Time well spent inside and outside of lessons.

Noone ever learned to play the piano without some dedicated practice, carefully prescribed (developmentally appropriate) instruction, and some grit.

There may be something called “talent”, but personally I don’t lean much into “talent”. It will only take a student so far - ultimately, there needs to be a regular time dedicated to focused, prescribed practice at least four times a week. For all students. No exceptions. A student who has a “good ear”, or somehow has a strong sense of rhythm or both hand coordination will still need to practice appropriately in order to improve and develop musically.

I’m proud that my students can play well and do so in performances - and I often get the comment that students in my studio sound like they have loads of talent, immense ability, and a significant sense of accomplishment. But I assure you - all of this was achieved through regular practice, careful attention to selecting appropriate material, and setting students up in a developmental manner. My students work hard - and I expect them to practice regularly. This collaborative approach is how students build confidence, gain a significant appreciation for music, and are able to apply musicianship skills to other areas of their academics, athletics, skills, and build that sense of self-confidence and pride we all champion so admirably. The student who learns to cooperate with a teacher, humble themself to taking instruction and constructive feedback on a regular basis, apply it artistically, and is able to adapt and learn something multi-faceted and complex -a piece full of scales, hands coordination, use of the pedal, apply subtle dynamics and articulations - this is a student who is skilled and confident, able to achieve far more than the sum of the parts presented to them.

My objective is to help students find a way through music that meets their own abilities and aptitudes. Not every student learns a three-piece program from memory, and not every students needs to be able to sight read advance literature. Some students prefer to compose - so we will learn to notate and appreciate music theory through that process. All students will be given the fundamentals through a classical approach to the piano, and my studio champions the importance of group classes and shared performances.

If you like what you are reading, and are curious to learn more - please contact me. I have openings in my studio and love what I do: teaching piano and coaching musicians to appreciate the potential of the piano, unlocking everything it offers us as a human endeavor - I absolutely love the process of learning and am passionate about what piano offers everyone who pursues it as an art form.

contact me via email is best: thestudio615 (at) gmail (dot com)