Maude H
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical
Maude H
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 7-80
BA, Vassar College, Piano Performance ARCM, Royal College of Music, London, Teacher's Certificate MA, Open University (UK), Education
Vassar College Music Scholarship
I have played piano and cello most of my life, and been surrounded by music, earning an honors degree in Piano Performance from Vassar College, and a Piano Teacher's Diploma from the Royal College of Music in London, England. I have given several public recitals, enjoyed playing in chamber music groups, and have taught piano at all levels. I earned an MA in Education from the Open University in the UK in 1993, and served a time teaching in high school. Since arriving in the States, I have enjoyed teaching privately again, both children and adults, beginners and advanced.
I have been teaching piano most of my life, starting at age 11 giving free lessons to other kids! While I play mainly classical music myself, I am all for helping my students learn to play the types of music they love. Enjoying the music you play is the fastest way to make progress. I often assign simple "boogies" and other jazz, folk or pop tunes to my young pupils, so they get a taste of a wide range of styles. My aim with every student is to develop an excellent playing technique. Good playing habits will bring out their best in any type of music. Understanding meaningful phrasing and giving their music a "voice" are also important skills. Regular practice is important, too, so having a piano or keyboard at hand is essential. With beginning students, I also include a little music theory at every lesson, which can often be applied to improvise tunes and chord progressions. They are also encouraged to perform their pieces at an informal home recital at the end of the semester. Advanced students are carefully prepared for their own recitals and competitions. Adult beginners are also very welcome. Their joy at finally starting piano after wanting to do so for years, often carries them to surprising levels of achievement!
With children, I begin by showing them the mechanics of the piano and the way the strings can be made to produce a variety of sounds, as well as other basics, without yet looking at the book. Then comes the first easily learned short piece, and the first flush of achievement! From there we move on to a book appropriate for the child's age and level. I have had good success with John Thompson's piano course books. With older children who have played before, we overhaul any shortcomings of technique with a few exercises, and move on to a piece they really want to play. Sometimes I also recommend a second piece that offers a little extra challenge, if it seems appropriate. There are a number of useful books for Adult beginners, such as Nancy Faber's Adult Piano Adventures.
I think my teaching style is "one step at a time" to ensure success, but at the same time making music that sounds good. For a beginner, it may mean playing melodic duets with the teacher until left and right hand are ready to work together. Establishing, attaining, and mastering regular small goals are a painless way to achieve excellent playing in the long term. Above all, I want my pupils of all ages and levels to love music and to make it their own. Praise and encouragement are important. Being able to take risks without fear of failure ensures they will keep trying until they succeed.
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