Piano with Barbara M.

Music has been an integral part of my world, playing a major role in both my personal and professional life. I embrace the chance to be immersed in it, to share my enthusiasm for and expertise in the area of the music education experience, promoting creative development and student performance skills. I am an original New Yorker but have lived in Virginia Beach for the past 20 years. I began studying piano at the age of 7 and have not stopped playing since. It is a gift and a joy to be able to share my love of music performance with people of all ages and abilities. I have also sung in many choirs in addition to performing professionally on the piano and the guitar, both as a soloist and ensemble member. I rejoice in the success that I see in my students as they learn and gain an appreciation for the gift of music. They become more and more eager to share and more and more open to the possibilities ahead. *** Lesson Details *** I listen well to my students. They are free and encouraged to express their goals and soon, they become more and more comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves. My teaching style is natural, relaxed and yet, very enthusiastic, all at the same time. I have patience in abundance and my continual student affirmation is well received. I give most attention to personalizing instruction for each of my students. My passion for musical expression is contagious and readily shared. It is a joy to teach music, to contribute to the growth and delight that I witness through a student's progress. I have taught music to both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels. My teaching approach remains the same, save for the goals that suit the specific student, which we discover early on, sometimes even at the first session, together, right from the start. I DO ask that a parent sit in on the lesson for my under age 10 students, at the beginning for sure, then at the child/parent's discretion. My beginning students receive the attention necessary to encourage their desire to persevere, which includes positive feedback (which is abundant) and a teaching style that fits his/her level of learning. My student's success is my goal. This is my jubilant mission. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano, guitars, Ukulele *** Travel Equipment *** I own 4 guitars, 1 classical, 2 acoustic/electric, and 1 electric, which I can provide for the lesson, if necessary. I own a Baldwin Acrasonic piano. The students will need to buy their books. *** Specialties *** Methods: Clear presentation of the instrument and the most comfortable way to achieve the best playing results. Emphasis on Theory including chords and improvisation. Styles: From Classical to Broadway to Folk to Rock to Jazz to Blues. Genres: All