Michelle H
5.0
(27)
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk, Showtunes
Michelle H
5.0
(27)
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Folk, Showtunes
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 4-70
I’m a dedicated piano teacher whose goal is to nurture a lifelong love of music in my students. My passion for piano started at a young age and continued throughout my college years and career. I have worked with students of all ages and across different countries, successfully guiding them through formalized piano programs and garnering loyal students over the years. My passion for music extends into my 2 boys, aged 11 and 15, who play viola and clarinet in orchestra and wind ensemble at their schools in Vernon Hills.
My teaching journey started at an early age in Canada. Thanks to parents who entrusted their children’s education to me, I was inspired to pursue a degree in Music Education from the University of Victoria, BC. Throughout my 30 years teaching career, I have closely worked with students of different age groups and cultural backgrounds in Vancouver (Canada), Chicago Northern Suburbs (Illinois) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). I have honed my teaching styles over the years and adapted my instruction to meet specific needs of each student. I’m experienced in both private and group settings. My private lessons have focused on tailored programs to raise the students’ aptitude and proficiency in their piano playing. I have successfully guided many of my students to outstanding exam results in well recognized music examination boards such as RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music), ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London. My group lessons have targeted younger piano players to grow their musical potential by learning, performing, and enjoying music through programs like Music for Young Children (MYC). I particularly like the MYC program because this program allows parents full participation to learn how to play piano with their children.
I have used different piano books since I started teaching and find the methodology of Faber Piano Adventures suitable for students of different age groups and levels. Students can learn how to play songs in different varieties such as jazz, classical, rock, theme songs from Disney movies and well-known festival songs which they can sing along. Also, most of the repertoire has a duet section for me to play together with the student which makes the learning more fun and enjoyable. This series of books also include music theory, technique and sight reading which are important components in piano learning.
My lessons revolve around 3 P’s: Passion, Practice, Patience PASSION for music drives piano learning. Not all students start with great passion but will gradually develop this after a series of positive and fun learning experiences. This was evident in my students as their faces lighted up with satisfied smiles once they managed to play their favorite fun pieces. Music, as a universal language, connects individuals through their own feelings about the music. Listening to different styles helps students develop their own music senses and apply these into their playing styles. This starts with a strong grasp of music theory to appreciate the structure in each music piece, which then lays a foundation for students to write their own songs and express their passion. PRACTICE makes perfect, but practice with strategies makes practice effective . My teaching approach is through constructive feedback during lessons and motivate students to practice, focusing on challenging areas. Specific technical exercises are taught and demonstrated to improve their playing. By establishing solid techniques, students are able to grab the secret of playing each repertoire. For beginners, this starts with essentials such as establishing correct playing posture and hand position. PATIENCE with students and parents. I view each student uniquely with a distinct learning curve which requires me to deliver a creative and immersive lesson plan. I strive to also maintain communication with parents by regularly updating on their child’s learning process and goals for the lesson. Homework and practice tips are all recorded on a notebook for student’s review during each practice. Furthermore, I organize yearly piano recitals for students to gain self-confidence and share the joy of music with their families and friends which is integral for their music learning journey.
Sarah Weitner
Ms Michelle helped my son Trey establish a solid music foundation and instill love for music. She was patient and demonstrate to him how to improve difficult areas which was very helpful for Trey. The piano skills Trey learned from Ms. Michelle definitely helped him acquire strong music concepts and sense which have in turn helped him pick up the violin in school's orchestra. Lessons were done efficiently with no time wasted as exercises and goals were well planned in advance.
Claire Yu
Michelle taught my daughter for more than a year until she had to move, and I was definitely sad to see her go. She is very good with children, loving, patient, attentive, with a good balance of fun and discipline, and my daughter made huge progress under her guidance. Michelle would tailor her teach approach based on the individual child, and my daughter was able to perform a piece of music she loves at the school talent show with Michelle’s help, which made my shy daughter very happy. I would definitely recommend Michelle!
Juliet yu
My son has been learning with teacher Michelle for five years on piano practical And theory lessons. We are so so lucky to have her! She is always patient with my son and she is so knowledgable on music theory and history, while she made her class interesting for young kids. My son got ABRSM theory exam grade 4 and 5 distinction.
Hannah
Michelle is a knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated piano teacher. She knows how to teach every student according to his own pace and brings out his interests to practicing. She is also very patient, kind and friendly. My daughters like her very much!
Vaness h
Michelle is a lovely and dedicated piano teacher. Both my kids started learning to play piano with her and as they were very young at the time I thought her approach was very child friendly aswell as fun and captivating. My kids continued to be students of Michelle for the next 4 years and throughout their time with her she helped them build effective practice habits, thought them and corrected them on their individual techniques and natured the love of playing piano.
Rachel
Michelle is an extremely approachable and experienced music teacher. She is also very patient and encouraging. I have learnt alot from her, the best thing is that she will customize her lessons with each student for them to learn at their best pace. From my younger siblings to myself, she knows each of her students really well, she is truly a master of her art.
Stephanie
Michelle is an exceptional piano teacher who works well with the children at all ages. Her dedication to her student is evident in the results they achieve. I didn’t expect my daughter to get anything beyond credit, but Michelle told me that she is ready. I was pleasantly surprised when my daughter achieved distinction in both practical and theoretical exams after studying with Michelle. She has a unique ability to connect with her students and help them reach their full potential. Thank you Michelle!
Andrew
Michelle has been teaching my 5yo daughter piano for a few months. She is great with her, patient and ecstatic, which gets my daughter to pay attention and learn. She makes things fun and interesting, and I'm amazed with the progress my daughter has made in only a few months (playing with both hands, reading notes, and rhythm). I cannot recommend Michelle enough!
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