Carol K.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: No
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Piano, Music Theory

Education

Mary Washington College - Historic Preservation - 1989-1993 (Bachelor's degree received)
George Mason Univ. - Music - 1976-1980 (Bachelor's degree received)
West Aurora Sr. High - NA - 1968-1971 (High School diploma received)

Specialties

Mixture of methods, however Alfred, Piano Discoveries, and Faber are the ones I use most often. I teach both classical, pop, and Broadway. I also incorporate music related computer games and for the five and six year olds I use some of the ideas from the Music for Young Children Program

Lesson Details

My philosophy of teaching is a mixture of expectation that a student will put forth an honest effort to learn what I have asked. However, I maintain a balance between what I expect and what the student needs. I would hope that a student could come to me, if they are unable to complete an assignment, and together we will fix the problem. I believe in giving a student the space to learn. I do not consider myself a strict teacher. However, I do expect the student to respect my authority and ... that the time we spend together is productive, yet enjoyable. I am supportive, yet will correct when I believe it is necessary.

Within three to six months I would hope that the student would feel more comfortable at the piano. I would expect him to learn posture at the piano, including hand position. I would expect that his knowledge of the right and left hand notes would become more proficient, and that he would understand what the staff is. I would expect that he understands keyboard geography, distance between notes, the concept of high/low, dynamics, and patterns (both directional and melodic). I would add two-handed playing, at a very basic level. This, of course, would depend on the progress and age of the student, and what the level of hand-eye coordination is.

I use Alfred, however I am eclectic, in that I make use of different books, depending on the need of the student. I believe in setting goals, however I am flexible in that I want to be certain that the student has the time to build a solid foundation.

I also use the computer for music theory, note reading, chord and key signature recognition and for ear training. I have a computer program that allows a student to be creative and develop his skills at composing.

In conclusion, I try make the learning experience as well rounded as possible, preparing him for future study, or simply to enjoy the art of piano playing.

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About

I have always loved music. For me, the process of making music gives me the opportunity to lose myself in the moment. It does not matter what type of music I am listening to, I will find a connection to the music.

I exhibited an interest in music at an early age. On many Saturday afternoons my mom would find me planted in front of the television set watching opera. So, it came as no surprise to family members that mom enrolled me in music lessons, singing lessons to follow.

Throughout ... my teens I found myself involved in anything related to music. I sang in the school choir, as well as background choral work in musicals and even played the piano occasionally. I also had the opportunity to sing with a group called "Up with People," and performed some of their repertoire around the state.

I would love to share my passion and joy of music with anyone who wants to discover their own journey into the musical world.

After high school I continued my lifelong study of music. I graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Liberal Arts Studies, majoring in piano. I also continued taking voice lessons.

After college I started teaching piano. I have worked with student's from the age of five through adulthood. I love working with any age group. As a teacher, I am always looking for new and interesting approaches to educating myself and to engage my students in the process of learning music.

I teach to the student's "learning style." I use whatever resources are available to reinforce musical concepts. I am patient, and laid back. I want my students to feel comfortable, and know that they can be themselves when they are working with me. Most of all what a student can expect is a teacher who is interested in them, their progress, and making the our time together as enjoyable as possible.

I have always felt that one of my greatest strengthens is my ability to interact with children and adults, and I hope that I can continue to share my love of music in the coming years.

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