Cortaro, AZ Piano Lessons

in Oakland where I finished my M.A. in Music Composition as well as my M.F.A. in Electronic Music and Recording Media. All the while pursuing a mastery of the instruments that caught my ear in the first place.

I have now returned to Tucson to work on my music and further my education in the field of philosophy at the University of Arizona.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid back and playful in my approach. I like to gear lessons toward the interests of the student, and if I am doing my job correctly, all traditional technique will be painless. I also like to delve into music theory to give one a deeper appreciation as well as an understanding and steady grasp of the tools of composition if their heart is so inclined. When it comes to music I am rather eclectic and I feel every style has something to add to the techniques of a solid performer, so I tend to draw from many disparate places to offer a fuller experience. In no time at all, you should be playing pieces you love, understanding how they work, and perhaps embellishing them or writing your own.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, Guitar, Amps

*** Travel Equipment ***
Provide: My guitar, music stand, and amp if necessary.
Student Provides: Their instrument (Piano/guitar etc.)

*** Specialties ***
Rock/ Jazz/ Classical/ Experimental

in, guitar, and piano.

I'm also happy to teach students who already have technical facility are interested in learning about things like musicality, melodic phrasing, harmonic analysis, rhythmic accuracy, ear training, reading in various clefs, improvisation, and much more.

Let's jam!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring whatever I need to a lesson, but I expect all of my students to take the initiative to have all necessary equipment for playing. That being said, if a problem ever arises in the procuring of this equipment, I am always happy to help in anyway that I can.

d directing. I have experience working with singers, songwriters, live performers, DJ’s, producers, recording artists, stars and celebrities. From beginners to pros, I teach piano and songwriting in many styles: classical, contemporary, pop and rock. I specialize in classical and electronic pop.

I maintain professional association with ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), IMDB (Internet Movie Database), LAWIM (Los Angeles Women In Music), NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), the CCC (California Copyright Conference), and Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society Alumni.

SPECIALIZATION
My unique journey as a musician/artist has led me to deeply understand what it takes to break away from the traditional grind of work and life to pursue professional musicianship and greatness as an artist. Although I train musicians of any age or skill level, I focus on those who are either professionals or who are motivated and committed to becoming professionals. I specifically teach (i) piano (with classical emphasis) (ii) the craft of songwriting, which has many multi-faceted components and (iii) composition. With extensive experience in classical and contemporary (pop, ambient, down tempo) music, I put equal focus on technique and fostering a musician’s personal style and passion for music.

PHILOSOPHY
I want you to achieve your greatest musical abilities. Moreover, I want to help you discover who you are as an ARTIST. So, to pull the very best out of you as your coach, I consider it my job to be requiring of you. To challenge you. To assign homework when needed (most often theory-related), but to balance it with fun. To encourage technique which will allow you the ability to play, or even write music, free form. To set realistic goals with you that you can be accountable for, and to dream beyond those initial goals.

I will provide you access to materials and opportunities unique to your interests, in and outside of lesson times. But I will let you determine your own pace. I will encourage and inspire you to move beyond any misconceptions; that notions of age or talent have nothing to do with achieving the success you desire. But I will respect the level of success you wish to achieve.

LESSON DETAILS
Basically, what you need to start is motivation and commitment! I will then spend the first lesson discussing your materials needs based on what method/keyboard you currently use or prefer to use (if you have one), allowing you to make requests for information before proceeding further. Otherwise, I will provide you with informed recommendations. Equally important, at your first lesson I will work with you to determine what specific goals you have so we can track them, together, and meet them, one by one!

I make special efforts to invest in each student’s particular needs to help them move beyond blocks and weaknesses, utilizing a variety of tools such as flash cards and supplemental workbooks, e.g. ear training, sight reading, note spelling, etc. as necessary.

Set your own pace with flexible teaching times--Suggested reading materials--Suggested mobile downloads to complement learning--Opportunities throughout L.A. county to practice, perform and/or learn musically--MIDI training with Logic Studio

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES!
2011 marked the successful launch of Rockstar For A Day, a trademarked artistic development program and production I developed to help give music students a taste of rock stardom. You’re invited to participate!

TESTIMONIALS:
"I started to learn to play piano at the age of 31. Dorothea introduced me to the world of piano. She was very patient with me and tailored the class toward my pace and interests. She is a fun and enthusiastic person. I felt really sad when she told me that she had to move." ~Duoli, PhD, Tucson, Arizona

"Dorothea's teaching style and level of comprehension from a students viewpoint is unprecedented. Her ability to naturally sync with my learning style has left me with an absolute understanding of my musical abilities, ones I never thought I possessed. She has a seamless ability to progress from musical theory to practical application, and it continues to feel as if she knows the right direction to continue that progression. I drive from San Diego to Los Angeles to attend her classes, probably passing at least 50 other instructors along the way. I would, without a doubt, recommend Dorothea to beginner, intermediate, or advanced students of all ages and backgrounds. With her you will succeed." - Jesse, radio broadcast DJ, San Diego, California

e is unnecessary tension or problems in these areas, this can hold students back from truly enjoying singing.

to suggest songs that they care about. Good technique(s) can be applied to any repertoire!

pending on your style...