Piano Lessons in Seattle, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent. If you practice lazily, you will perform lazily. Practicing kind of has to be like giving yourself a mini-lesson. You need to be ready to look into a mirror for your vowel shape and catch yourself doing things that create bad habits. Practice does not have to be long. Even if you just practice 10 minutes a week, if that 10 minutes is used effectively and not lazily, it makes a difference. Take notes at your lessons, take them home, and see for yourself how your teacher’s advice really does help.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I would say most children are ready between 1st and 3rd grade. This is prime dendrite growing time in children’s brains. You will know if they are constantly singing, if the show an affinity for performance, if they have the constant desire to “dink” around with piano keys, but most importantly... if they ask! Most children will let you know when they want to try new things, especially little ones. Music is so important for kids when it comes to other school subjects like math, reading, and writing. Take advantage of it!

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
The teachers that inspire me are still very prevalent in my life. I am actually very fortunate to have grown up with them. My mother has a successful piano studio of 60 students and a large wait list. The love that she has for music and teaching has been instilled in me, and she has taught me so much of what I have learned. My grandmother is a voice and piano teacher. She no longer maintain's a large studio in her retirement, but in her hay day she had a successful studio and a musical group that toured the west coast for many years. My whole family is extremely musical. Outside of my family, my biggest motivation comes from a teacher who I shall leave unnamed. She showed me an example of what not to be as a teacher. I have never been so close to hating music as I was with her, and I am fortunate that I was able to come out of this experience with a goal, rather than a chip on my shoulder. I want to be an encouraging teacher. I will n ever settle for less than I think a student can do, but I will also never be the one to beat them down. Lessons need to be constructive and positive.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream performance include Chopin’s Nocturne in Bb because of the intricate harmonies, rhythm elements, and style the piece shows. This piano solo is full of raw emotion, and I have worked very hard on it, without a place to perform it. The other dream piece of mine is Die Erlkonig by Schumann. This rolling piece contains vocal techniques that I have mastered and am very proud of. The range shows three distinct characters that would extremely fun to act out, the accompaniment is exciting and fun the entire time, and I love to shownoff my German language skills.

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