Piano Lessons in East Honolulu, HI

Instruments: Piano

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Piano Pedagogy and a Master's in Music Education. I chose Piano Pedagogy because I was very interested in mastering my instrument and teaching others. I had originally enrolled into a Music Therapy program. Although I love the idea of using music in a therapeutic setting, I soon realized I was more interested in seeing someone progress as a musician as well as using it for a form of therapy. Because the school I was attending cut their Pedagogy Master's program before I completed it, I instead went for my degree in Music Education.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would have been a veterinarian. I am a big animal lover and have cared for many animals. For example... a horse named Carvel, cats, dogs, and my current dog, Sammy.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy playing 20th Century music by composers such as Ravel and Debussy because their compositions are almost like musical paintings. Classical music used to be my first choice, but after I played a Ravel piece for a college recital I had a change of heart.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
One of the hardest thing to master on any instrument is to connect your playing to your ear. In other words, to be able to really listen to how the music sounds while you are performing.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Piano Adventures as my primary method and often supplement with Hal Leonard for beginning students. I like how Piano Adventures introduce music reading, the repertoire in their lesson and supplemental books, and the arrangements. However the two thing I most appreciate are how the series approaches technique and lends itself to strong musicality. I mostly use Hal Leonard for the pre-note reading in their beginner book.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
1. I am happy that I have had the chance to instill a love of music into so many young people. 2. I am proud of all of the musical performances my students have participated in over the years. 3. I feel lucky to have developed so may relationships with students through music.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I have more than one inspiring teacher, but my first piano teacher, Mrs. Delaney, was the first one. She was supportive, encouraging, kind, and always told me how talented I was.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I have been playing the piano since I was in second grade. Playing this instrument came very naturally to me, it was fun, and I was encouraged to continue by my family. Although I have learned to play several other instruments, the piano has always been my favorite.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
1. If your child is unable to focus for more than a few minutes because they are very young, I would suggest enrolling them in a program such as Music Together or Musikgarten.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
1.The more practice you get, the more you will progress. Perfect practice makes perfect. A repetition doesn’t help in mastering something unless it is done correctly several times in a row. 2. Young students will be more successful if an adult is present during lessons and practice sessions. 3. Aim for 30 minutes each day depending on the individual. Younger students or students who find it difficult to focus can break up their practice into smaller chunks. 4. Make a plan for what you will practice during each session. 5. Follow teacher suggestions for practicing techniques and refer to notes taken during instruction. 6. It may help to set up a time frame for when you will practice and keep a record of it. 7. Ask anyone questions you can think of during lessons.

When will I start to see results?
Everyone works at their own pace, but the more time put in, the greater the results.

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