Private Piano Lessons

Whether you are pursuing piano for personal enjoyment or serious about performing, you've come to the right place! K-12 & adults at any level - each student has a truly customized lesson plan to fit their learning style best. Utilizing a good mix of standard curriculum (RCM/MTNA/Suzuki/Dalcroze) with student favorites of any genre or style, the focus is on correct practicing, confidence in expression, and strong music literacy. Private lessons are reinforced by ensemble rehearsals and recitals, leading to confident playing in different environments. All piano students must have an acoustic piano for practice and commit to daily practicing. Lessons are given once a week for 60 or 90 minutes. Visiting students are also welcome for drop-ins for audition/competition/proficiency test purposes.

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162 per session

Theory/Composition/Ear Training

Music theory lessons actively integrate aural skills (ear training) in order to develop skills and knowledge essential for students' musical activities, such as performing, composing, improvising, and listening. This instruction can be either topic-based or sequential, depending on student goals (local/state exams for K-12, high school AP music, college level, or teacher certifications, etc.). Topics include: rhythm & meter; major/minor scales; key signatures; triads & inversions; 7th chords; extended harmonies (9th, 11th, 13th chords); phrase structure and cadences; harmonic progression; modulation, form & analysis, voice leading, counterpoint, and harmonization.

60-min/$106 Private music theory

90-min/$156 Private music theory + ear training

Online Lessons

Online lessons are a good substitute for in-person lessons in the case of short-term topic-based learning and inclement weather. High quality microphones and a Focusrite interface are utilized to create an engaging Zoom lesson experience. Lesson topics feature a wealth of possibility, here are some examples:

• 6 Weeks: Intro to chord styling & improv - 2 prescribed excerpts, 2 songs of student choice (Level 2 & up)

• 6 Weeks: Compose an original song and be able to perform it on piano (Level 4 & up)

• 4 Weeks: Analyze 2 Bach counterpoint pieces such as Invention, Sinfonia & WTC (Theory)

• 4 Weeks: Practice real-time analysis on bass/chord movement of 8 excerpts (Theory/Aural Skills)

• 5 Weeks: Interval identification featuring excerpts from 10 Disney songs (Aural Skills)

• 5 Weeks: Learn Harry Potter theme and improvise your own solo on piano (Level 5 & up)

Private (year-round): 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162

Adult Piano

The goal is to play something beautiful and satisfying right from the beginning! Student interests take top priority and I make the standard curriculum work for each student's need. Benefits include a focus on natural and relaxed technique, cognitive/memory stimulation, and overall life enhancement. Play the songs you always dreamed of playing!

Students with previous piano experience first 6 weeks:

• Establish your new goals

• 3 focus techniques based on your new goals and make corrections on standard techniques

• 2 short expressive pieces (focusing on tone quality)

• Learn how to practice efficiently using a proper practice routine

• Proper use of wrists, fingers and arms

Beginner's first 6 weeks:

• All 24 major & minor penta scales & root position triads

• 1 fast piece (orientation of keyboard geography & sense of Home (I) and Away (V))

• 1 slow piece (orientation of expressive tone quality through arms & upper body)

• 2-3 short reading pieces (intro to intervallic reading)

• A sneak peek of how you can learn to play your favorite songs quickly

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162

Chamber Music Coaching

Playing with other musicians is fun, fulfilling, and offers a whole new dimension of understanding a composition overall. I offer coaching for standard chamber music repertoire from piano trios to larger ensembles with strings and woodwinds, as well as choir rehearsals. My students often play piano trios and quartets with professional musicians, including Charlotte Symphony Orchestra members. I also enjoy making special arrangements for piano trio/quartet in particular for intermediate level pianists to experience chamber music at an earlier stage in their development using masterworks and popular songs.

• Standard piano trio with strings

• Piano trio with woodwinds

• Singers with piano (solos, duets)

• Solo instrumentalists for auditions & recordings

60-min/$200 per small group