about the studio
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Welcome to a fun way to increase brain power and reduce stress!!
I teach almost ALL ages ~~~ ages 6 to 84. I have taught people successfully from every decade of life, except people in their 90's and under 5.
ALL YEAR round you are basically paying for A HALF an hour PRIVATE PIANO or PRIVATE VIOLIN lessons with the student, me and the instrument. However, During The School Year ONLY, I like the student to come for an hour. The Hour is split equally between their PRIVATE lesson and computer time, (violin instructional DVD or music history, or other pertinent related technology things) and about 5 minutes on a theory workbook. The student will have a "study-buddy". WHILE ONE IS ON THE COMPUTER, THE OTHER IS AT THE PIANO OR VIOLIN PRIVATELY. Then they switch places maximizing contact with the music language. Both times are tailored to fit the individual students' needs. I try to schedule together those who would inspire eachother, either of a similar age or level, if it is possible to fit in your schedule.
It is good for the student to hear another student's lessons, while they work on the computer. This gives the student more time to digest the music language. They also learn that all pianists and violinists have similar problems. This helps them not to be frustrated, but to just keep working.
The 1/2 hour extra is FREE. I just love to see you learn fast and thoroughly. Each 1/2 hour private lesson is based on the rate of about $22. (If you would like to purchase additional individual private lesson time you may. It is $44 per hour, or $33 for 45 minute private lessons. These are paid in monthly-semester payments.) If there are 4 months in the semester, it is paid off in 3 months, each month at $110. If there are 5 months in the semester it is paid off in 4 months, each month at $110. In the Fall semester there is a one time $17 Technology fee for using the computer, other technology, etc., and another one time $17 Technology fee in the Spring semester. Less book-keeping means more time for you to learn.
(In the summer 2009 it is $21 times how many 1/2 hour lessons in the month payable on the first lesson in the month. More time may be purchased at the above rates. No computer fee or use.)
I have a BUNCH (around $1,000 worth) of animated fun computer programs that I use to reinforce what I have taught at the piano or violin. I track each person so I can give them a well rounded background in music theory.
Several opportunities for performance are given throughout the year. This school year we are scheduled to have 3 regular performances (some at nursing homes, retirement centers, and one at a rented building where they can snack.), and the 4th performance is the NFMC festival. These are great to build confidence in front of a crowd, self-esteem, and ability in performance.
One option available to students, even adults, is to enter the National Federation of Music Clubs Piano and Violin Festival. With each set of 15 points (given by a qualified judge) students can earn a beautiful gold cup. Each time they earn a cup, it is LARGER!! Until it is VERY Large!! :) The most points they can earn a year is 5, but if they earn a 4, which is still an excellent, it will be easier to earn the following cups. The remaining points can be used to cover another year that was a 4. So after one year of getting a 4, the next set of 3 or 4 years it takes to get a cup, they will get theirs always in 3! If the student gets 3 superiors in a row, they can perform at a state convention, and earn another medal.
Anyway, everyone is competing against himself or herself by a qualified kind judge, who rates and writes helpful comments for the student according to his or her accuracy in the music. This is a National Event occurring in many locations in the last of February or early March. Most of my students get 5s, a few get 4s. But 4s are still Excellent. I make sure they are ready. This gives them experience in playing for scholarships, juries and other music "interviews". They think it is fun because all receive a certificate every year, and the pieces are longer and more exciting on the NFMC list to learn. They are really proud of their accomplishment. Through this they work harder and accomplish more. They also learn to become a better performer.
Principal Instrument: Piano
Other Instruments Taught
Violin
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mission statement
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My first job is to help the student to Love music. Then everything is easier. With my experience and concern for each student, Everyone can be successful . Guaranteed. |
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about myself
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 My motto is: "Your success is my success." I love to see you be surprised at what you can do. I use all kinds of tricks to make learning easier and fun. I am patient with all. I enjoy seeing music enrich all students' lives, not only the smart and fast learners.
But if you want to work fast, I will make you fly! I can teach you at an accelerated pace if you do your homework. This happens not in one or two lessons, but over a longer period of time. I like to see everyone maximize their pace of learning, whatever it may be. The longer I work with the student the more you will see this. I like to build self-esteem and confidence in all ages of people. Music can be great therapy and great for the brain. I think it does wonders in child development.
Learning to play the piano rewards a student "not to give up" quickly. This pattern trains young people to keep trying. Soon they learn this habit that they can apply to every subject. Then it will be easier for them to have success in many other things. Who knows what all the students will accomplish in their lives!
I can understand children of all developmental stages. Homeschooled my children all their lives till we went to college together. I have 17 years experience teaching privately in a piano studio, and have 7 years experience teaching private violin lessons. I also taught public school. Taught piano classes for children and adults with the University of Central Arkansas Community School of Music .
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