Teaching Method

With encouragement and support, I guide students towards their musical goals one step at a time. By nurturing an envoirnment that gives positive affirmation to childrens' natural curiosity, a child's imagination is ignited. My method as a piano teacher is to provide the tools to help each student realize their highest potential.

Every student is an individual and each piano lesson is tailored to the student's unique strengths, challenges, and interests. Musical preferences are incorporated into lessons so students will be inspired to practice.

I help students acquire a solid foundation in keyboard technique and musicianship that they can use to explore any type of music.

Lessons include:

• Hand position and fingering
• Music notation
• Rhythm
• Sight reading
• Playing by ear
• Phrasing and interpretation
• Harmony and musical form
• How to practice

Parent's support and encouragement is essential so I try keep parents closely involved. During the first year of piano lessons the parent often sits near the piano and participates so they can better guide their child's practice at home. When parents, teacher, and child are united in the adventure of learning, great things can happen.

Living in the Atlanta area provides a wonderful opportunity to experience musical and cultural events, and I encourage students to attend live performances and perform for family and friends. I provide opportunity for student recitals in a supportive setting. Music festivals and competitions are available for those who wish to participate. The Atlanta Area Suzuki Association has a graduation program that many of my students participate in.

Without exception, successful students have parents who are actively engaged with their child's progress. Providing continuing, loving encouragement can make all the difference.

STUDIO POLICY

1) Lesson payment is paid a month in advance, and is nonrefundable. If a payment is made after the 15th of the month, there is a late charge of $10.

2) At least 24 hours notice must be given if the student cancels or the lesson will be forfeited. If sufficient notice is given a make-up lesson will be scheduled. There is no transfer of any portion of tuition from one month to another. If the teacher cancels a lesson, credit will be given or a make-up lesson will be scheduled. Extra time will not be allotted to late arrivals.

3) Participation in student recitals is strongly encouraged but not required. There is a $5 off-premises performance fee for each student to offset expenses (space rental, piano tuning, refreshments, etc.)

4) Students must have a piano at home, or daily access to one for practicing. Digital 88-note keyboards that are touch-sensitive and have weighted action are recommended substitutes

5) Music books and materials will be provided by the teacher who will be remunerated at-cost.

6) Younger children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.