Lessons
Quality Instruction
As the holder of three advanced degrees in piano performance, I can offer you or your child access to traditions and insights on piano playing passed down to me from world-class artists, drawing from a line of teaching that extends back to Liszt and Beethoven. Recent students of mine, such as this one, have passed AP music examinations and received merit scholarships in music to universities across the United States.
I've taught all ages and welcome adults and children alike. Scroll through my Facebook page for a few videos of recent student performances.
Teaching Philosophy
We hear music everywhere...in movies, on tv, the radio, at gyms and sports events, in bars and restaurants, and anywhere else we may go. It is so ubiquitous that it's easy to let it wash over us and take it for granted. But a person who has studied music experiences it differently; there is a heightened awareness of the thoughts and feelings, the patterns and the logic, the beauty of design that lies beneath these surface-level impressions. Studying music can enhance and enrich a person's life, giving them a greater appreciation for this universal aspect of the human experience.
My hope in teaching is to open my students' eyes up to these hidden wonders. For some, that may lead to a life-long, personal involvement in the art. For others, the outcome may simply be a deeper listening experience in the music they hear as they navigate their life. For all students of music, I'm confident that the practical and emotional benefits make it an invaluable part of a well-rounded education, enhancing one's problem-solving and analytical abilities, stimulating creativity, and building self-confidence.
Studies have also shown that "children who undergo musical training have better verbal memory, second language pronunciation accuracy, reading ability and executive functions. Learning to play an instrument as a child may even predict academic performance and IQ in young adulthood. (source)"
Lessons are an opportunity for adding practical tools to one's musical toolbox; how to read, how to practice effectively, and what factors to consider when interpreting music. I ask my students a lot of questions like "What part of that piece felt most challenging?" and "How can we break this down into steps to overcome the challenge?" I feel most successful with my students when they have been equipped to continue improving and learning new music even without my direct guidance.
My piano studio is a community in which students can perform for each other at low-key, seasonal recitals, and gain an awareness of the broader musical community in which they are taking part.
Scheduling and Rates
Lessons take place on a weekly basis, with some absences allowed for vacations, illness, etc. I offer a free trial lesson to all first-time students. Following the trial lesson, my rates are as follows:
I take the burden of ordering music off of families by supplying materials directly as needed. These materials are added to monthly invoices on an itemized basis with no surcharge.
Optional Studio Recitals typically take place in December and in May: there is a $20-$30 charge for each recital to help cover the costs of renting the facilities and the reception.
My preference is to teach out of my home; I have a beautiful and welcoming home studio in Pflugerville, TX with a grand piano. For lessons in your home I charge a $25-$45 travel fee depending on the distance to your home. In some cases, I may not be able to accommodate traveling to a student's home if the scheduling or distance does not allow for it.
I also have access to facilities at Memorial United Methodist Church on Berkman Dr. near Mueller; in some cases we may be able to have lessons here.
I use the My Music Staff platform to allow for easy invoicing and payment. Invoices are sent one week in advance of the following month and are due on the first of the month. Payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal, cash, check, or debit card.
Cancellation Policy: For any individual lesson cancellations, I require 24 hours' notice. Without that notice, the family is responsible for the full fee. However, I never charge for day of cancellations due to illness. I consider mental health a crucial part of health care, so if a parent decides their child needs a mental health day, that can count as a cancellation due to illness. I trust my families to know what their kids need.
Sign Up for a Free Lesson Today!
Once you have signed up you should receive an automatic email with information on logging in to a My Music Staff student portal. I will reach out to you within 48 hours to set up a trail lesson time.
As the holder of three advanced degrees in piano performance, I can offer you or your child access to traditions and insights on piano playing passed down to me from world-class artists, drawing from a line of teaching that extends back to Liszt and Beethoven. Recent students of mine, such as this one, have passed AP music examinations and received merit scholarships in music to universities across the United States.
I've taught all ages and welcome adults and children alike. Scroll through my Facebook page for a few videos of recent student performances.
Teaching Philosophy
We hear music everywhere...in movies, on tv, the radio, at gyms and sports events, in bars and restaurants, and anywhere else we may go. It is so ubiquitous that it's easy to let it wash over us and take it for granted. But a person who has studied music experiences it differently; there is a heightened awareness of the thoughts and feelings, the patterns and the logic, the beauty of design that lies beneath these surface-level impressions. Studying music can enhance and enrich a person's life, giving them a greater appreciation for this universal aspect of the human experience.
My hope in teaching is to open my students' eyes up to these hidden wonders. For some, that may lead to a life-long, personal involvement in the art. For others, the outcome may simply be a deeper listening experience in the music they hear as they navigate their life. For all students of music, I'm confident that the practical and emotional benefits make it an invaluable part of a well-rounded education, enhancing one's problem-solving and analytical abilities, stimulating creativity, and building self-confidence.
Studies have also shown that "children who undergo musical training have better verbal memory, second language pronunciation accuracy, reading ability and executive functions. Learning to play an instrument as a child may even predict academic performance and IQ in young adulthood. (source)"
Lessons are an opportunity for adding practical tools to one's musical toolbox; how to read, how to practice effectively, and what factors to consider when interpreting music. I ask my students a lot of questions like "What part of that piece felt most challenging?" and "How can we break this down into steps to overcome the challenge?" I feel most successful with my students when they have been equipped to continue improving and learning new music even without my direct guidance.
My piano studio is a community in which students can perform for each other at low-key, seasonal recitals, and gain an awareness of the broader musical community in which they are taking part.
Scheduling and Rates
Lessons take place on a weekly basis, with some absences allowed for vacations, illness, etc. I offer a free trial lesson to all first-time students. Following the trial lesson, my rates are as follows:
- $60 for 30-minute lessons
- $75 for 45-minute lessons
- $90 for 60-minute lessons (this price could allow for two discounted, 30-minute lessons for families with multiple young students).
I take the burden of ordering music off of families by supplying materials directly as needed. These materials are added to monthly invoices on an itemized basis with no surcharge.
Optional Studio Recitals typically take place in December and in May: there is a $20-$30 charge for each recital to help cover the costs of renting the facilities and the reception.
My preference is to teach out of my home; I have a beautiful and welcoming home studio in Pflugerville, TX with a grand piano. For lessons in your home I charge a $25-$45 travel fee depending on the distance to your home. In some cases, I may not be able to accommodate traveling to a student's home if the scheduling or distance does not allow for it.
I also have access to facilities at Memorial United Methodist Church on Berkman Dr. near Mueller; in some cases we may be able to have lessons here.
I use the My Music Staff platform to allow for easy invoicing and payment. Invoices are sent one week in advance of the following month and are due on the first of the month. Payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal, cash, check, or debit card.
Cancellation Policy: For any individual lesson cancellations, I require 24 hours' notice. Without that notice, the family is responsible for the full fee. However, I never charge for day of cancellations due to illness. I consider mental health a crucial part of health care, so if a parent decides their child needs a mental health day, that can count as a cancellation due to illness. I trust my families to know what their kids need.
Sign Up for a Free Lesson Today!
Once you have signed up you should receive an automatic email with information on logging in to a My Music Staff student portal. I will reach out to you within 48 hours to set up a trail lesson time.
