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24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Hawthorne . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano
With beginners, I provide material that teaches about finger numbers, rhythm, note learning, and basic material. As the student progresses, I asses their learning style and provide the necessary material and suggestions as to what books and miscellaneous learning tools the student will need. My preferred method of teaching is through the book, Piano Adventures by Faber Faber. These books are divided into a lesson book, theory book, and performance book with the levels increasing from 1 to 2A to 2B and so forth. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My methods are geared toward the individual. Oftentimes I might start with a methods book for a beginner, but supplement it with musical choices by the individual. In selecting these choices, I find ways to simplify the music so that the student is able to be able to play it. My method is also based on questions that the student might ask. So while we will have an approach that is organized and structured, I find that addressing seemingly unrelated musical questions, can actually be incorporated into the tasks at hand. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Keyboard
I have been teaching for the past 17 years. I enjoy the challenge of meeting each student's needs and creating an individual teaching plan to help students achieve their goals. I have had the opportunity to work with preschool through undergraduate students. My experience as a high school chorus teacher, Teaching Artist with the Washington National Opera, guest vocalist for the Ghanian ambassador, and part-time professor have bolster my ambition to bring music to students "where they are". Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
For both voice and piano lessons, I always try to demonstrate the techniques I'd like students to learn to make sure they understand the correct way to practice. For both instruments, I use scales and chords for teaching, and I implement quite a bit of music theory in my piano lessons. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I generally use different methods with different students. Since I expect excellence, I tend to treat students as professional colleagues, expecting them to work as hard and effectively as I do. I tend to develop my own methods as we progress, encouraging introspection by the student and developing a sense of musical independence. Success is subjective; enjoying one's journey is not. If a student is not enjoying the process then what's the use? Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin
I try to relate the student's study of their instrument to their school work and what music they might be studying in school or encountering in their daily lives. With adults it is important to discover what other music lessons they have had and what their experiences with music have been. During lessons I give much attention to detail and attempt to balance discipline with the student's enjoyment of the experience. Read More
Instruments: Violin
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I think my personality would be well-suited to another type of career where I got to perform. Secretly I have always wanted to try improv comedy. I love making people laugh!
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
In my immediate family, I am the only professional musician. My dad played drums as a kid, and my mom and I were in church choir together when I was in high school. My sister played the flute. I am now teaching my oldest niece how to play the violin.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Performance
Professional Performance Certificate
Master's Degree in Music History
By the time I was a junior in high school, I was a serious musician taking lessons, playing in youth orchestra, and listening to classical music non-stop. I was afraid that if I chose something else to do with my life, I would always regret giving up my ability to play this instrument. I loved performing for others (and still do!).
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The ability to stay relaxed while playing. The violin forces the body into such an unnatural position that it is key to find a way to play that does not hurt or cause excess tension.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Recently I was able to perform with both of my collegiate level teachers, and that was very special for me. Another highlight was performing with my undergraduate orchestra in four different cities in Spain in the most beautiful concert halls I've ever seen in my life. It was overwhelming and amazing.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
No good reason, really. I wanted to play the saxophone because I grew up going to my sister's band concerts but in the 5th grade they started the strings program in my elementary school and so I just picked violin on a complete and utter whim.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they are able to focus on a task for 30 minutes, and if they are able to or will start learning to read.
When will I start to see results?
This entirely depends on your willingness to practice on your own outside your lesson.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Not one in particular. I made the decision on my own in high school and was supported by my private teacher after I told him I wanted to study music in college.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
1) Take breaks.
2) Go slow.
3) As you get more comfortable playing a piece or a scale, try to play it all the way through, mistakes and all. Then, you can go back and reassess what needs work.
4) Make sure to go back to just before a tough passage to make sure you're able to play it in context.
5) Breathe! Holding breath can make your playing tight.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Hawthorne to students of all ages and abilities.
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