Sahuarita, AZ Piano Lessons

on. Whether you want to learn to play songs from your favorite band, rock out with awesome guitar solos, play beautiful spanish guitar pieces, or write you masterpiece, I can help you realize your musical dreams. My goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians to get the most out of their instrument, and foster a life long love of music that can enrich their lives and the world around them.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with a diverse and serious knowledge of music. I truly love music and inspiring new or continuing musicians. I can adapt my lessons to the student so that if you have professional goals I will do my best to challenge and help you to reach them, or if you are a child who is just beginning I will do my best to teach you in a fun and relaxed manner that keeps you excited to come back and learn more the next week. No matter what the age or skill level I take my job very seriously, and try to make the process seriously fun.
If the students is interested in reading standard music notation I teach from the Hal Leonard Guitar Method series, which are the books of choice for countless music instructors. After 3 to 6 months most students have finished at least the first book in the series and can read and play simple songs easily.
If you are interested in reading tablature or chord charts, I have many lesson plans from years of experience that can quickly teach you how to play everything from simple folk songs and popular music to complex Jimi Hendrix solos.
If you are interested in classical guitar, or vocals I start with books of simple spanish guitar etudes and can work with you all the way up to complex advanced works from Segovia and the other masters. In a few months, even beginning students can play beautiful pieces that will impress family and friends.
If you are a banjo student I teach from the Hal Leonard Banjo Method series. I can work with simple clawhammer techniques, or more complex bluegrass methods. In a few months most students can play many simple country and folk songs.
If you are a vocal student I can teach anything from rock/country styles, to showtunes and classical techniques. In a few months I can show how to sing and breath correctly, and help learn how to read music and train your ears to sing in tune.

*** Studio Equipment ***
practice room, amps, and the paper to write down the lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have all the necessary equipment, guitars, banjos, amps, etc. I expect the student to have their own instrument, but I can provide something for the lesson like an amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
I can teach any genre or method. I base the lessons on the students desires and abilities, not on any predetermined plan I may have. I can teach in standard notation, tablature, chord charts, or improvisational methods. I can also teach songwriting, performance/recording techniques, and classical composition.

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...

essed with the results of their hard work.
As a Montessori teacher I have a government issued fingerprint clearance card and am happy to show that before beginning lessons.

Taking the journey of learning music with another person is amazing and I consider it an honor to be that person for each of my students. I hope you'll join me and discover what is possible through the piano!