What do lessons entail?
Every student has different interests and goals. From playing just for fun, to improvising and composing, all the way to competitive classical performance, my goal is to find ways to support each student’s unique path.
All piano lessons include development of technique, improving knowledge and understanding of music theory, and working on learning and improving selected pieces or exercises. Assignments are structured sequentially by me to address current areas for improvement, but I always do my best to consider what will also be the most rewarding and interesting for each student.
Not all piano students will want or need the same pieces, of course! I have experience performing and teaching in many styles, including jazz, blues, rock/pop, soundtracks (movies and games), and classical, and am eager to help students find their own style and preferences through broad exposure to different pieces.
I provide multiple opportunities throughout the year for performance, offering fall and spring recitals as well as other competitive and non-competitive opportunities for my school-aged students. I also offer gatherings for my adult students to play for each other several times a year.
What are student expectations like?
In addition to being prepared for lessons by bringing relevant materials and sheet music, every student should be prepared to spend daily time at the piano in between lessons. The vast majority of improvement happens not in lesson time, but in the hours spent digging in to the music at home. Young beginners should plan on spending 15-20 minutes to get through their assignments, but as students advance, so does the amount of time required to make progress. 30-60 minute practice sessions are the norm for most intermediate students, and aspiring/advanced students might practice for an hour or two daily.
Of course, it is not always realistic to expect that a student will practice EVERY day, but the expectation I have for students is to strive for a minimum of 4-5 practices weekly.