Experience Summary
Piano lessons should be fun, as well as instructive.
Some quotes from some of my students:
- “I can’t pass the piano without wanting to play this piece.”
- “I’m gonna do that again because it was fun!”
- “I’ll be eating lunch and all of a sudden I have a burning desire to play the piano”.
- “My favorite day of the week is Piano Lesson Day. Piano is fun!”
When a student works on repertoire that he or she really likes, that makes practicing more fun. I teach classical repertoire, as well as pop, show tunes, jazz, etc. Proper technique and a knowledge of theory is important in any genre, so weekly assignments feature technical exercises and written work in addition to repertoire.
My students are encouraged to practice every day. Once a student gets into the habit, he or she can expect to truly enjoy the process, and that’s what it’s all about - the process. Of course we set goals, but it’s in working toward those goals that significant progress is made.
Recitals afford the student an opportunity to show off what she or he has learned. I am extremely fortunate in that I have a wonderful group of families that I work with. Everyone who attends a studio recital is cheering on every single student who performs! People often comment on how much fun it is to watch these kids’ progress. On our last recital, the age of performers varied from six to nineteen! We heard everything from “Pterodactyls, Really Neat!” to Debussy’s “First Arabesque”. It was great fun, and we all ate cookies afterward.
Some quotes from Parents:
- “Of all her activities, piano is her favorite.”
- “Thanks so much for supporting my daughter today, and for all of these weeks of preparation! It means so much to all of us! She’s made such incredible progress in her love of piano and skills since working with you!”
- “You make each of your students feel like they’re your favorite.”
- “My kids think you’re the bomb. They talk about you all the time.”
- “I wish you had been my piano teacher. My teacher was good, but she wasn’t nearly as fun as you are. “
- “I’m going to warn you because my daughter is kind of grumpy today, but she usually perks up when it’s lesson day and she knows you’re coming.”
- “Her sister and I just lay on the floor and listen to her play.”
- “You have a magic touch with my kids.”
My goals for my students are simple. I want them to learn to love and appreciate music. Not every one of my students will go on to become a music teacher or church pianist, but I dearly hope that all of my students will enjoy making music for all of their lives.
Pam