Piano Lessons in Saint Petersburg, FL

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I have taught privately since 2006, though occasionally I will take two students from the same household, church or neighborhood and pair them up in what is known as a "partner lesson". Each person takes turns at the piano playing their respective scales, repertoire etc. and we offer one another encouragement as well as constructive criticism for those technical issues in need of improvement. I do hold seasonal recitals during Christmas and spring seasons as an outlet for my students to showcase the songs and pieces they have learned throughout the year. Read More

Instruments: Piano

During the lesson I ask you to play through your music. I will then ask you to play the music in many various ways that will hone the skills in all the areas you are trying to develop. With such first hand experience you will learn a great deal more than just how to play the notes correctly. You will have consequently incorporated artistry, piano technique, theory and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Harmonica Ukulele Mandolin

The best thing about teaching is when my students get frustrated at some concept or technique and I am able to show them a simple and easy solution to the problem. This usually lights up my student's faces and helps them get better not only at their instruments, but also at problem solving. I always try to reward those students who are able to answer music theory questions or those that complete their assignments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I truly believe in giving my students the freedom to select the songs and/or genres they like and that's because I believe passion is an integral aspect of learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

When students are being lazy I call them out on it by saying something like, "What is that?"  It shakes them up and makes them realize I catch every mistake.  It's done in a lighthearted way so that the students feel comfortable with me as I do not want to drive away students who fear their teacher.  Comfort and discipline are imperative to help them achieve their goals.  If a student feels comfortable with their instrument they are more willing to practice and achieve a higher goal of performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I will first find out what genre or style the student is interested in, and then gear further instruction towards that while still incorporating the basic fundamentals of music theory and some classical music. For beginner children, I will use the Alfred Basic Piano Library Course books starting at level 1A, which include lesson, theory, technic, and notespeller. We can then work up to higher levels of the workbooks. I will pick appropriate repertoire for their level, and include songs they might want to learn too. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Keyboard

For beginning level students of any age, I will begin lessons by going over basic fundamentals of sheet music reading (notation, connecting the instrument to the literature) and music theory that will aid them in accomplishing homework tasks independently. For experienced students, I will ask the student to demonstrate knowledge and playing to their best ability to obtain a better understanding of where to continue their studies. I will also ask all students what kind of music they are already studying and what else they would like to pick up from there (studying classical contemporary for school band with an interest in starting jazz music, etc.) I will always consider the students age and playing level to appropriately create lesson plans that will ensure growth over time. Read More