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The versatile piano can showcase music from many time periods and styles: baroque fugues and minuets, classical sonatas, romantic nocturnes, hymns, ragtime, boogie-woogie, and modern. The piano student learns the entire grand staff---bass and treble clefs. In addition, the piano is physically easy to play, thus making it a superb foundation or first instrument. With its 88 keys, the piano has a large pitch range. It also has a wide dynamic span, from very soft to very loud, allowing the pianist variety of expression.
Learning to play the piano teaches perseverance, increases self-confidence and attention to detail, and reduces stress. As famous jazz pianist Oscar Peterson said in declining health regarding playing the piano, “That’s my therapy.” The process needed to master separate rhythms in each hand is exercise for the brain, while it also increases dexterity and eye hand coordination.
Musical memory is one of the most enduring. Dementia and Alzheimer patients show evidence of melody recall long after they can no longer verbally communicate.
My goal is to cultivate a lifelong love of playing the piano! I balance note reading and music theory instruction with creativity. My students memorize, transpose and some have composed. In addition to working from lesson, theory and performance books, we often delve into their favorites, such as movie themes. I try hard to tailor my teaching to each individual’s personality and style.
I began piano lessons at age 8, and majored in piano performance at Westminster College, PA. Since 2001, I have been teaching children and adults to play the piano. For ten years I was the pianist for Faith Baptist Academy, and intermittent pianist and keyboardist for Faith Baptist Church. For the past four years, I've been a member of the Providence Baptist Church music team, participating as a pianist/keyboardist for services. Additionally, I have experience as an accompanist for FCPS Solo and Ensemble Festivals.
| Private lessons ages 6 and up. |
| Call (703)938-7586 |