Daniel D
Instruments: Piano, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Gospel, Musical Theater
Daniel D
Instruments: Piano, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Gospel, Musical Theater
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
Bachelor Degree: Oklahoma City University, Course Work: The Leschetizky Method
I have been playing the piano since I was five years old. I began playing for my church worship service at the age of twelve, and accompanied the drama department, band and orchestra programs and private recitals through high school and beyond. I studied preparatory college curriculum in the Oklahoma City Performing Arts Academy, which prepped me for my bachelors at Oklahoma City University. I have also completed a mentorship in the leschetizky method, which was passed down from Theodore Leschetizky, a student of Carl Czerny, who was a student of Ludwig Van Beethoven. I am currently the Pianist, Organist and Choir Director for St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Brevard, NC.
I have been teaching piano for nearly twenty years and enjoy teaching all ages and various genres. I am a classical trained musician, and I can comfortably guide my students up to college level repertoire. I have not only played traditional hymns and gospel at church, but I also have extensive experience in musical theatre, new age, pop and improv. I have training in psychological techniques to combat performance anxiety, tension and pain. I also strive to hold at least one annual recital where students have the opportunity to learn appropriate performance etiquette and proper memorization techniques.
There is no one method that fits every student. My methods involve a preliminary assessment of each students individual needs, goals and current level to determine the appropriate path we should embark on. While I do use various piano methods, such as Piano Adventures and Alfred's Basic Piano Course to guide beginning students along, I try to ensure that the course work is a side note to the primary musical goal of our weekly lesson, as well as the weekly homework. I focus heavily on repertoire, be it classical, pop, jazz or even theme songs and background music from shows and games, which I always enjoy discovering with my students!
I believe that blending technique and theory with involvement in music and repertoire enhances the learning experience and makes it far, FAR less boring (not to mention more practical)! So I strive to teach these subjects while the student travels through repertoire, with "getting their fingers into the keys as quickly as possible" being the primary goal. After all, that's what we're here for, not paperwork! I try to focus on an emotional blend of trust, relaxation and fun while working to let the keyboard do what the student wants it to do, which is the entire point of proper technique!
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