Piano with Yolande W.

My given mame is Yolande but most people know me as Yoly. I was born in London, England where I began my first years of intense piano study with the Royal College of Music. Growing up immersed in a family of the fine arts, a passionate path to encompass all creative outlets has been inevitable. In 1986 I emigrated to the United States, where my love for the piano in particular led me to pursue and complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in piano studies at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. In 2000 I moved to Californa and began my full time piano teaching career. I currently reside in Burbank, California, where I offer lessons to all ages and levels at my private studio. I am a member of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers, Music Teachers National Association of California and National Guild of Piano Teachers. Through these associations, I am able to offer my students the opportunity to participate in the Certificate of Merit program and/or the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions as well as to perform in competitions, concerts and at my own private group recitals. I feel truly blessed to be able to use my gift of creating and teaching music to help enrich the lives of others. During my 15 years of teaching I have had a wide variety of students that continuously inspire me to keep growing on all levels. Alongside my full time teaching career, I continue to follow my passion and love for my own artistic development through song writing, musical composition, poetry, writing and art. ~Lesson Plan~ Lessons are structured specifically to cater the needs and desires of each individual student. I always create a positive environment in which the student feels comfortable enough to ask questions. Mistakes are all part of the learning process and it is important that my students do not feel pressured or embarrassed about not being perfect. As individuals we are free to learn at our own unique pace. I recommend a 30 minute lesson for the younger student who is not involved in an examination process. Even 30 minutes can be overwhelming for some children and especially beginners, but our time is divided equally among technical, practical and theoretical exercises. For the older and more advanced players 45 to 60 minute lesson are suggested. ~Studio Equipment~ I have a beautiful conservatory grand Estonia piano as well as a Korg Triton 88 key weighted electronic keyboard.