Cassandra W
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical
Cassandra W
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
2017- Hochstein School of Music Merit Scholarship
Hi, my name is Cassandra, and I am a passionate music-lover and piano instructor! I graduated with my B.S. in Music from Bob Jones University in 2021, and have been teaching piano professionally ever since. In high school, I had the privilege of taking piano lessons with Joseph Werner, the principle pianist for the Rochester Philharmonic orchestra. He cared about fostering my music abilities, and believed in my potential, even before I did! With him as my inspiration, I developed my talents, won merit scholarships at Hochstein (the music school I attended in Rochester, NY), and even had the opportunity to perform live on WXXI classical radio station. My goal as a teacher is to foster the same kind of love for music in my own students and to help them make musical discoveries for themselves! All my students experience a top-notch curriculum including music theory, technique, performance opportunities, composition competitions, and practice motivation.
I have 7 years of teaching experience, including part-time and full-time teaching loads. After graduating college, I was hired to teach piano full-time at Christ Church Episcopal School in Mauldin, and I am about to complete my first year as a full-time piano teacher with 50+ students. Although most of my experience is with school age children (4-16), I have also taught adults ranging from 20-85! My expertise is classical music, but I also love teaching hymn improvisation, and any sheet music. Since I tailor my teaching for the benefit and goals of each student individually, I am happy to work with whatever curriculum you currently have. No worries if you do not have books. I usually use Faber, and can point you to the appropriate level after our first lesson together. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about scheduling your first lesson. I am quick to respond and excited to hear from you!
I usually use Faber Piano adventures, but I am open to using another curriculum if you have other books you would prefer to use. In piano lessons, I focus on these five key areas: Music theory: My students learn to play simple 5 finger scales and are introduced to the circle of 5ths in the first lesson. We also begin introduction to chords in the first month. Technique: Proper hand position and posture is essential to learning to play piano without tension! My students begin finger exercises early to familiarize themselves with good technique. Performance opportunities: My students have the opportunity twice a year to participate in a spring and winter recital. These performances usually take place at assisted living homes in the area. Recitals are a wonderful way that my students can boost their confidence and performance skills while sharing their musical gifts with others! Composition Competitions: While learning music theory is fun, nothing makes music come to life like composing it yourself! I provide my students with opportunities to compose their own music as they master theory concepts, putting into practice the things they are learning from week to week! Practice motivation: All my students have free access to the Practice Space app. This app allows students to earn gems and prizes for practicing.
My favorite thing about teaching is connecting with my students and inspiring them to love music the way I do. Different people choose to play piano for different reasons, and have different musical goals for themselves. My goal as a piano teacher is to help you connect with your ability to love music (I do think that ability is in everyone!) and to foster your love of music in a lesson specifically tailored to meet your goals. Our first lesson together is a great time when we can sit down and decide what is important to you musically for yourself or your child, and we can put together an individualized plan for success!
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