Inside the Studio

INTERVIEW: Prospective students of any age or level are welcome to interview. My students have ranged from rank beginners to music school bound to adults!  

TRIAL PERIOD: Each accepted student receives 3 trial lessons before acceptance to the studio.  

AFTER TRIAL PERIOD: Studio policies, the academic year schedule, and procedures are explained and students are expected to commit to the schedule and studio policies.

The teaching environment is a dedicated space set up for the best learning and artistic music making.  Students play on a fine instrument and will be able to record lessons.  

We offer a wide range of supplementary materials to engage students of all ages in learning theory, rhythm, and musical skills.

During piano lessons, students learn warm ups to develop skills and a sound piano technique. 

Note reading is emphasized by moving through many pieces in a year, while focusing on five to ten challenge pieces selected for performance and competition.  

Students are also guided to play by ear and to improvise.

There are 32 teaching weeks during the academic year and the last 2 weeks of June are designated as make up weeks. Students are expected to prepay each month for lessons and attend all lessons. 

Each student is granted only 3 make ups a year for illness, scheduling conflicts, or because of special events.  Make-up lessons will either be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon day/time or they will be automatically moved to the June make up weeks.

Students should have a well maintained acoustic piano at home for practice. Professional maintenance / regular tunings 2-3 times a year are preferred.  

Students are expected to come to lessons prepared and with their music books organized and bookmarked. 

Students may purchase materials or reimburse me for music.

Recording lessons on a phone is highly recommended. 

Students are expected to practice 5 days a week between lessons as a discipline. Studying an instrument is not a hobby but a life long artistic pursuit that requires daily work to get better and proceed to the next level.

Here are some suggestions for recommended pracitce times by age and level:

Ages 5-9: Practice a minimum of 15 - 20 minutes per day.

Ages 10-12: Practice a minimum of 20 -30 minutes per day.

Ages 13-18: Practice for the length of your lesson time, (half hour lessons 30 minutes, 45-minute lessons 45 minutes, 60 minute lessons, one hour

Workshops called Informals are held throughout the year for students to hear one another as receive feedback on pieces in process. Fun classes with other studios and teachers are occasionally planned for holidays, such as the "Spooky Halloween" party. 

Occasionally Informals will be held remotely. Zoom based INFORMALS require a good set up for playing at home, with the correct audio and visual settings to allow for a positive online experience. 

Understanding music theory is part of every student's plan.  Theory is taught through warm ups, in the context of repertoire, and using theory books.

Students are encouraged to participate in The Greater Traverse Music Teachers Association workshops, events, and juries, and other regional and national activities such as MTNA masterclasses and The Royal Conservatory exams. 

Performance practice is an important aspect of my pedagogical approach. Students develop confidence in performance by performing! I urge my students to gain confidence by participating in carefully selected activities on an ad hoc basis outside the studio in addition to attending as many studio classes as possible.