Teaching Method and Philosophy
I've been playing piano since I was 4, cello since I was 11 and started teaching when I was still a teenager. I studied piano through college, received my undergraduate degree in cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin and continued with graduate study at Indiana University. I’ve performed around the world - as an orchestral, chamber and back-up musician ~ music has immeasurably expanded my world, and I love to be able to pass my experience on to others!
Although I was trained in "old school" methods I've broadened my view of the role of music in our lives considerably in the past few years. First and foremost, I want to encourage a love of music - of all kinds. I give my students the tools to understand what they're doing - to really speak the language of music - so they can have music as an oasis in a busy life, whether that's sitting down at the end of a long day and playing a favorite Journey song, or taking a study break with some Bach. There are more than five centuries of "classical music" to explore and about a hundred years of popular...we can definitely find something that piques the interest of every student!
As I get to know each student, I like to find a way to weave playing their instrument - even if it's for only 15 minutes for younger children - into daily lives so it just becomes part of their world.
My teaching method is eclectic and based on my broad experience. I work with the student and parents to determine individual goals and while each student will be getting a core curriculum that will provide them all the necessary musical tools they need for success, the methods will be different for each person. Love “Let It Go”? Great! That will be a reward to play after a few other things on the practice schedule - getting students excited about music is awesome!
Although I was trained in "old school" methods I've broadened my view of the role of music in our lives considerably in the past few years. First and foremost, I want to encourage a love of music - of all kinds. I give my students the tools to understand what they're doing - to really speak the language of music - so they can have music as an oasis in a busy life, whether that's sitting down at the end of a long day and playing a favorite Journey song, or taking a study break with some Bach. There are more than five centuries of "classical music" to explore and about a hundred years of popular...we can definitely find something that piques the interest of every student!
As I get to know each student, I like to find a way to weave playing their instrument - even if it's for only 15 minutes for younger children - into daily lives so it just becomes part of their world.
My teaching method is eclectic and based on my broad experience. I work with the student and parents to determine individual goals and while each student will be getting a core curriculum that will provide them all the necessary musical tools they need for success, the methods will be different for each person. Love “Let It Go”? Great! That will be a reward to play after a few other things on the practice schedule - getting students excited about music is awesome!
Studio Policies
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Music - performance and teaching - is a large part of my income, so it's necessary to have some policies in place to create stability for all of us!
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Supplies
Please have a spiral notebook for assignments ready for your lesson each week. This is so important for keeping track of your progress and homework!
Cello students will need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washrag works well for this), rockstop, metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable!
Piano students will need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Cello students will need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washrag works well for this), rockstop, metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable!
Piano students will need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Tuition
Lessons are typically once a week - I offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons and we'll select the best option depending on the student's age, goals and level. I do teach adults on a more "a la carte" schedule but I find that younger people do better with the consistency of a weekly lesson.
Fees are based on £40/hr and are prorated for shorter lessons. Fees can be paid via bank transfer, PayPal (friends and family option) or cash. I prefer to have payment at the first lesson of the month for that month, but you prefer weekly payment we can do that.
Fees are based on £40/hr and are prorated for shorter lessons. Fees can be paid via bank transfer, PayPal (friends and family option) or cash. I prefer to have payment at the first lesson of the month for that month, but you prefer weekly payment we can do that.
About Practicing...
Part of playing an instrument is regular practice time - and a critical component of that is learning HOW to practice (or, as I like to call it, "train"). There will be days that students are excited to play and days that they greet the prospect as enthusiastically as taking out the garbage - however, it is crucial that we work as a team to support the student's progress and help motivate them. I am not above using bribery in the form of stickers and other fun motivational tools and parents, you can do it too! I will ask the student to keep track of the time they have practiced - it is far better for them to do 15 minutes a day than an hour and a half in one session of "crash practicing". I fully understand the demands on school kids and will be flexible with my expectations by reducing minimum practice requirements during academically challenging weeks. Ultimately, we will develop goals for each student and they will learn to take responsibility for achieving them. As Yoda says, "do or do not...there is no try".
Make-up Lessons
If you need to reschedule a lesson, please give me as much notice as possible - at least 24 hours unless there is a medical emergency. I will do the same. Any lesson with adequate notice will receive a makeup and I will always make up any lesson that I need to change. I don't give refunds for missed lessons.
Recitals
Performance is an important part of the musical experience - why keep the joy to yourself?! We will have recitals at least twice a year - some may be in retirement homes, others may be in churches or performance spaces - we will create this together! If you have a favourite place you like to play, let me know and I'll make it happen!
NOTE: I prefer to not teach on Mondays because of the proliferation of Bank Holidays! Since the schools have different term breaks, we will work together on a schedule that works for you! I start students at any point during the year - the best time to start an instrument is when you're ready!
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