David P  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Synthesizer, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Funk, Showtunes, Spirituals, Soul, Marching Band

I began playing piano for church choirs in my hometown. During my college years, my private lessons experience began when I would give pointers to my fellow music majors who had to pass piano proficiency as part of their degree requirement. Furthermore, I am from the school of thought of concentrated practice. I help students identify the length of time they can concentrate without exhausting their attention. I always want students to have in mind the goals they want to accomplish in taking lessons such as recitals, competitions, showcasing and/or enrichment. Moreover, I want students to make music apart of their daily lives either by listening or performing.

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. For intermediate to advance students, I use the The Virtuoso Pianist by Hanon. This is a great method book that gives the fingers agility, eye-to-music tracking, and familiarity with the piano keyboard. I introduce solo piano repertoire at all levels depending on ability. I cover the music periods from the Renaissance to the Twentieth-century. I want students to have an enjoyable time from taking private lessons.