Music Theory with Carol K.

As a young child, I knew I loved music. I was fortunate to have my parents who supported and encouraged me with a variety of music lessons. It is my personal joy and a privilege to pass my love of music to the next generation of musicians. Taking private lessons is a unique environment as it fosters a customized approach to learning. Both the instructor and the student work together to create a better understanding of the instrument and achieve a higher level of appreciation. . I would love to share my passion and joy of music with anyone who wants to discover their own journey into the musical world. I have worked with student's from the age seven through adulthood. I enjoy working with any age group. As a teacher, I am always looking for new ideas to aid in a student's musical journey. I teach to the student's "learning style." I use whatever resources are available to reinforce musical concepts. I am patient, and laid back. I want my students to feel comfortable, and know that they can be themselves when they are working with me. Most of all what a student can expect is a teacher who is interested in them, their progress, and making the our time together as enjoyable as possible. I believe that I help students see the joy music brings to their lives. I have always felt that one of my greatest strengthens is my ability to interact with children and adults, and I hope that I can continue to share my love of music in the coming years. Experience During high school I participated in A Cappella Choir, and joined a global performing group, called "Up With People" that traveled locally and statewide. I was active in high school music productions and I studied privately voice and piano. Since then, I have continued to sing with community based choral groups throughout the Washington, DC region. I have also assisted as an piano accompanist for a small local church. Education I graduated from George Mason University, with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts. While attending the University, I sang with the university choir and studied classical piano under the tutelage of Jacequeline Schmitt. It was because of her that I developed an interest in piano technique. During and after college I studied with a private voice instructor from Catholic University, where I learned classical voice. I am currently working with a Takelessons teacher to maintain my skill. I am a certified to teach the Music Color method, which I achieved by taking an online course written by Andrew Ingkavet. I also received training and certification as a Music for Young Children, a program designed for early keyboard beginners. I have continued to broaden my personal education by taking online courses, such as reharmonization of chords. I have also attended workshops, sponsored by the Piedmont music club, on how to incorporate improvisation into my lesson plans. Lesson Details I use a variety of methods for teaching piano. I do not restrain my approach to one method, but draw on resources from other methods and approaches. I include music theory, ear training and piano technique into the lesson. While I am a classically trained pianist, I do not stick to that style of music. I believe that exposing the student to all types or styles of music broadens their education. I use the computer and any apps that are available to further my students skills on the keyboard. Within six months I would hope that the student would feel more comfortable at the piano. I would expect him to learn posture at the piano, including hand position. I would expect that his knowledge of the right and left hand notes would become more proficient, and that he would understand what the staff is. I would expect that he understands keyboard geography, distance between notes, the concept of high/low, dynamics, and patterns (both directional and melodic). I would add two-handed playing, at a very basic level. This, of course, would depend upon the student's pace and how much effort is put into the learning of the instrument. My goal is to create a fun and lively learning environments, that with patience, will result in a life long love of music and the personal benefits it imparts. Studio Equipment lessons in dedicated music room in basement; computer with electronic piano and keyboard;