to enjoy his weekly lessons with her. And she has been great is working around his various athletic schedules.
Diana Cabrera
Mary Ann has been teaching my 6 year old piano, and does a wonderful job! She is patient and a great teacher! I would recommend her!
Theresa Hilton
Mary Ann has been teaching my 3 children piano for 2 years. She has been unbelievably patient and supportive of their individual needs and varying ability levels. She is also very flexible and professional in her approach to new learners.
Kristin Mihalko
Two years ago, at age 50 I started lessons with Mary Ann. She has been nothing but patient and encouraging, probably no easy task with my "piano skills". She goes above and beyond, even encouraging me to contact her between lessons with questions or a short video for her to view and provide feedback to aid my practicing. Mary Ann is knowledgeable and professional and breaks things down for easy understanding for her students young AND old!
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