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23 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 Scottsdale . 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 Guitar Voice Violin
I began teaching lessons while workibg on my Master's degree. While tutoring a classmate on guitar, I realized that I really enjoyed teaching and decided to pursue more students. My music therapy training gives me a unique approach to education enabling me to tailor all of my students lessons to their personal goals and needs. I enjoy teaching a variety of styles, from classical to contemporary, as well as giving my students performance opportunities to really be able to challenge themselves. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Keyboard Electric Guitar
I generally like to start my beginning students with lesson plans from the book" The Secrets of playing Piano by Ear" by Jermaine Griggs. 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. I try to focus on what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lesson fresh and FUN! Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Viola
I began teaching private lesson while in high school. It was during that time that I developed a love and passion for teaching music. Over the years, I have learned that each student is unique in how they learn and what they need. So I like to help each student learn in ways that are meaningful for them. Usually that means I take slightly different approach to teaching concepts to each student. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Oboe English Horn Keyboard
I am dedicated, persistent, and reliable. I am willing to learn and keep learning for the advancement of myself and my students. A well-rounded appreciation for music as well as critical listening and ear-training skills will be taught. I also maintain a pretty fast paced lesson, enabling the student to have plenty of practice material, technique studies, and goals to meet. I will record the student's progress electronically so that the student may better understand and learn from their lessons. I will inspire my student’s, positively influencing and encouraging them along our journey of musical discovery. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Classical Guitar
I studied music with the intention to be the teacher I wanted as a youth. I am kind, patient, and creative. I have perfected a process to where 30 minutes of conceptualization matched with strategic practice, will help you get much closer to your goal, in half the time. why should it take years to master an instrument? The traditional approaches used are good, but people desire to make gains quickly. Read More
Instruments: Piano Recorder Music
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
My students always place well in state exams and competitions.
A number of my students have received full or partial scholarships to prestigious college prep schools and universities.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use a combination of methods as early on, I observed that students raised in one particular method tended to get stuck within the method and to not be as flexible as they could be. Probably the most classic way to get stuck is "I can only play with my right hand, all the left hand can do is chords". Really sad, as one goes to a teacher to eventually become independent and able to figure out things on your own.
WHAT I USE:
At the beginning we use: John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course book 1 & 2 and his Theory Drill Games, books 1-3. We also use, Alfred D'Auberge's Piano Course book 1. For the very young students, I use Music for Little Mozarts, levels 1-4 and we do the lesson book, workbook, discovery book, flash cards, the small stuffed Mozart Mouse & Beethoven Bear, and both CD's. In addition, beginning piano students also use either the Bastien Piano Course Primer or the Bastien Piano Course for the Young Beginner, books A&B. Most of the Music for Little Mozarts students continue to use the Bastien series. As they get a bit more advanced, we add the Schaum Piano Course Technique Book I to drill on accuracy, speed and the use of the metronome. I teach most scales, 5 finger patterns, warm ups, chord patterns, etc by rote. I've also been experimenting with the new method by Faber and Faber.
Once the above is finished or close to finished we switch to Leila Fletcher's "We Like to Play Piano Solos", a great book for recitals. By the time they are done, the students are comfortable with simple moves and directions and playing multiple notes at the same time. We add Hanon 1 and later add number 2, A Dozen a Day Prep, Schultz's Technique Tricks, Keith Snell's Fundamentals of Piano Theory, book preparatory and later book 1, and Alfred's Piano Course Ear Training, book 1. Other books that may be used, might include: Patriotic Primer by Schaum, Christmas and other holiday music, or special books on folk tunes, hymns and pop. It depends on the student.
After the Fletcher book is done we switch into "A Day in the Jungle" by Jon George. I use this book to first really begin work on expression in music. We add a book or books of classical music that represent the 4 basic periods of music and continue on in Hanon, A Dozen a Day, the Snell Theory books and various miscellaneous books as noted before. During summer vacations I usually introduce basic Jazz and Blues, composition, and music hi
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Very much so. My Dad's family only appreciated it a lot, but in my Mom's family, everyone sings, everyone plays at least 1 instrument and at least a little piano, and if it is only a little piano, it's because they specialized in another instrument. Only an uncle an I make a living at it, but music is very much a part of everyday life. My uncle is a master violinist and violist and also a master Suzuki method teacher. He actually studied with Dr. Suzuki himself in Japan for 3 years. We don't tend to think about it much, but he also holds a doctor of music degree now.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Warmups
Spot Practice
Review
New Pieces
Just for Fun
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I was playing professionally by high school. I often practiced with the windows open and the neighbors knew I played very well. One summer a neighbor asked me to teach her daughter, the next summer several asked and some stayed for the school year. From there it just grew. It helped put me thru college with a flexible schedule and by the time I graduated, I had a full studio, a job I loved and no commute. What more can a person ask? This was of course with a business management major, a minor in computer programming (completely outdated now), almost a minor in music and 7 AA/AS degrees.
23 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 Scottsdale to students of all ages and abilities.
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