Marilyn S.

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

University of North Texas - Educational Mid-Management Administrative Certification - 1981-1983
University of North Texas - Master of Music/Piano Performance - 1973-1977
University of North Texas - Bachelor of Music Education - 1969-1973
Sunset HS/Dallas - General - 1969

Specialties

Piano, Handbells, Music Theory, Sight reading
I can teach from any series, have tended to specialize more with beginning and intermediate students. I have taught from almost every series over the years.
Right now I have students in Faber & Faber, Bastien, John Thompson, Schaum, David Carr Glover, Hal Leonard, FJH, Dozen a Day, and Alfred series.
When students begin lessons with me and have a music series with which they have started, we can stay with that series. I think ... that breaking skills down into small steps works well for mastery and understanding. I also travel to people's home for lessons, but prefer students come to my house.
I like to expand my students' appreciation of different types of music, from classical to pop, looking for music that is at the student's playing level.

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Lesson Details

I believe that most people would say that they wish they could play the piano. Taking piano lessons keeps you practicing and working on improving your skills. I can always help a student to play better in some aspect of their playing. I break down skills into as small a step as needed so the student can understand what needs to be done. Reading music is similar to reading words, so sometimes the problem is not with the fingers being able to play, but what the student is seeing. I can take ... whatever series you are currently playing out of and move forward with you from that series.
Rhythm can often be a problem when playing and that usually is just a matter of getting that rhythm into your vocabulary and really hearing how it goes.
Fingering is another area that can be the reason that a passage is not working for you and I can help you figure those areas out. I always try to correct and help you improve by using humor and positive reinforcement. I have several books that work on technique in fun, short exercises that will apply to any songs or literature that you are working on.
We will spend some of every lesson sight reading (looking at music that you will practice at home). Improving your ability to read music at sight will make your piano playing more enjoyable for you.

As with any lessons, the more you practice, the more progress and fun you will have! Every student needs a 3 ring spiral notebook that we will use to keep track of your lessons. I have found it best if I buy the books you need and then you pay me for the books - that keeps you from having to search at a music store for the correct books and I make sure you have the correct book/levels. If you prefer to find the books yourself, that will be fine also. I am flexible and want your piano playing years to be lifelong for you.

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About

Music Job History:
2005-present Private Piano Lessons at home studio
1987-2005 Elementary Principal, Owen Elementary, Lewisville ISD
My music teaching/playing background also includes: private piano instructor at home studio, elementary music teacher in Lewisville ISD and Odessa Public Schools, piano accompanist for middle school/high school band Solo Contests, former church accompanist for Methodist churches
Personal Information:
Have 3 children, now ages 21, 22, and 24
Love ... gardening, reading, playing piano, ringing handbells.

I believe performing is an important part of music learning, so I schedule at least 2 recitals each year. Some of my adults prefer not to perform and that is okay too. My students had a Halloween and Christmas recital this fall and played so wonderfully! The more you perform, the easier it gets!

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