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About the LessonsTeaching Style I have a deep respect for the art of teaching, and love to work with students at all levels. My goal is to help students to play easily and think musically. I bring a vivid sense of humor and positive spirit to reinforce and build on the good work already accomplished by the student. Strong and healthy technique is a natural component of music-making, as much as creative musical interpretation and depth of expression. My duty and pleasure is to understand each student, and the unique way that student responds to melody, harmony, colors, rhythm and flow. We work together to make high-quality, meaningful and expressive music. Benefits for a Lifetime
Approach to Music Music speaks the language of feeling. It can access a galaxy of cultures and images and characters. I want my students to understand and appreciate many different kinds of musical expression, and to play the music they enjoy most. I also want them to become comfortable with showing some of their own unique musical personality when they perform. The “right” interpretation comes from the intersection of the composer’s and the pianist’s experience. It must be true to the historical and stylistic frames of reference—but it must be true to the performer’s own sense of the quality and meaning of the music. Music is a Performing Art Music can provide a direct escape into imagination, another personality or another time. It’s a wonderful thing to share the escape and the experience with an audience! Recitals, community-service concerts, piano parties and music festivals are terrific activities, which are scheduled throughout the year. Evaluations and Competitions I have participated in hundreds of competitions and exams as a judge, teacher or performer. I believe that preparing to meet standards of performance and knowledge is a healthy challenge for students at any level. Depending on the student’s age, personality and interests, an exam or competition can be an extremely useful tool. When the time and maturity level is right, the student ends with an appreciation for his/her successes, appreciation of others’ strengths and abilities, and a huge appetite for even greater mastery. There are countless ways of evaluating the effectiveness and preparation of a performance. Some of the events that have been most useful and enjoyable for my students are:
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