Piano Lessons

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable. ­

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Teaching Philosophy

Tailoring my teaching style to individual interests and personalities, I instill in my students an understanding that playing all the correct notes is not as important as playing expressively, telling a story and, most importantly, telling us something about themselves.

Repertoire

My students play a varied repertoire: classical musical from before pianos were even invented to pieces composed within the last few years; jazz; theme songs from movies; and the music of Taylor Swift and her contemporaries. I enjoy matching students to pieces that will maximize their enjoyment while meeting their individual pedagogical needs.

Technique

Practicing scales, arpeggios and etudes is important. However, technique also entails simply how to use your fingers, hands, wrists and arms in such a way as to get a particular sound from the piano. From the beginning, I work carefully with my students on the physical aspects of playing, assuring that they will be able to master anything from the sparkling passage work in a Mozart sonata to the rich romantic melodies in a Chopin ballade.

Practice

Practicing can be tedious, especially if it entails playing pieces over and over again with one eye on the clock. I encourage my students to practice efficiently and creatively, always focusing on specific tasks and goals. When the goals are met, a student experiences a real sense of accomplishment, and the practice session is over, whether it took 15 or 60 minutes.

Practicing this way encourages concentration. 

Teaching students how to practice is one of the most essential elements of my pedagogical approach. In meeting the challenges of musical pieces, my students develop skills that are invaluable in other areas of their lives.

As Oliver Sacks put it, “In terms of brain development, musical performance is every bit as important educationally as reading or writing.”

Fun and Games

Devising pedagogical games is among my most successful teaching strategies. Games — such as musical cards to improve note reading, throwing the dice to achieve efficiency around the circle of fifths, and “three-pennies” to perfect a particular passage — are guaranteed to put smiles on my students’ faces.

Recitals

Students inspiring one another is among the many rewards of performing. My students have opportunities to perform in small groups, studio-wide recitals and community recitals, such as those sponsored by the New England Piano Teacher’s Association.

Listening Assignments

Students are assigned a piece or a group of pieces to listen to, along with questions which direct their engagement with the music in several ways. Students respond by writing about the music, or by way of some other art form, such as drawing or dance.

Although some of my students go on to become professional musicians, for most music complements other interests in their lives. All of my students become wonderful listeners of music and appreciative of the breadth of the musical world in which we live.

Music Theory, Analysis, History

Music theory gives us a way of talking about and understanding music. However, the goal of analyzing, for example, harmonic structure isn’t only to offer an explanation of a passage of music. It also leads us to a more refined perception and interpretation of the passage. When we begin to hear it differently, we begin to play it differently.

Similarly, knowledge of music history informs interpretation. For example, students immediately begin to play minuets with grace when they learn about the ballroom dresses women wore when they danced minuets.

Sight Reading, Improvisation, Composition

My students master both the melodic and rhythmic aspects of sight reading by way of various short exercises, games, and quick study pieces. Improvisation and composition are integrated into the lessons to varying degrees depending on a student’s interests.

Parental Involvement

I encourage parents to listen to their children practice, especially when they are young, and I value hearing from them their sense of how the practicing is going at home. Parents are free to contact me anytime either by email or phone on any matter regarding their child’s lessons. I often set aside time for a zoom session with parents to discuss the progress of new students.

Lesson Lengths, Calendar

I generally follow the public school calendar. I teach weekly 45-minute lessons for beginners; and 60-minute lessons for intermediate and advanced students.

For adults, I teach only 60-minute lessons, regardless of level. (See Adult Students for more information.)

Introductory Lesson

I offer a complimentary introductory lesson so that students can consider whether I might be a good fit for them.

Fees and Cancellation Policies

Please contact me for details.