My Approach
I tailor my instruction to the needs of the individual student and use a combination of methods to help students progress.
I truly believe that with a supportive environment a decent instrument, and consistent practice anyone can learn to play the piano.
Parent Involvement
Parents are vital to a young student's success. They are attentive at lessons, turn on recordings and practice with their children every day. They are supportive and encouraging. As children get older, the parent’s involvement gradually diminishes until the child is able to become independent. You do not need extensive musical training to support your child's music education.
Listening
Students listen to the pieces they are working on every day by listening to a skilled musician play. Listening to music by the best musicians will develop the child's ear. They will learn to imitate the sounds that they hear, becoming more sensitive to the various nuances a musician can produce.
Repetition
Children learn to speak by saying the same words over and over again and parents enjoy and encourage their attempts. Likewise in learning musical skills, many repetitions are necessary to develop their ability.
Reading
In language development, children learn to speak well before they learn how to read. However, once they begin learning to read, it becomes a very important part of their education.
In learning an instrument, it is asking a lot of anyone to have good technique, posture, play musically and to read the music in front of them at the beginning. This is why it is best to develop some basic techniques before reading. The starting point depends on their age and how their technique and musicality is developing. I have spent time developing a sound reading curriculum and my students are good readers.