Mission Statement
Each lesson should accomplish the following objectives:
- The student has a positive experience.
- The student is aware of something learned and of progress made.
- The student plays more musically at the end of the lesson than before.
I believe that music study can literally change a person’s life as it has changed mine. As a young child I was very shy and lacked confidence. At age six life began to change for me when I began piano lessons and over the years piano has provided me self-confidence and self-esteem. I love teaching piano, seeing the student’s lives flourish with poise and confidence as a result as of the success they experience with piano study. In addition, I enjoy watching students grow a gift that God has given them. I will teach anyone at any age to play the piano within the caring and nurturing environment of my home studio, not refusing students of lesser ability. Our studio family is multi-cultural, consisting of various abilities and learning styles. I believe that every student should be respected and treated as a unique individual; and have a study program tailored to them in a non-threatening environment. The teaching environment encourages the student to study all styles of music from classical to pop. I believe students should study music they enjoy and develop their talents in areas of interest. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their interests in composition, improvisation (reading lead sheets) and ensemble playing. Programs will be offered or developed to fulfill their desires. I believe that all students should have a well-balanced musical diet which should include a reading skills book, repertoire, ensemble playing, technique, scales and theory. I believe students need incentive programs. Incentives include 100 point reward chart, One-Minute Note-Naming Challenge Club, Scales Around the World Competition, Spring Practice Contest which awards trophies and medals, and the Perfect 10 Club. Participation in such programs enhances the student’s interest and participation in musical activities and teaches them to set goals and standards for achievement throughout their lives. It helps them to develop good practice habits and to develop their ability to follow instructions. I believe students should have the opportunity to attend studio group classes. Class opportunities are offered at my home throughout the year. Classes help to build friendships and support of one another within the studio, performance experience and education in a nurturing atmosphere, and reinforcement of theory and music concepts through fun games. I believe students should be offered opportunities such as festivals for outside evaluation. Many opportunities are made available through the studio: KCMTA Fall Festival, OMTA Solo Festival, and the MAMA Festival. Critiques from qualified musicians offer valuable suggestions and comments for both the student and the teacher. Such evaluations challenge students to achieve their best effort and to respond appropriately to opinion of others. I believe students should play in a performance situation. Both formal and informal opportunities are offered in the studio: Christmas and spring studio recitals, the KCMTA Multi-Piano Event and a Fall Halloween Recital at an area nursing home. The climate of my studio fosters life skills in each student including confidence, curiosity, discipline, responsibility, self-esteem, and poise. My objective is for students to experience a well-rounded musical journey on a path that is inviting and illuminated by the instructor, and that music will enrich their life more than they had ever hoped or dreamed. |
Students should have a well-balanced musical diet My objective is for students to experience a well-rounded musical journey on a path that is inviting and illuminated by the instructor |