Piano Lessons in Olathe, KS

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I was planning on being a nurse in college and then I heard a speech at our orientation about following your dreams and I remember thinking "It's not practical, but if I don't try it now, I never will" and I switched my major from pre-nursing to music. I grew up onstage performing and going to dance and piano lessons and I couldn't bear the thought of not having it in my life in some capacity. As I took music classes in college, my passion grew and I learned how to make a career out of something that I thought was just a fun talent or a hobby.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I begin by talking with the student about their life and give them an overview of the lesson we are working on that day. We will then do about 5-10 minutes of warm-ups and posture reminders. After that, I typically move in to sight-reading and/or music theory lessons/drills/practice. After theory, we will move on to performance and technique which often includes solo repertoire, scales/arpeggios, breathing or posture work, range extension, dexterity, etc. I wrap up by asking the student to write in their practice log what they need to have prepared for the next week.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I chose a Performance degree because it allowed me to learn more about the industry and gave me experience as a performer to give to my students. Practically, it has served me because I currently perform professionally as a musical theatre artist in Kansas City but it also has given me insight to opportunities for students and how I should be preparing them to enter into the music and performance world.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would be a school teacher, most likely because investing in others, especially students, is one of my greatest joys. I wouldn't be where I am without the teachers I had growing up and they inspired me to pursue what I was passionate about. I want to do the same for others.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I am, and always have been, obsessed with musical theatre because I've been performing in musicals since I was 8 years old. I love playing and singing it because it's such a beautiful combination of musical ingenuity and storytelling. Nothing in the performance world has affected me and my life quite like musical theatre.

When will I start to see results?
I have a motto that you get out what you put in. If a student is consistent in lessons and practice then they will begin to see growth. Inconsistency kills progress and learning so I encourage students who want marked results to prepare themselves for a slow and steady grind (but it's always worth it!).

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
My favorite piece of advice about practicing I received in college was to "work SMART, not HARD". This means working on the things you know you struggle with as the priority and doing it in short, repetitive bursts with breaks in between. Once you feel that you have progressed in your desired area of improvement, you can begin to practice a piece or a concept as a whole. This ensures that you don't overdo it while practicing which can lead to frustration and burn out.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child has begun to read, can recite their ABC's and speak in full sentences, they are most likely ready to begin lessons! I typically start lessons for piano at age 5-6 depending on the child. If a child is able to focus for at least 15 min at a time, lessons will be more fun for student and teacher. For voice, I prefer not to start until at least age 10 because of where the voice is developmentally pre-adolescence.

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