Piano Lessons in Lexington Fayette, KY

Instruments: Piano

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Make it fun. My biggest problem growing up was getting frustrated with myself. My dad always helped me by taking me away from the keys for at least an hour. Come back with a fresh new mind and remember that it is all for fun. Always remember that practice is key. Even if it is a little on the days you can't do much, its still practice. Some of my practice is reminding myself how far I've come, just to reassure myself that I'm making progress, which makes it more fun in the end! Practice along with the instruction given, but practice with yourself as a person.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I usually recommend starting a child around the age of 8 or 9, because that's when I started. Has your child always loved music? Do they start a task and stick to it? I know children have a tendency to pick it up and lose interest, which is why I am so passionate about having fun. As long as you know your child is dedicated and they feel comfortable, I'd most certainly take them in! Of course, they may get a little frustrated at first, but I am more than happy to take a step back and discuss your feelings (and theirs) about the matter.

When will I start to see results?
I've always said, you get what you put into it. Practicing every day and having fun will make the time go by faster than you think. I would say with standard practice times (daily, at least 30 minutes) I've seen many adults see a difference in a month. With children at the same rate, sometimes its 3 weeks, or a month. It really depends on what the student wants to put into their learning. I'm more than happy to do multiple lessons if needed, I know that can help keep you motivated to practice and helps your technique!

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I actually enjoyed music from a very young age, so I didn't really have anyone to show me what it could be like in the future. We had a piano up until I was 3 or 4 years old, and I always enjoyed playing a few keys. My family is very musical but none of my siblings ever picked it up the way I did. I did have a cousin who started a few years before me, and she has blossomed. I did use her as motivation to continue, but I really used famous musicians, up until high school. My teacher, Mrs. Tabor, believed in me and kept me growing as a pianist. I can thank her for many things.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
As I said in the previous question, we had a piano up until I was around 4 years old. It was a huge stand-up and was old and clunky, but I couldn't help myself! I also discovered the song piano man and artists like Amy Lee. The keys were so fluid and beautiful, I wanted to sound just like them. Not to mention the piano is one beautiful masterpiece to look at. I became overwhelmed when my mother finally brought a piano back into our home, and I brought her with me to Louisville! (Yes I named her and her name is Pearl)

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Most certainly my greatest achievement is performing at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. From the time I was 12 years old, performing in Whitney Hall with All-State Choir, I knew I wanted to play THAT piano, on THAT stage. I did it in front of a full house at the 50th anniversary of the Louisville Youth Choir concert performance, and I may have cried afterward! I do enjoy my memories of being the resident pianist at Breckinridge County High School, where I attended between 2011-2015. My work with Mrs. Tabor helped me soar!

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music goes back many generations in my family. Since I started, I have inspired my little brother, an aspiring opera major, getting ready to start at the University of Kentucky. My mother is an avid member of our church choir, as well as my uncle and several of my aunts. My father has always loved music and helped me learn so many different genres. My grandparents have always loved music as well and helped me grow up with hee-haw and all the lovely country music their time had to offer. I fell in love with the piano because of my church and hearing the smooth keys.

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