Piano with Laura D.

Laura believes that piano lessons are beneficial for everyone, not just the most highly talented; she strives to develop in her students a life-long love and appreciation of music, as well as the knowledge and tools to make music. Laura began piano lessons at the age of five and went on to study organ, flute, guitar, voice, and harp. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Texas Woman’s University and a Master’s degree in History of Music from Yale University. She began teaching piano during college and has maintained a private music studio in Long Beach, California since 1994, teaching students from age four through 84. She has served as organist and pianist for several churches and holds the Service Playing Certificate from the American Guild of Organists. In addition, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and recently retired from the spacecraft industry. Laura is active in the Music Teachers; National Association, the Music Teachers’ Association of California, the California Association of Professional Music Teachers, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the American Guild of Organists, all of which provide opportunities for student performance and evaluation as well as continuing education in the latest teaching and performance techniques. Laura adjudicates for the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions and the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit examinations as well as other festivals sponsored by music teachers’ organizations. In her spare time, Laura enjoys scuba diving (she is certified as an Assistant Instructor), rescuing and showing cats, and reading mystery novels. *** Lesson Details *** Learning to play an instrument can be fun and exciting, but it also requires that the student practice between lessons in order to make real progress. I am very patient and encouraging. I celebrate my students’ successes and help them through any rough spots without putting them down. And hopefully we have lots of laughs along the way! In return, I ask students to attend lessons with a positive attitude, ready to participate fully in the activities. Lessons are tailored to the student’s age, experience, and goals as much as possible, while ensuring that every student learns enough music theory (the “building blocks” of music) to enable him or her to eventually become self-sufficient at learning new music. Theory knowledge also transfers to any instruments the student may study in the future! Depending on the age and level of the student, lessons may include technical skills (how to physically play the instrument), several pieces of music, theory drills and games, music history, ear training, improvisation, and composition. A variety of musical styles will be introduced, including folk tunes, classics, jazz, pop, rock, etc. Students who wish to learn a particular piece of music or a particular style of music are encouraged to let me know so we can work on it. Beginning through intermediate students will have a set of lesson books suitable for their age. Each student has a theory workbook assignment to be completed between lessons. Additional supplemental music books may be assigned to provide experience in various musical styles. More advanced students will have music assigned based on goals and interests. Usually I provide the music books at the lesson and students reimburse me. I also provide an assignment notebook and various materials; students pay a small materials fee for these. The amount of progress a student makes depends on the student’s age, natural ability, and the amount of practice done between lessons. Parents can help by ensuring the student has a quiet place to practice without distractions, a well-tuned piano or high-quality keyboard, and a regular time in the daily schedule to practice. Younger children will need help from the parent to read the assignment sheet and understand what to practice. We have a winter studio recital in December or January and a summer recital in June each year. Occasionally we have group workshops at which the students play theory and music history games, listen to music by the composer of the month, and play informally for each other. Students also have the opportunity to participate in other recitals, festivals, contests, and evaluations sponsored by various music teachers organizations. *** Travel Equipment *** Students must have a piano or good keyboard. I bring my metronome and supplies for writing assignments and playing theory games. *** Specialties *** I specialize in classical music, but I also incorporate other styles of music into the lessons. I include music theory in all lessons to give a good basic understanding of the "building blocks" of music.