A New Way of Looking at Piano Lessons
Lessons as Self Care?
What you study as a child is influenced by the adults in your life. Even if a child has a strong desire to learn an instrument, sport or other skill, most of the decisions surrounding the pursuit of this goal are made by someone else. What she studies, who she studies with and even when and where are largely out of the child’s control.
If you’ve ever thought about taking piano lessons as an adult, what you envision might be colored by memories of projects you pursued as a child. But the rules are completely different now. And you get to help write the rules! Yes, Middle C is still in the same place and you still have to figure out how to keep a beat, but now you have a say in how you discover these things.
My approach to teaching is centered around collaboration, communication, and personalized instruction. Why do you want to study piano? What types of music do you like? How much time do you have to devote to playing? We will figure it all out together, from music selection to scheduling.
Scheduling can be a scary word! We all have so many responsibilities, but (trite as it might sound) we also have to make time for ourselves. Immersing yourself in music can be a form of self-care, just like a fitness class or massage. Using fitness classes as my inspiration, I offer multi-lesson packages with flexible scheduling. And if you want to share your music with friends and family, recording sessions or informal performance opportunities are available.
If you’ve ever thought about wanting to learn piano, I’m here to offer you a new approach. One that fits your goals and your schedule. Music is all around us. Maybe it is the piece that has been missing from your life.
My Story
It’s wonderful to do something you love. And it’s a privilege to share what you love with others. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to do both for the past 25 years. My music has taken me all over North America, music directing, conducting and playing the piano for theatrical productions, cabarets and events, but Pittsburgh has always been home.
One of the things I love about musical theater is the wide variety of musical styles it encompasses. There are opportunities to play traditionally pianistic repertoire, rock’n’roll, old-fashioned show tunes, etc. — the list is as endless as the composers’ imaginations. And because the theater brings together artists of many different backgrounds, I’ve worked with people of all ages and levels of musical ability. These experiences, combined with my own training in music therapy and adult education, have given me a unique perspective and approach to my teaching.
Teaching and performing together are mutually inspiring. I love sharing the technical and theoretical aspects of music making. But it’s even better to share the little insights and nuances I am constantly discovering in my practicing and performing. Teaching also holds me accountable to myself as an artist. If I make a correction or suggestion to a student, I should be able to make it happen in my own work as well. It’s a wonderful combination that inspires me to keep playing, teaching and sharing what I love.