Piano Lessons in Maple Plain, MN

Instruments: Piano

I like to make each student feels special, valued, and encouraged. I have coordinated student recitals, met with parents to discuss progress and future plans in both school settings and private tutoring. I strive to help my students enjoy the process of understanding and making music. Thus, my lessons often include such activities as ear training, theory, history, sight reading, technique, and repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

My teaching style is very focused on the student's desire to learn what they want. Very early into taking on a new student, I try to find what/who inspires them. Doing so allows me to tailor my teaching to each individual student. I also like to have 3 main "small improvement" objectives for each lesson. There's improvement on what we did during our last lesson, improvement during the lesson with something new I will introduce, and improvement for our next lesson with something I will give to the students to work on themselves after our lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Throughout the past 10 years, I have taught neighborhood kids and friends how to play the piano both beginning and intermediately. I like to encourage everybody that consistency is the key to learning (for beginners). Not necessarily practicing for long periods of time, but frequently. Better to practice for 10-15 minutes three to five times per day than for an hour or two all at once. I've found that the best foundation comes from scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My philosophy in teaching is that a good understanding of the foundation of music and the instrument will lead to self sufficiency in learning. I aim to teach my students not just to be dependant on myself as the instructor, but to be able to problem solve and learn on their own if they run into a question and an instructor is unavailable. I regularly practice sight reading with my students and keep them critically thinking about their music and what makes it up. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Teaching is a step by step process and it takes time, effort and patience. I like to break things down into easily attainable steps and then build from there. This builds confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment. I was taught by Russian, Hungarian, and American teachers. I received a very traditional type of classical training which I do follow and teach. But I also play duets with most of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle Keyboard

My musical life has been extraordinary. Born in Mpls. MN, I attended the Aspen Musical Festival before my departure to Vienna Austria for Master studies in Violin/viola and piano. Scholarship intended for one year ended up a 25 year tenure, teaching, performing in Vienna and raising a family. I returned to the US to become executive director of a music school in MN. I was able to start new after school music programs for elementary schools throughout the district, start an orchestra program and open a theater program for kids. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I start usually with Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber including Technique and Artistry Book, Theory book and Lesson Book . Additional solo repertoire might include Faber books on Jazz and Blues or Musical Theatre or Classics for children. Adults may start with Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course. I tend to custom the lesson plans related to the students interests too . I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction to keep the lessons uplifting and inspiring no matter what the ability level. Read More