Piano with Mary H.

About You for Take Lessons I enjoy getting to know my students as we explore their interest in God's wonderful gift of music! My relationship with my students is a two-way street; I create a course of study to fit individual student interests and needs. I have taught in schools, public, private and theater, and direct both church choirs and praise bands . My former students are pursuing careers as performers, composers, music teachers and music ministers ..........and singing to their babies! I have enjoyed the challenge of assisting music students for over 30 years with ALL kinds of styles/literature/repertoire. I can provide training for classical, broadway, contemporary, folk, pop music, sacred music styles and love to encourage jazz and gospel styles too. Before teaching teens and adults, I taught elementary music in public schools for 10 years and trained university interns, followed by work as a vocal graduate assistant at the University of South Florida. I hold both a B.A. in Music Education and an M.A. in Vocal Performance with Voice, Choral, Music Education and Piano Pedagogy emphasis. I have adjudicated for the Florida Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festivals and the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions. *** Lesson Details *** Piano Study Since there are basic piano skills everyone needs to begin with to progress into any style, we start with a few piano lesson books at the appropriate level ( primer to book 5) . We can add supplemental study for improvisational worship chords, hymns for our February performance at the Florida State Fair in the pioneer church of Cracker Country, fun songs for the summer performance at a Senior Care Place and more challenging selections. Those who are ready may be invited to share these selections when a Student Concert is planned. I incorporate duet playing to enhance beginner songs and to teach ensemble playing at all levels. Because of 2 years of piano study at the university level, I am very comfortable with those who wish to prepare for competition and advanced study. I teach private lessons to ages 8 & up. For Younger Students I offer 4 Music Enrichment small classes with guardians in the SUMMER, with a more play-like approach to music readiness activities; such as movement songs developing steady beat, rhythm awareness, finger dexterity and form. The 4 hour long classes are the same charge as 2 half hour private lessons. Vocal Study Singing is as natural to me as speaking but I wasn't always this way. That's why I love to help anyone become comfortable or better at expressing themselves through singing. Vocal students of all levels, beginning to advanced, are welcome. Singing is a very individual thing and I approach each student uniquely. I have multiple experiences and styles to draw from. Vocal students often come wanting to sing the current latest pop or rock songs. although I am glad to work on these, they don't often don't lend themselves to vocal study very well. Even Pop and Rock singers study with the classics of Jazz, Pop and Broadway to develop their voice. I am best versed at literature from Classical, Broadway, Classic Pop and Jazz, Folk, Traditional Sacred and Contemporary Christian Styles. We are beautifully and wonderfully made in such a way that certain foundational and physical aspects of singing will help everyone. I teach the foundations for a physiologically correct technique that enhances every style. This has helped all singers, including those who are experiencing discomfort when they sing. I prefer to teach lessons to age 11 & up but will work with younger students if they are ready. Vocal students can receive music reading training if they desire it, but since 30 minutes is a minimum for developing physical foundational techniques and music selections, lessons would need to be 45 minutes or an hour to include vocal sight reading. I love helping students expand their ability, whatever their starting point. Musicality is even more important than a display of difficult music, so I take time to encourage expressiveness. Our initial session, I am interested in learning about each student's personal tastes, and any past experiences and goals. Then we will proceed to explore their instrument, whether it is their own voice or the piano. A student's goals and resources will influence my choices from a wide variety of curriculum that are beneficial for steady progress. I will collaborate with them to choose musical selections, incorporating their goals and tastes. ___________________________________________________ Enjoying the ability to express oneself through music is of primary importance. While challenging my students to steadily grow in their capability, their appreciation of compositions and ability to communicate them; I also encourage their feedback to assess what works best for them. I love helping students expand their ability, whatever their starting point. Musicality is even more important than a display of difficult music, so I take time to encourage expressiveness. Older students need to be able to focus on developing technique and accept the home practice involved to learn ( and in the case of piano "read" ) and expressively sing/ play their selections. Adult students are self directed and I accept their self pacing for home practice. But where parents are involved, I discuss a practice plan and encourage it. However, a student should never skip a lesson because they didn't practice. We all need a jump start sometimes. Materials: I will discuss the need for curriculum with students before purchasing items. Curriculum is chosen based on the students goals. There is a $2 monthly fee for piano students who will benefit from the sequential music games offered online through my teacher account.