Piano Lessons in Lowell, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

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 my AFA (Associate in fine arts). I chose this degree as a stepping stone to my Bachelors. I will obtain my Bachelors with in the next year. I am double majoring in Musical Performance and Education with a double minor in theory and composition. Throughout my educational career, I found most of these majors have overlapping credits, etc. I chose to become a well-rounded musician by taking every opportunity and learning everything I can to become the best I can be.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Hal Leonard for beginning students only. After intermediate, I like to pick pieces and work with my students on individual pieces as to give more freedom of choice in what they play.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
One of my temporary students was cast in a well known show. One of my students that I am most proud of just became more comfortable with singing, and that to me is a big deal. Finally, a student I’m currently teaching is trying out for the voice in a few weeks!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose voice, piano, and saxophone to be equal primaries. Although I can not do all of them at the same time, singing is the instrument that makes me happy and feel accomplished. I chose saxophone partially because of my uncle (of room full of blues), and it was the "family legacy". Finally, I got dragged into Piano during college. It is required that all music majors of any capacity play some piano, and I became drawn to it through that experience because of its endless compatibility with expressionism.

When will I start to see results?
After the first one or two lessons, I can guarantee improvement. With any other student I have taught, as long as we work on technique and continue on that path, improvement happens incredibly quickly.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had 2 teachers that inspired me to go into music. One was my high school band teacher. He always believed his students could succeed or do better no matter their age. In college, when music began to become more of a chore, my choir instructor made it fun again. I learned so much in that course and it inspired me to help others in the same way.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music is very much in my family. My mother used to sing all the time when I was young and played flute and piano. My father played trumpet for the us Air Force. My brother and sister both love music and have played an instrument or sung. The most notable member of my family is my great uncle who is the lead saxophonist in room full of blues.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Originally I was 100% classical all the time. Very quickly, I found an intense love for musical theater and ever since then, I started to love jazz more and more. This is why I encourage students to expand their horizons. You never know what music you’ll like until you try!

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren’t a musician, I would be an aerospace engineer. I have always been interested in doing things I first thought impossible, and both music and engineering fit that criteria for me.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
To practice effectively, don’t continue to run what you are good at! Pick apart what you struggle with and wok on that! That is the most effective way to use your time when practicing and will help you improve rapidly.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child is beginning to show interest to start, then it may be time! The most important part of practicing, performing, and rehearsing is motivation. If your child is not interested in music or the arts, it may not be time yet. With this in mind, it is always worth it to bring a child in if they are remotely interested. Learning to sing or an instrument is truly one of the most rewarding parts of the musical process, and they will thank you for introducing them.

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