|
|
Do you have any openings?
Yes, I do have a few openings. Please contact me for an interview, at which time availability can be discussed.
Are there any recital opportunities for the students?
Yes, one in December and another in May each year. Each of them is formal and open to family and friends.
Do I really need a teacher?
A teacher can help the student advance more efficiently, help him in graded steps, objectively comment on how to improve his playing, encourage him through rough learning plateaus, help avoid technique errors, and more. A good teacher is money well spent. Remember the saying: two heads are better than one!
Should I learn music theory before taking up an instrument?
Each will support the other, so it is best to learn an instrument while learning music theory.
How quickly will I learn?
Learning music is not something that promises immediate success. The physical skills involved can take a while to develop to a high level. The mental understanding of music theory and the language of music is likewise a long-term undertaking. However, if you enjoy the process of learning how to make your instrument sing, you'll be well rewarded at every stage of your progress. There is no better way of finding out if you are well-suited to playing an instrument than beginning instruction.
How much will I need to practice?
Regular daily practice is most effective. If you can average 30 minutes a day, you'll make good progress. For younger students, 10-20 minutes a day is often sufficient.
Should I start with piano lessons?
For most musicians, having some piano skills is very helpful. Also, music theory is most easily visualized on a piano. There is no reason to begin your music lessons on the piano if that is not the instrument you are most attracted to. What makes for successful music study is long-term practice. What makes for successful long-term practice is an abiding interest in and attraction to the instrument. On this issue, go for immediate gratification: start with the instrument you most want to play! The piano has a huge repertoire ranging from classical to blues, jazz to pop. It is a fantastic instrument for vocal accompaniment and for solo playing, as well as for ensemble playing.
Should I purchase a keyboard or piano? Would renting be better?
Electronic keyboards do not come close to the hugely dynamic and very individual natures of real pianos. Just as there is a huge palette of sound available to you with synthesizers, there is a huge palette of dynamic range and expression with an acoustic piano that cannot be duplicated. The sound of an acoustic piano is still of interest to our modern ears centuries after the instrument was first developed. However, I do teach students who own a simple keyboard.
Do you stock music for the students?
I have a lot of music in stock for purchasing or borrowing. If the student has a request, I will do my best to purchase that music or refer them to a store.
How do I learn to read from chord charts?
Reading from chord charts is something that can go quite in depth. The benefits are numerous as chord charts (or lead sheets as they are often called) give the musician the ability to make up his own version of the song. A great resource, "Fake Books" are essential collections of leadsheets with the melody, chords, and lyrics. Fake books can keep the musician busy for hours and are perfect for performing during long receptions or parties. Fakebooks are also excellent choices when the musician would like to offer the audience the option of making requests.
What if I want to write songs?
The student will learn to write songs in conjunction with learning music theory.
|
|