Name: Fall Piano Series, In the Hall of the Mountain King
Uploaded: 2022-10-29T00:40:46.000Z
Duration: 2 min 16 s
Description: Get into a spooky mood and learn to play this classic piece. It starts easy, with hands playing one note at a time in Middle C Position, and then adds more for those brave enough to try!

Get into a spooky mood and learn to play this classic piece. It starts easy, with hands playing one note at a time in Middle C Position, and then adds more for those brave enough to try!

Piano

I began taking piano lessons on a whim in middle school, but it didn't take long before I realized I was completely in love with music.  I enjoy playing and teaching many types of music, from classical to rock to hymns and church music. I learned to play by ear at the same time I learned to sight read, and both approaches have helped me to learn and enjoy the music I play.

I graduated in December 2010 with a BA in Music Performance from North Central University, here in the Twin Cities.  I have been teaching and playing piano ever since.  Watching other people learn to play music is one of the greatest rewards I've received.

   

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe music has incredible educational value, but I also believe that it should be enjoyable.  Every music student is different and has a different purpose for wanting to learn music, and I enjoy working with students to help them achieve their goals.

Being a well-rounded musician has not only helped me in my music career, but it has helped me experience and enjoy many different kinds of music.  I expect students to play different types of music with a main focus on one genre.  If you want to learn to play classical music only, I teach sightreading, technical skills, and with a little time and practice you or your child can be playing some of the simpler masterworks by the end of the first year.  But I also encourage classical pianist to try out a rock song or improvisation. 

The same goes for those who are only interested in learning how to play rock music or church music.  Being able to sightread is invaluable to a musician, and after a few lessons on chords and ear-training, I like to introduce basic sight-reading.

Developing a love for the instrument you play is just as important as developing the technical skills to play it.  I do my best as a teacher to learn what it is that students enjoy most about playing and incorporate that into lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio--Yamaha Digital Piano (88 Keys)

Lino Lakes--Kawaii Upright, great condition 

*** Specialties ***
I can play and teach in a variety of genres, from classical to pop to church music. I teach students to sight-read, and I can also teach students to play off a chord chart or by ear if these are things that student expresses an interest in.  

I've found that the method books available to piano students are thorough and effective, especially for beginning students of elementary age.  I've used different books, including Faber & Faber, Alfred, and Hal Leonard. All of these have strengths and weaknesses, and I like to pick the method depending on the personality of the student.

Fall Piano Series, In the Hall of the Mountain King

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Music Theory

Reading

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

Piano Teacher

Children's Choir Director

About Me
	I started taking piano lessons in 8th grade, because my little sister started taking lessons and I didn’t want her to be able to do something I could not!  My motivation quickly changed as I began to love the piano and the music I found I could make come from it.  Not only did I enjoy the challenges and rewards that came from learning the piano, but the habits of hard work and persistence that I formed along the way have paid off in every part of my life. I graduated with a BA in Music Performance in 2010 from North Central University. 
  
I believe music has incredible educational value, but I also believe that it should be enjoyable. Every student is different and has a different purpose for wanting to learn music. Developing a love for the instrument you play is just as important as developing the technical skills to play it. I do my best as a teacher to learn what it is that students enjoy most about playing and incorporate those aspects into lessons. 

Methodology
	Method books are used as a basic foundation for lessons. I’ve found these books to be good indicators of progress, and they fill in theory, technique, and ear training gaps that might otherwise be passed over in the course of just “learning songs.” They also do a good job introducing all types of musical genres, while keeping the difficulty level appropriate. The two series I use most commonly are Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, and Faber and Faber’s Piano Adventures. 
	I do treat the method books with a lot of flexibility, especially when dealing with younger students (5-6 years old), or students who process differently from traditional learners. The biggest advantage of private lessons is that learning and pace can be tailored to individual students. I typically teach 2-3 introductory lessons before recommending a starting book. 

