Judy H
5.0
(23)
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Opera, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, New Age
Judy H
5.0
(23)
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Opera, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, New Age
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 7-80
MA, Queens College, the City University of New York, Art BA, Queens College, the City University of New York, Music, Piano
1998 - deans list, Queens College 1997 - deans list, Queens College 1994, deans list, Florida International University 1993, deans list, Florida International University 1992, deans list, Florida International University
Although I play various musical instruments, such as guitar, harmonica, Chinese violin, synthesizer, and Chinese flute, in various styles and genres, my speciality is piano, especially in classical music. I majored in music as a honor student and was very active in musical productions and activities. However, once I started teaching piano, I fell in love teaching more than performing. I feel that the sharing of my skills and knowledge makes me connect with music lovers and piano enthusiasts in a deeper level, than with the audience. It is more rewarding and exhilirating to me to see my students grow with the piano music and achieve their goals in their music lives.
The PASSION I have for piano teaching makes who I am.
I started out teaching at 2 different music schools in New York once I received my music degree from Queens College in 1998. Ever since, I have taught piano at different schools and studios in different states for all ages with all levels. I have incorporated various styles and genres in piano teaching, in order to have my students exposed to different kinds of music. My lessons are fun yet motivating for learning in depth. I am very good with various personalities of students with various learning modalities. I don't use the same method to teach all students, because everyone of them is unique. However, every student I have had is with good rapport with me, because I respect all of them, no matter how young they are. I don't see myself as their teachers but rather a friend who helps them with what they are learning. It always makes my day when I hear music pieces my students play with their hearts and enjoyment. It is my joy to see them grow and immerse in music and music studies.
It is important for me, as a piano instructor, to understand what purposes each student would like to achieve. Although striving for excellence is my personal goal and is what I would like my students to have, not every student takes piano lessons for the same purpose. Some students take piano lessons simply because they just enjoying the therapeutic quality of playing the piano. I am totally respecting that. Having said that, my approach and method of teaching varies, according to the needs of the students. I don't ever use a universal single method or approach to teach all. Some methods work better for some students but not others. That's why I use different method books with different students.
*** Lesson Details *** Various teaching methods for different individuals for sight-reading, ear-training, techniques, interpretation, performance, artistry.
*** Specialties *** All genres are taught, yet specialize in classical piano
*** Adult Students/Age Sixteen or Older *** Students in this age group feel free to request the specific genre they want to study, unlike youngsters who are taught for every aspect and genre in music
I would like my students to enjoy, understand, and bring the ARTISTRY of music into their life, but not just being able to play out something. I always explain WHYs for everything students learn. Piano studying is not only about learning the notations but also expressions, interpretations, phrasing, structures, tonal relationships, mood, articulations, analysis, and etc. for intermediate and advanced piano students. I include some music history in association with the pieces the students are learning to play, besides the theory and structure of it. I would ask my students to find any patterns in the pieces and any differences between the same or similar passages. I often ask students to tell me what they can find throughout the pieces based on the knowledge they have and what they have acquired through the lessons. I ask them to listen while playing and train them to listen. When they make mistakes, they likely do notice the weirdness about them by listening the sound. I imitate HOW they play a passage and HOW I play it, and ask them what the differences are in terms of techniques and artistic interpretation. I explain how the students should practice and how they can tackle and isolate a problematic area. Competitive endeavors and striving for excellence are appreciated with pedagogic approaches.
Tonya Forrester
Judy is an excellent piano teacher. She is patient and kind with all ages. She is an expert in her field and is incredible with kids.
J. Regus
I have been taking lessons from Judy for 7 years and in that time, she has shepherded me through proper physical technique, taught me how to listen to myself, and opened my eyes to the subtlety of interpretation. I am an adult man with a full time job who stopped taking lessons at a very young age but continued to play; I restarted my lessons with Judy. I have enjoyed since her wonderful influence and insight.
Mary Maddox
I’ve been a student of Judy H. for 3+ years and look forward to lesson time every time! She is an excellent teacher! She doesn’t just tell you how...she shows you how to play well, using the best technique and musicality, not just playing notes. She has a calm patience about herself and a kind caring demeanor that makes a stumbling student like me feel at ease! I highly recommend her to any piano student, beginner or advanced.
Tina Wallace
Our children have been going to Judy for 6 years, beginning at 6 years old. She is respectful, patient and kind with her way of teaching the children. Judy likes to keep the communication open between her and the parents of the students, so that she is able to tailor her teaching to each child. She teaches them to evaluate the music by the techniques they have learned through her. Judy has taught the children that it’s not about playing notes but the musicality of each piece of music. Over the last 5 years, Judy has prepared both children to participate in music festivals and both have received awards for superior ratings.
Elizabeth English
I love miss Judy! She is a very patient and caring teacher. I really enjoyed lessons with her. She is a classical instructor, which is very beneficial. We started with learning the meanings of shape notes and the hand/finger correct technique for playing the keys in order to get the best sound quality. Under her instruction, I mad a lot of progress in a very short amount of time. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I was not able to continue lessons; but I would highly recommend miss Judy as an instructor and as a person. She is great!
Mario Ramos
We have been going to Judy for over 10 years now. My daughter went from zero music knowledge to actually playing songs within months. 10 years later my kid is a master at the piano thanks to her instructor. Judy has a great way of teaching and knows how to connect with her students. Always positive, always smiling and always professional. Being a musician myself for over 30 years, I know a good musician when I see one.
Khristy Ishmael
My daughter started taking lesson's from Ms. Judy H. when she was only six years old. Judy was a patient and very professional teacher when instructing my very young, yet shy daughter. The instruction was well organized and rich, yet fun. We had to move away for a few years but after my return, I sought out Ms. H. to continue teaching my now teenage daughter. I found that the piano teacher we hired in the interim was teaching my daughter how to play by ear only. Once Ms. H. resumed my child instructions, my child absorbed music theory, became proficient in reading sheet music while keeping her artistic flare. I would highly recommend Ms. H. as she is a gifted piano teacher.
LunarEclipse:3
My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Judy's Studio for over two years and the experience has been excellent. Judy is a well-trained, well-educated instructor and provides an all-rounded instructional experiences for my daughter. Not only does she teach sight-reading, the lessons also include auditory training and performance skills. In addition to Judy's expansive music knowledge, she demonstrates a high level of teaching skills - using classroom techniques to teach music. When I compare my child with children who have been learning piano in other music studios, she shows a much higher level of music achievement. Furthermore, in a recently held national music festival, my daughter's music skills was assessed the "SUPERIOR", - testament to Judy's teaching ability. So, I urge you to consider her school, if your child needs piano lessons.
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