Piano with Nerina K.

I'm an American citizen now, but I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa where my lifelong connection with the piano began. I later earned a B.A. in Piano and Music History, and a B.M. Ed. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My first instrument is the piano and my teaching style centers around the development of traditional piano skills along with a foundation for life long learning. If desired by a student, however, other methods of learning to play the piano may be pursued, e.g. a chordal approach. I also teach voice with the same goals mentioned above I have chosen the path of an educator because what I love to do most is bring the joy of music to any person anywhere who has the interest. My past teaching experience as a general music teacher in the elementary schools of Bridgeport, CT not only allowed me to discover the joy of teaching music literacy and singing in a classroom environment, but I was also able to grow immensely as a music educator and person, This passion for teaching is what I want to bring to my music students at TakeLessons. *** Lesson Details *** Once you and I have set out on the path of music learning together, each lesson will bring and reinforce a specific skill which I will do my absolute best to explain and demonstrate. Practice is really the only method of improving music skills, so I ask you to support your lesson with practice. But when circumstances prevent you from practicing, I will be patient and understanding and will always use our lesson in the most constructive way. After each lesson, I want you to feel that something new and wonderful has been added to your life. While I was working on becoming a music educator, I took several semesters of voice lessons, and so for voice students, you'll learn correct posture and breathing, you'll learn to identify intervals, you'll develop ear-training skills, and I'll help you find your voice and enjoy singing songs. For all students, I'll listen closely to what you want out of your music lessons and I'll tailor your lessons to suit your needs. My goal is to show you how to build excellent foundational skills, and then to see you use those skills to become an independent learner on your own level, and on top of that, to have fun at the same time! NOTE: * All piano students need to have or have access to a piano or keyboard for the lesson and for practice during the week. *All singing students should ideally have the same; however, if this is not possible, there are other ways to teach notes, so please do not decline taking lessons just because of that. *** Travel Equipment *** The student should have a piano or electric keyboard in their home. *** Specialties *** I specialize in a classical approach to learning to play the piano. The book series I use is very well graded in its lessons and it allows the teacher to address all the skills necessary for successful piano playing.