Piano Lessons in Athol, MA

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Oboe English Horn Keyboard

Over the years, I have come to understand that each individual has a different path to follow. Teaching in one specific way could help one student, but that same way could hamper another. For that reason, I create my teaching material after meeting my students. Although I have a lesson plan that includes the fundamentals of music, I adjust the way I teach the material in response to my students needs, interests and temperaments. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson and including the parents in these goals for full collaboration. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. Through figuring out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

It's important to me that students are invested in their own lessons, and what this means will differ from student to student. For some five year olds, that may be simply participating in the whole lesson and practicing a few minutes per week. For others, it may mean being challenged with advanced materials. Each student will receive a unique repertoire and lesson based on ability and interests. I focus on technique, then repertoire, then theory, then review for a 30 minute lesson, and younger students will often get a fun music-based game at the end if the lesson has been fruitful. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Piccolo

I love seeing a student gain an understanding of a concept that had been challenging. In order to accomplish this "aha" moment, I try to learn how the student learns best (visual aids, explanations, listening examples) and use that to help the student. I use popular songs that the student knows to explain concepts that can be challenging. I use stickers for younger students to help mark progress and practice journals for older students to help see how much was accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Piano Accordion

    Lessons are flexible and tailored to each student's needs and are focused on what the student wants to learn, or what the parents want the student to learn.  Lessons  include:        - scales        - arpeggios        - sight reading        -  theory        - ear training        - lead sheets        - chords        - improvisation    Students are encouraged to listen to music, and I  provide both a listening list and links to videos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I always emphasize musicality in my teaching, because if as performers, we are focusing on being expressive, we'll convey our love of music! If a student can think about what the music is expressing, they will be more motivated to keep practicing.  I focus on the fundamentals such as tone, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, basic music theory and history. I always give specific positive feedback, along with a tip for improvement. Finally, I always go over how, how much, and what to practice in lessons, so the student can learn what to listen for and focus on outside of the lesson, and keep improving during the week. Read More