Buford, GA Piano Lessons

ts work together, why we need to have a flexible wrist to play certain passages, why we push our elbows out to play some notes, why we use different weight transfer to the hands, why we don’t attack notes, why we rock our hands back and forth to play certain notes, why we round up the notes rather than pressing the keys down, as early as the students are able to comprehend.

Piano studying is not only about learning the notations but also expressions, interpretations, phrasing, structures, tonal relationships, mood, articulations, analysis, and etc. for intermediate and advanced piano students. I include some music history in association with the pieces the students are learning to play, besides the theory and structure of it. I would ask my students to find any patterns in the pieces and any differences between the same or similar passages. I often ask students to tell me what they can find throughout the pieces based on the knowledge they have and what they have acquired through the lessons. I ask them to listen while playing and train them to listen. When they make mistakes, they likely do notice the weirdness about them by listening the sound. I imitate HOW they play a passage and HOW I play it, and ask them what the differences are in terms of techniques and artistic interpretation. I explain how the students should practice and how they can tackle and isolate a problematic area. Competitive endeavors and striving for excellence are appreciated with pedagogic approaches.

It is important for me, as a piano instructor, to understand what purposes each student would like to achieve. Although striving for excellence is my personal goal and is what I would like my students to have, not every student takes piano lessons for the same purpose. Some students take piano lessons simply because they just enjoying the therapeutic quality of playing the piano. I am totally respecting that. Having said that, my approach of teaching varies, according to the needs of the students. I don't ever use a universal single method or approach to teach all. Some methods work better for some students but not others. That's why I use different method books to different students.

It always makes my day when I hear music pieces my students play with their hearts and enjoyment. It is my joy to see them grow and immerse in music and music studies.

*** Lesson Details ***
Various teaching methods for different individuals for sight-reading, ear-training, techniques, interpretation, performance, artistry.

*** Specialties ***
classical piano

w music thoroughly, not just to “play.” I desire my students to comprehend elements of the score, to use their bodies effectively to make good sound, and to interpret music creatively and according to historical performance practices across all genres of music. Thus, I give students a purposeful education in technique, quality literature, performance and artistry, music theory, and music history.

Although students differ in ability and development, I maintain high expectations for our students. I expect attention and respect in lessons, faithful and diligent practice, careful adherence to instructions, and an “I’ll-do-my-best” attitude. If students regularly meet these expectations, then they will excel to the level that they are able. It is my joy to help students master their music, to do the best they can, and to strive for and achieve excellence.

Lastly, I want students to enjoy and appreciate their instrument, music, and music-making; and I know as as a teacher, I am very influential in making this happen. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied genres of music, and receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy their instrument.

ful instruction, I will work with you to achieve your goals in a relaxed, and encouraging environment with positivity and praise.

ight years.

My professional affiliations have included membership in the National Association of Music Educators, board member with Atlanta based TORCH (Together Orchestras Revitalize Community Harmony), board member and music director with Florida based For-Kids-Only and music director with Atlanta based Yes You Can! Foundation. All three organizations work through music to benefit a wide range of needs for children and communities.

I have worked extensively as a pianist, multi- keyboardist, vocalist, soloist, group performer, accompanist, teacher, music director, conductor and arranger as well as being an international recording artist.

THE ACCOMPANIST ~~~
To be an accompanist is an art form that requires the ability to cross effortlessly between multiple styles. It also requires that the lead vocal or instrument is supported to the fullest degree that allows total freedom of expression while knowing each moment of a performance can be undertaken with complete confidence.
This is the art form that I have mastered and give total attention to detail in each performance.

THE TEACHER ~~~
Teaching is an area that I am passionate about. Working with young aspiring musicians as well as seasoned professionals and amateurs of all ages, I found many people lacking a well rounded understanding of theory and how music works in general. This prompted me to begin teaching many years ago. When I studied with William Walton who was a Dennis Sandole disciple, I was given full permission to teach the same method and expand upon it as it naturally evolved. My varied experience gives my a unique perspective on working with people who are truly interested in expanding their talents and musical understanding.

Highlights of my career include performances as conductor and pianist for the one-and-only Mickey Rooney and pianist for a series of teaching clinics with the most recorded guitarist in the world, Tommy Tedesco.

I have also appeared for or performed with: actress & singer - Susan Anton, R&B artist - Archie Bell, Mr. QVC - Bob Bowersox, jazz & classical guitarist - Charlie Byrd, jazz guitarist - Jerry Byrd, Oregon, Rochester and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal bassist - Colin Corner, the one-and-only - Rodney Dangerfield, NBC Today Show Superstar Vocal Winner - Dan Gardner, legendary big band vocalist - Connie Haynes, guitarist - Jef Lee Johnson, guitar superstar - Earl Klugh, R&B superstars - Blue Magic, sports legends - Mike Schmidt & Fran Tarkenton, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members - The Shirelles, Broadway sensation Susan Stroman, legendary trumpeter & saxophonist - Glenn Zottola, governors, mayors, major political figures and prominent diplomats.