Hello there! Welcome to my page regarding private piano and voice lessons. Here you will learn everything you need to know about studying piano lessons with me.
I currently have a dozen students ranging in age from 4 to well into adulthood. Teaching is one of my biggest passions and I would love to teach anyone who has an interest in learning the art of the piano, regardless of their age or skill level!
About the Studio
Students’ lessons will take place at my home in Brentwood, CA. I teach from a 1927 Lester-Philadephia grand piano which has been in my family for over 50 years. Easily accessible is my vast music library, which spans almost 5 rows in a bookshelf in the studio, so that the student will always have the necessary materials. I have access to a copier as well, and oftentimes make copies for my students. Lastly, the studio is very relaxing and comfortable, furnished with new sofas and kept clean and tidy and free of interruption.
I also offer lessons in the students’ home, to provide added convenience for parents who are busy with everything else that life has to offer! This is discussed on a case-by-case basis, and lesson tuition is adjusted according to distance from Brentwood, CA, zip code 94513.
For voice lessons, I can teach any level of student, and a variety of styles, from classical voice (opera), to musical theatre, to pop music. Please do not hesitate to inquire if you feel your child (or you!) are interested in voice lessons.
Student Recitals
Recitals and Studio Classes will take place frequently. There will always be a Spring Recital in June and a Holiday Recital in December of each year. Location for the next recital is still being decided, depending on where the majority of my students live.
Studio Classes will often take place at a location TBD, and will occur 2-3 times a year. This allows the students an opportunity to perform in a low-pressure environment, while still feeling like they aren’t just performing for their family or me.
Piano/Voice Lesson Materials
It is very important that the piano student have his/her own materials for lessons. I highly recommend the Bastien Method and the Faber Method for the beginning young piano student, and The Complete Piano Player for the beginning adult student. Method books typically run from a “Primer” level all the way to level 5. It is necessary for the student to purchase not only the “Piano” book, but also the “Theory” book, as it will provide the student with lessons and guidance about the introductions to music theory. The “Performance” and “Technic” books are optional, but certainly recommended.
A method book can last three to six months depending on the student’s progress.
For a student who has completed the method book series or who is advanced enough, I will assign them repertoire from contrasting periods in music history (such as baroque and romantic). Such composers include Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. Again, I will purchase the music ahead of time. Please see http://www.SheetMusicPlus.com or go to a local music store for more information on sheet music.
For voice lessons, most of the music can be obtained online at the link above (Sheet Music Plus), or MusicNotes.com is also a great resource.
Student Expectations
•Each student must have his/her own materials for lessons. This will include either method books or sheet music from publishers such as G. Henle Verlag, International, or Edition Peters. The student must have good, accredited editions of their repertoire.
• Bring a binder to hold policy, handouts, and manuscript paper. I require all of my students to have a cow-patterned composition notebook to record weekly lesson assignments (provided at the first lesson).
• It is expected that the student will be able to practice at least 15 minutes a day (30 minutes is recommended), at least five days per week. More practice time is always helpful, but this is the minimum for success with lessons. Practice is ESSENTIAL for success with music!
• I teach only dedicated and committed students. If you are not able to commit to the level of assigned repertoire and theory that I give you, please let me know so that we can alter this. It is my hope that my students use their ability to play piano to further their intellectual abilities and to have it as a lifelong passion.
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