I offer private piano instruction for students of all ages at my home in Hopkins. I specialize in beginners to intermediate level players.
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I have been teaching for over 20 years, with children of all ages. My philosophy is that everyone can benefit from piano lessons, and everyone can be inspired by the process of learning to play. I firmly believe that music needs to be enjoyable and relaxing, not frustrating and stress-inducing. This is my goal.
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Typically, lessons are 30 minutes. As students become more advanced and there is more theory and technique involved, some students choose to have 45 minute lessons.
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I understand that things come up. I do not charge for missed lessons but I do know that the students who make the most progress put a priority on making it to the lessons.
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I hold a student recital each spring and each child has the option of participating. Some students choose to memorize their music, but it is not required.
PIANO LESSONS
SAMPLE LESSONS
Example of 30-minute Lesson Format (young child)
1. Play last week's assignment: 10 minutes
2. Listening, learning to read notes, and technique: 3-5 minutes
3. Decide how to practice the harder parts of the past week's lesson or start to learn new pieces : 10 minutes
4. Child's choice: Learn a song by ear, learn a new piece of child's choice, or play previous favorite pieces (3-5 mInutes)
Example of 30-45 minute Lesson Format (older child and adults)
1. Hear last week's assignment: 10-15 minutes
2. Finger strengthening exercises, arm, wrist, and finger coordination and technique, scales, learning how to play different styles of music, pedaling, chording, and fingerings: 5-10 minutes
3. Decide how to practice the harder parts of the past week's lesson or start to learn new piece. (Students are welcome to bring in pieces that they want to play. As long as the piece is within the student's reach, or it can be modified to bring it into their reach, this is encouraged.) : 10-15 minutes
4. Review favorite pieces to keep them in the repertoire: 5 minutes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CHILDREN
At what age can a child start taking lessons?
If a potential student has a sibling who is already taking lessons, I have started as young as 5. Having a sibling who takes lessons means that we can be flexible in how long the younger student needs to stay focused at the piano. The older sibling can make good use of extra time if there is any. Generally, my students are 6-7 years old when they start.
Do I as a parent need to be involved?
Most parents choose to attend all or part of the lessons with their child, especially if their child is young, because it helps them structure their child's practice time more efficiently. I can work with you either way.
How will you keep my child motivated to learn?
I have worked with children for 30 years, and I love it. I love music, and am highly motivated by it, but I also know how to have fun teaching and learning.
Do you have any experience with special needs' children?
Yes. I have worked in special education, as a speech therapist, for 25 years, and am skilled at working with students who have a variety of special needs. In particular, I have specialized in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
TAX TIPS
Tax tips for Parents
Don't forget to save receipts for all music lessons, instrument purchases or rental, and music books. These expenses are eligible for a Minnesota tax credit.
