Piano Lessons in Westminster, CO

Anne F

Instruments: Piano

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I think her name was Mrs Coombs. I guess I liked her since I continued. She was very nice and encouraging. It is a challenge to remember as I am a couple of months from 75. I have studied with graduates of Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Moscow Conservatory, and Peabody-all inspirational.

When will I start to see results?
Results are dependent on the amount of time and effort the student has given. Students who practice very soon after their lesson and continue to practice before they forget everything presented at the lesson will advance at a rapid rate. Parent participation is very important. Parents unfamiliar with music should attend the student’s lessons or read the theory or method book. Unsuccessful students often do not have parents’ participation in learning.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Totally depends on the child. With the right teacher, a child could be ready to do fun games and rhythm exercises as young as 4; however, children who can read and understand math and listen will be able to learn much more quickly, usually around 7-8. The ability to pay attention for the length of the lesson is critical to learning.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
No matter how slowly you have to go, play accurately every time. Before you begin to play, look at the important details-time signature, key signature, tempo, title of the piece. Clear your mind and focus on what you are playing-work on keeping distractions to a minimum. If you do all of the above, you will have a great practice session. If things are not going well, stop and take a break. It is much more rewarding to play carefully and focused than to play sloppily while thinking about something else! Do it right the first time and you will feel good!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
The piano was in the living room, and my grandmother played it. I had a violin, but I was not good at it. Now I am learning how to play the violin, viola and cello.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Played the Beethoven Triple Piano Concerto with an orchestra. I have played at assisted living facilities with a flutist for 14 years and with a trio for 12 years.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
One of my students was Miss Colorado in the Miss America pageant. Her talent was musical theater. Her background in piano helped her achieve her goals to understand the music.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Speed can be a challenge now that my hands are older and a little stiff!. Warming up and warm water work best for me. Seeing the notes can be difficult if the light isn’t good.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I choose method books and supplemental music that I think will work well for the student, depending on his or her interest and ability. I am strong on basics and also like to introduce biographies of composers.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
1-2 hours per day focusing on music to play with the trio and the flutist. Always enjoy working on new pieces. There is so much music to play!

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a BA in English (1970), but I have studied with some very talented musicians. I also took a class in Piano Performance at Metropolitan State College.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I don’t have a dream piece, but if I could play a piano concerto by Mozart, that would be great. At the moment, my husband and I have 7 horses, lots of dogs and 6 kids, so I would need more time to practice.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I enjoy teaching when the students are respectful. I was accepted to Law School and had a plan to do the writing part of contracts, depositions and other legal paperwork.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Classical because it is the most beautiful overall, including Baroque and Romantic. I am not a fan of Impressionist, Modern or Contemporary, but I like Shostakovich a lot.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Love the sounds of violin, viola and cello. Would love to play in an orchestra, even an orchestra for old geezers, maybe next year if I work hard.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My grandmother played piano and a small organ, but my grandfather, a fussy judge, was too critical for her to play except when he wasn’t around. My grandfather played the trumpet, back in the day.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
There was not really one moment. There were years I didn’t have a piano (not too many). After college I was a flight attendant, then worked for a stock broker and then decided I would enjoy teaching piano. I taught in my home for 30 years sharing the music with the students, having at one time 50 students, that equaled two recitals back to back. Then the Pandemic came along and things changed! The trio and playing with the flutist are voluntary, we just live the music and playing it together.

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