Barbara F
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Ukulele, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk, Country, Spirituals
Barbara F
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Ukulele, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Folk, Country, Spirituals
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-71
BA, Texas Tech, Sociology-History
MA, University of Texas El Paso, Sociology-History
PhD, University of Florida, Sociology
Private study in piano for eight years before college; several music courses in college, observation of many lessons from an award-winning piano teacher as she taught my son, who now is a professional classical pianist with a doctorate in piano performance. Ten years of private piano instruction in my home, 2-3 years guitar lessons, 2 years ukulele lessons.
I have played piano since about age 4, starting lessons at 5 and studying privately for about 8-9 years before college. I did not major in music in college, but I continued to play and occasionally teach piano and guitar. After a career as a university professor, I have moved toward my love of music by playing and teaching, mainly piano but also beginning guitar. I have taught for about 10 years total, for a music business and in my home. I also have been a music director of a church, where I performed classical music, hymns, and choir music for several years. I moved to Kyle in 2017, where I had a group of 14-16 students until the Covid-19 pandemic shut down my studio. I am now wanted to start teaching again, while being careful to maintain a healthy climate in the studio (requiring masks during high-risk times, for example). I love to help students develop their musical abilities and love of music, partly by choosing music that fits the student's interests. I have never had a student quit due to not being satisfied with my lessons.
I raised a son who is now a classical pianist by profession, helping with his education and observing his teachers. I have mainly taught early-level piano students in the lower grades in school, but I have some adult intermediate level and beginner students and a few teens.
In guitar, I mainly teach beginning level, consisting largely of chords, accompanying singing, and some tab reading. I do the same with ukulele, which is much easier for younger students to handle, and it is a step toward guitar if they wish. I have performed as a singer with guitar, mainly folk music, and that is what I like to teach. But my main instrument is piano, where I teach classical, pop, and a variety of styles.
Although I have been involved in studying and performing music since an early age, I did not teach music much until I retired from my career as a university professor. Since then I have taught for about 10 years total, beginning guitar, ukulele, and piano (beginning through intermediate), first for a music store and later in my home. I have recently moved to Kyle, where I developed my teaching studio, but the Covid pandemic led to my stopping teaching for some time. I am now considering starting back, with some precautions to keep all of us safe.
.I have recently been a Music Director at an Episcopal Church, where I played organ and piano, and occasionally guitar, for services every week for over two years. I have organized recitals for my students at my home but also at a senior-citizen organization, where they have a fairly large and enthusiastic audience to play for.
For piano: I usually start with Piano Safari method books, which I supplement with pieces that pique the student's interest. I love this series for young students because it combines rote with note-learning. In this method, the student immediately is playing all over the keyboard and has fun learning. I have a large library of music books, from which I can select pieces that fit the needs of the student. I especially like to introduce familiar tunes as early as possible, which usually motivates the student. At the appropriate point, I start introducing repertoire from the classical tradition, but I will also use pop and folk music where it is desired.
For adult beginners, I use Hal Leonard Adult Piano Lessons, but I supplement this with selections that fit the student's interests and level.
I like to get to know my students so that I can tailor the lessons and materials to their own interests. We have a mostly informal interaction, but I point out ways to improve playing at each lesson. I enjoy watching a student make progress and help celebrate when a particular goal is reached (such as the completion of a lesson book or the mastering of an important piece). Generally my lessons are enjoyable for both of us, and I strive to use praise more than criticism. I also use hands-on demonstrations, rather than just verbal instruction. So far I have had success in creating a positive, friendly relationship to my students.
Vanessa Roman
She does great with my son!
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