Michael P  
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, New Age

I started teaching piano at age 16 after being certified by my own instructor. I had one student I saw weekly and though at first she was against the piano, I worked with her intensely on genres and styles that she enjoyed playing. I also substituted for my piano instructor when she was sick and taught a plethora of children. When I volunteered at the local elementary school, I taught grade schoolers piano on the upright in the auditorium and that's when I fell in love with inspiring future musicians. I encourage my students to pursue songs and styles they genuinely enjoy in order to persuade them to love the art of making music.

For beginner students, I start with the basics and like to teach from the Hal Leonard fundamentals books, but it also depends on the type of student. Some are more visual learners whereas others might be more auditory inclined. I modify my teaching style to accommodate the student. Understandably, theory can get mundane, but I try to make learning fun and applicable so a lot of what I teach directly involves playing on the keys instead of writing things in books. I don't want to be responsible for he next Mozart; if I can convince a child to make something on the piano on his/her, I consider that an accomplishment.