Lessons/Instruction

Item Description

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn to play the piano, or a musician wanting to perfect your skills this is your opportunity.  

10 half-hour piano lessons

Item Special Note

Information about the instructor and her lessons are explained in detail below:

From my earliest years in piano, I have loved the escape music provided for me.  During times of joy and of sadness, it has been a constant friend, and my love of music continues to grow.  As a trained educator, I have seen the proven success piano can give to students of all ages.  Please allow me to share the joy of music through piano with your child or with you!

Course Descriptions (Ages 5 to adult)

I currently use the Bastien method for both young beginners, elementary and adult students; however, I occasionally use the Alfred method as well.  Along with these instructional books/levels, I supplement with individually chosen pieces, sheet music and books based on the child’s interests and abilities.  I also mix theory and finger work as needed.

Children’s Levels are as follows:

Primer

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Each of these contains books on Piano Instruction, Theory, Finger Work (technique), Solos and other supplemental materials.  I also use flash cards, key/note stickers and other tools as needed for rhythm instruction.  A specialized set of books for the younger beginner may be used depending on student maturity level.

The adult levels are Level 1 and Level 2 and combine theory and instruction in one volume.  For adults, many outside supplementals are used, especially for the area of technique/finger Work.

General Information

Each lesson covers review of prior assignments, question/answer session and introduction of new material.  Any additional time will be used at teacher’s discretion to cover new methods, play musical games, reinforce terms, work on finger exercises, etc.

Instructor Experience

After taking private lessons for over ten years, I played for two years as a pianist for a local Presbyterian church in my hometown.  In junior high and high school, I participated in chorus and my local church choir both as a pianist and vocalist.  In high school, I was offered a music scholarship but did not accept, as the teaching bug had not yet struck me!  I participated in vocal and piano instruction for a year on the college level, as well as being a member of the University Singers.  I worked my way through college playing for weddings, funerals and other events, as well as giving lessons at my church and to other family members.  While living in Minnesota, I taught for a year through a music agency.  Now in Virginia, I have been teaching privately for over two years.

I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1996 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education.  I did my student teaching in Bowling Green, KY in 1992 with a combined first/second grade classroom at Natcher Elementary.  Due to my husband’s transfer with the Army, I was unable to finish one required history course and did not pursue my teaching certificate.  Teaching students is something I greatly miss, especially working with problem readers.  Teaching piano gives me the opportunity to enjoy those “lightbulb” moments again.  Kids are the best because life is always an adventure to them!

As always, my references are available upon request.

This service is available to those who live in Southern Hampton Roads only.