Kim's Piano Studio
The piano is the perfect instrument to learn musicianship on. I can "tailor-make" lessons to fit the individual person and his/her needs.
I am classically trained and can take a student as far as they would like to go in the Classical style. I can also teach most church music, accompanying, pop, Disney, Classic Rock, Country, etc. I can teach a student how to use lead sheets and play keyboard in a band. I can introduce students to jazz theory and jazz skills, however, if a student wants to continue to study jazz and delve deeply into the jazz style, I will usually recommend they seek out another teacher who can take them into advanced jazz piano playing.
Students should have a piano in good working order or a keyboard with weighted keys. If you need to consult me for information on obtaining a piano or keyboard, please feel free to contact me.
Typically, I like to begin a student using a basic lesson book, a theory work book, and a technique book. Students work at their own individual pace. We start out by learning proper technique (how to sit, hand position) as well learning the parts of a piano and how they work. I teach students how to produce a pleasing sound.
Each lesson, students are able to go home with a piece of music to work on that introduces a new concept. This way, a student can apply what they are learning. Afterall, it is about making music not just talking about it! :)
For very young students, say ages 4-7, 30 minute lessons are perfect.
For students age 8 through 12, 45 minute lessons are ideal.
For older students, teens through adult, I prefer hour long lessons.
Once a student learns the basic skills of note and rhythm reading and have become able to play two notes at once as well as a few simple chords, I encourage them to choose music that reflects their personal taste. For example, some students want to play standard Classical music, others want to learn Disney tunes or other pop tunes. Some people focus on church music. Others want to learn how to play lead sheets and play in a band. I am open to working with the student on whatever strikes their fancy.
Ideally, over time, I like to incorporate technical exercises, theory, ear training, sight reading, lead sheets, standard piano literature and even history, into lessons. My goal, as a teacher, is to help create well-trained musicians as pianists. I want my students to not only play well, but to understand music on a deeper level. This will actually enable a student to play better and to carry forward concepts and skills gained from one piece into the next.
Piano Lessons
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Theory Lessons
Students can take theory lessons from me as well. I try to incorporate theory into piano lessons, however, students who are preparing for music school, or simply have a need or desire to understand theory on a deeper level can take 30 minute, 45 minute or hour long theory lessons with me. Students need not be taking piano lessons to take theory lessons. Rates are the same as for piano lessons.
I took 4 semesters of theory, 2 semesters of form and analysis, and composition at music school and so can be very thorough in teaching music theory.
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Ear Training
Students can take ear training lessons from me as well. I try to incorporate ear training into piano lessons, however, students who are preparing for music school, or simply have a need or desire to develop their ear on a deeper level can take 30 minute, 45 minute or hour long lessons with me. Students need not be taking piano lessons to take ear training. Rates are the same as for piano lessons.
I took 4 semesters of ear training and sight singing while in music school so can be very thorough in helping students develop their hearing skills.
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Lead Sheet Lessons
("playing by ear")
Students can approach piano study through learning to "play by ear". This really involves learning to play chords and also developing technical skills that allow good facility on the keyboard. I try to incorporate lead sheets into piano lessons, however, students who want to play in a band or simply have a desire to understand this type of playing on a deeper level can take 30 minute, 45 minute or hour long lessons with me. Students need not be taking regular piano lessons to study this method. Rates are the same as for standard piano lessons. I have played in a band, using chords, lead sheets, etc., for over ten years now and can certainly help a student
learn to play by this method.
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Sometimes a person can already play really well by ear and would like to learn to read music well. Sometimes students just need extra help developing their reading skills and need more time than regular piano lessons can give. I offer separate lessons that focus just on reading music. Rates are the same as for standard piano lessons.
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Composition
I love to help students compose their own music. I have composed a lot of music myself and love doing all aspects of this creative process. Students can take lessons primarily to compose their own music. I will show students how to construct a melody and choose accompaniment styles and chord progressions. From there, students will learn how to score their music using Sibelius or Finale software. Finally, they will have a printed copy of their piece and may even record it to a CD if they wish to. Rates are the same as they are for piano lessons.