General Information
Each lesson covers review of prior assignments, questions/answer session and introduction of new material. Any additional time will be used at teacher’s discretion to cover new methods, play musical games, reinforce terms, work on finger exercises, etc.
 It is recommended that each student practice daily 15-30 minutes and as they excel, increase this daily practice time. Parents should encourage their students to practice alone and use this independent study time as a means to discover their musical self. It is NOT meant as punishment nor should it be pushed to a degree where the student becomes frustrated. It is simply a guideline, as with any instrument, dedication and scheduling is part of the program. PLEASE adjust this to fit the needs of your child. If the child is ever becoming overwhelmed, let them step away and re-examine your established practice schedule.
Cancellations/Rescheduled appointments are an unavoidable occurrence, both for the student as well as the teacher. “Life happens!”, you will frequently here me say. It is the responsibility of each student to contact me to reschedule any missed appointments. I give a liberal two-week window from the missed appointment to arrange for make-up time. Any appointment not rescheduled within two weeks is forfeited. If I should need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I will refund or adjust your next month’s bill to reflect this cancellation. All make-up appointments will be done in my home.
Music and Materials
Music and materials selection is at my discretion. Most of my selections follow the Classical genre and introduce the masters—Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, etc. If you have a preference based on religious conviction or personal preference, we can discuss this and I will temper my choices to assist in the reinforcement of your personal family guidelines. A completely religious curriculum is difficult to find, however as a Christian, I can fully respect and attempt to comply as much as possible to your convictions. I try to fully balance what is taught among all musical genres.
All music is pre-purchased and will be added to your statements. All materials/music costs are the responsibility of each student.
Instructor Experience
After taking private lessons for over ten years, I played for two years as a Pianist for a local Presbyterian Church in my hometown. In junior high and high school, I participated in Chorus and my local Church Choir both as a Pianist and Vocalist. In high school, I was offered a music scholarship but did not accept, as the teaching bug had not yet struck me! I participated in Vocal and Piano instruction for a year on the college level, as well as being a member of the University Singers. I worked my way through college playing for weddings, funerals and other events, as well as giving lessons at my church and to other family members. While living in Minnesota, I taught for a year through a music agency. Now in Virginia, I have been teaching privately for over two years.
I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1996 with a degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Education. I did my student teaching in Bowling Green, KY in 1992 with a combined first/second grade classroom at Natcher Elementary. Due to my husband’s transfer with the Army, I was unable to finish one required history course and did not pursue my teaching certificate. Teaching students is something I greatly miss, especially working with problem readers. Teaching piano gives me the opportunity to enjoy those “lightbulb” moments again. Kids are the best because life is always an adventure to them!
As always, my references are available upon request.
|
I like to meet privately with each student (and parent) to assess their level of ability, as well as to gain a feel of their individual personality and their learning style. As a teacher, I know the value of treating each student with their style and personality in mind, so I try to make my teaching very individualized. I find students thrive more using this method of instruction. I currently use the Bastien method for both young beginners, elementary and adult students, however I occasionally use the Alfred method as well. Along with these instructional books/levels, I supplement with individually chosen pieces, sheet music and books based on the child’s interests and abilities. I also mix theory and finger work as needed.
