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: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Ages: 5 & up
Subjects Taught
Piano
Education
Point Loma Nazarene University - Music - 08/03-07/07 (Bachelor's degree received)
University of Phoenix - Business Administration/Accounting - 10/08-03/11 (Master's degree received)
Specialties
Classical for beginning students, ages 5 and adult
Lesson Details
Overall I like to take on a nurturing and mentoring approach with my students. I can be very strict when necessary, but I find that positive reinforcement is much more successful than constant critique and correction being the sole feedback provided. I personally have experienced both strict teachers as well as those that teach with my more relaxed philosophy in my own lessons over the years, so I know first hand both sides of the coin. In general I use Alfred's All In One method book for
...
beginning adults and I prefer to use the Piano Adventures method for younger students. However, I do supplement these with other method books, such as Bastien, for example. Depending on the age range of my students, I like to hold an occasional group workshop for my students. I do push my students as far as possible, within their limits, and I do appreciate and encourage parent feedback, particularly in the younger students. In the first three to six months my goal is for my students to comfortably know the note names and be able to translate the music from the page to the keyboard. I focus heavily on music theory, as it is the most important tool and will make the biggest difference in both the short term and the long run.
Hello! I have been playing the piano since I was five years old, back in good old 1989 and have never stopped. I firmly believe that music is not just an extra-curricular activity or a hobby. Studying and playing music benefits all facets of life. It is one of the few fields of study that uses both the left and right side of your brain. By learning, understanding, performing, and appreciating music, not only are you developing your creative side, but you are also strengthening the analytical
...
side of your brain. Music is emotional and mathematical; it is expressive and precise. It's the most beautiful and gratifying way to challenge and sharpen your mind. My particular area of expertise is in Classical music, though I do enjoy playing jazz, pop, Broadway show tunes - pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I have a bachelors degree in music from Point Loma Nazarene University, where I studied directly under Dr. Victor Labenske. During the course of the degree program I was able to personally meet method book authors such as Keith Snell and Jane Smisor Bastien, as well as others, in multiple master class or private class settings. I have extensive knowledge of the various major piano teaching methods, which allows me to custom tailor each lesson to each particular student. Most students I have taught have been beginning students, but I will gladly take on students of any level and develop an individualized lesson plan to help each student reach his or her particular goal. Not all students want to learn piano to become concert pianists, so the first question I will ask you will be what your personal goal is in learning the piano and I will help you reach that goal. I'm extremely excited to begin teaching you or your young one and guiding you to your desired destination and beyond. On another note, I would like to mention that I do have dogs and a cat. Prior to every lesson the dogs will be secluded in an area away from the studio. They are very friendly, but easily excitable, which I understand can be overwhelming. If either you as a student or your parent have allergies to dogs or cats, it would be my pleasure to accommodate you by coming to you for your lessons.
