Private piano lessons in Reston, VA
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Piano lessons with a classical touch.
What is a piano lesson like?
My lessons are uniquely customized for each student. It is important for the student and I to get to know each other in order for me to design a lesson that best fits their personality, interests, and learning styles. While I received my training in Classical music, that is not the only style of music we will cover. All styles of music can be explored, whether you want to jam out to your favorite pop song, shimmy to jazz, or transport yourself to another world with a movie score. Whatever the student's interests may be, we will use that enthusiasm to build a solid foundation of skills.
What will lessons cover?
My goal as an instructor is not just to share the beauty and wonder of the piano, it is to instill knowledge and appreciation for all music. A well-rounded musician is versed in all aspects of musical expression including composing, improvising, and thoughtful listening. I cover musical skills and concepts that are not just specific to the piano. Rhythm, ear training and sight-singing, music theory, improvisation, composition are essential skills that will be covered in order for a student to be successful on their musical journey, wherever it may take them.
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All students, regardless of age, will begin by learning how to read music. While being able to play by ear is a useful skill (ear training is part of our curriculum), a student will be able to develop a deeper connection to their music and instrument by being able to understand the language of music. I use worksheets and other written activities for the student to complete outside of the lesson. During the lesson, we work on developing tips and tricks based on the design of the music staff to give the student confidence to tackle any reading problems on their own. I have found that this dual approach very quickly leads to reading fluency.
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In music theory we will explore various concepts such as chords, major and minor keys, scales and arpeggios, intervals, and solfege (do, re, mi). Intervals and solfege will give us the skills needed to develop our ear and sight-singing abilities, which involves singing a melody based on a few given pitches.
At-home Preparation
At-home preparation is essential for improving any skill. However, there is not one set way to practice. Effective and thoughtful at-home preparation comes in many shapes and forms and is unique to each student. For example, one student might prefer to practice all at once while another might prefer small chunks broken up throughout the day. The student and I will work together to come up with a practice schedule that is tailored for their personalities and preferred learning styles. By letting the student explore how they want music to fit into their daily lives, practicing becomes a choice, not a chore.
Early into my teaching career it hit me that maybe the reason why a student might not be practicing is because they don't know how to! A big part of my lessons involve developing and refining the art of practicing. I teach students how to structure a practice session as well as problem-solving techniques when they find themselves stuck.
Recitals
Sharing one's music is truly the gift that keeps on giving. I hold two piano recitals a year (winter and spring) and strongly encourage each student to participate. I always want to show off and celebrate my students' hard work! Performing builds not only musical skills, but life skills as well. Preparing for a performance requires dedication, perseverance, and determination. Performing for an audience develops confidence and instills a sense of joy in one's accomplishments.