Piano Lessons in Pittsburgh, PA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

When will I start to see results?
This is difficult because every child progresses at their own speed. It is kind of like when they begin crawling and walking. Generally speaking, retention of skills occurs within the first several months as long as practice is consistent.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Many of my students took lessons as part of their childhood development. So the accomplishments on their part have been learning to overcome shyness, or improving their academic skills, or learning about self-expression. One student stopped taking lessons after eighth grade, but in high school she wanted to participate in her school's talent show. So her Mom asked me to coach her. I really felt glad that she wanted to return to piano and use her skills to participate after a couple years had gone by. She played really well; I got to see the video of her performance.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Find the best time of day. When is it quiet at home? When do you have the most energy? The more days you can engage in focused practice the better. But, if there is a day when time is "lacking" at least play or sing through all the exercises and pieces once or twice. It keeps the music in your mind and helps keep muscle memory.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I would say a gig locally, ie, in Austin. I met a musician who gathered seven pianos and placed them around the living room of his home. It was a really fun gig. There were people in the house, out in the backyard. I felt very challenged and had not participated in anything like that. It was kind of avant grade and I had a great time. Another accomplishment is the two psalm settings for Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today. I learned so much from being around the other contributors. It turned out to be a labor of love, and I am glad to be included with the others on a large scale, relevant project.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My childhood teachers were very supportive and encouraging to all their students. And my Band Director also encouraged me. My Mom knew all my piano teachers in my youth because one of them taught her when she was in college. She had to drop out of a music program due to an illness; even so, she helped me learn to practice and supported my efforts to attend extra curricular activities at school. My college teachers at Nebraska were such high level artists, and they impressed me with their performances, their interactions with others in the studio. I feel very fortunate to have those experiences. I did want to become a performer but my life took a different turn. I made a promise to be a good example and play at yearly recitals or at occasional recitals where I established a relationship with a retirement home. I like the way things have worked out for me and I owe much to the lovely people who taught me.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Usually, the child who is highly motivated or ready asks for lessons. Some children are naturally musical. Their behavior will be the indicator about when to start. I have taught piano as young as age three. I have taught piano and voice combined to students as young as age seven or eight. Time management during the lesson and variety of activities are key. Practice is more about getting them to complete simple tasks, and as they grow, practice assignments and strategies become more detailed and complex.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Mom had the piano she learned on when she was 12. My siblings and I all had piano lessons. My older sister became a drummer in band. My younger brother became a brass player, trumpet. I held out for Choir and piano until I really wanted to be in band. (one of those goals). I became a twirler for marching season, then played keyboard percussion in concert season. I kind of followed in my Mom's footsteps in terms of being a pianist and vocalist. She would play for me and I just loved hearing her, and wanted to be able to play, too.

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