Practice Expectations
	All students 2nd grade and up are expected to practice 5-6 days a week, 20-30 minutes a day. Playing piano is both a physical and mental task, and requires repetition and drilling in order to master basic technique and theory. As each student progresses, he or she may need to practice more often, for longer periods, in order to master more difficult pieces. For students younger than 2nd grade, practice times can be tailored to the student’s ability and attention span.

The first lesson went extremely well. Mary was very supportive and affirming. I made progress! I look forward to further lessons. Online methodology worked well as we were working across country.

She was very patient took the time to give me excellent lessons. I learned a lot and was very pleased with her professional approach to teaching.

My 5 year old son has so much fun learning piano with Mary!

Mary is a great piano teacher!  We are on our 4ht year with her!  She is patient and makes it fun for the kids (even the wiggly ones)!  My kids never complain about piano lessons which makes it fun for me too!

Mary was awesome! Patient, positive, wonderful teacher. We loved her style. Not pushy but encouraging!

Mary is a stellar piano teacher. She is so creative in her techniques in helping kids to learn and enjoy playing music. She makes playing piano fun for my son-he even asks if he can practice! I work in the early childhood education field and am so impressed with Mary's skills working with my 6 year. She is a natural! 

Angela Fredrickson

Mary is EXCELLENT

Mary has been teaching my daughter Ava piano for the past year and a half. Ava loves lessons every week and practices without being asked. Mary is supportive while still challenging Ava. Highly recommend Mary!

A gifted teacher for teaching Piano Lessons

Mary has inspired my daughter Joanne to want to play piano. She has a way of balancing what the kids like to play and what the parents want in a music lesson for their kids. Joanne has not lost interest like we thought she might, but has wanted to Accelerate learning piano. She gets them playing music right away and then little by little explains more and more about music itself. It is an all-around winning strategy, especially when teaching kids.
Thank Mary

Great teacher

Mary was able to help me get a basic understanding of the piano and help me to read music. Mary did a terrific job of using my strengths to make it easier for me to learn to play the piano better.

Mary is very helpful without being too demanding.  She really lets me take the lead but makes suggestions ranging from how to practice a piece to how to accent it.  She is exactly the kind of teacher I was hoping for!

Mary's GREAT! She teaching my 4 year old daughter right now. This coming week will only be our 4 lessons, but my daughter can play the keys with out looking at the notes or numbers on the keys.

Shawn Ranning

Mary always does a wonderful job with our daughter.

Understands what Martin needs, encouraging, and cheerful. Excellent knowledge of theory and technique.

Learn to play Mary Had a Little Lamb! For this lesson, we will use finger numbers on a group of 3 black keys. We will learn to play the melody with both our right hand and left hand.  At the end, we will try to play both hands at the same time. 

Beginner Piano Lesson 6, "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Learn to play Hot Cross Buns! For this lesson, we will use finger numbers on a group of 3 black keys

Beginner Piano Lesson 5, Hot Cross Buns

Learn Beethoven's Fur Elise by watching and listening. The right hand is played slowly, then the left, then hands together. 

Fur Elise, Section B, Beethoven

Fur Elise, Section A, Beethoven

Learn to recognize groups of 3 black keys. Play The Hopping Frog Song!

Beginner Piano Lesson 4, 3 Black Keys

Learn Bach's Minuet in G by watching and listening. The right hand is played slowly, then the left, then hands together. 

Minuet in G, Section B

Learn to recognize groups of 2 black keys. Play The Bunny Song!

Beginner Piano Lesson 3, 2 Black Keys

Minuet in G, Section A

Learn to recognize white keys and black keys, as well as "up" and "down" directions on the keyboard.

Beginner Piano Lesson 2, Black Keys and White Keys

This lesson is designed as the first introductory lesson for a brand new piano student, ages 5-7. We cover right and left hands, respectively known as red and blue hands. Each finger is assigned a number, and we drill finger numbers while practicing playing piano keys with each finger. 

Mary S.

Fall Piano Series, In the Hall of the Mountain King

Mary's Piano videos