Classical Piano with Barbara D.

Experience: 30 years teaching private piano lessons, former head of Cerritos College Children's Piano Program. Trained with Christine Bardin, composer of Alfred's "Music for Little Mozarts". Philosophy I have had the advantage of having the best teachers and try to also give that opportunity to my students. When a new student first comes to me, I ask what is their goal and formulate a strategy to rapidly lead them to achieve that goal. Whether it is precise classical training or a general music experience that includes reading music and playing popular pieces, I give everyone a thorough education in theory, sight reading, and exercises to promote fast and even piano playing. I teach students as young as 4 years old with the "Music for Little Mozarts" approach which I taught at Cerritos College where I was trained by one of the composers of the method. For age 6 and up, I use a different method book with CD and theory book that the students find motivating and enjoyable. However, most of the repertoire that they study comes from supplemental pieces that I choose for each individual according to their interests and abilities. I play for them at the lesson and encourage them to listen to music at home as music is a language and must be heard to be reproduced. I believe I have a lot to offer as a teacher because I have a good combination of excellent training and also the ability to make the lesson enjoyable and relaxing for the student. A frequent comment I hear at the end of the lesson is " Is it over already?" *** Lesson Details *** The lesson content depends on the interest of the students. I have children who insist on mostly classical music and others that want to play "Star Wars". The format of the lessons includes finger exercises for good technique, new pieces, review pieces, and written work known as music theory. My students study many pieces at a time and change repertoire frequently in order to foster good sight reading skills. *** Studio Equipment *** I have two grand pianos and a well stocked music library in a large sitting room. *** Specialties *** I have a B.A. degree not just in music, but in piano performance, and also post graduate piano studies at the Music Academy of the West. At UCSB, a music degree without piano performance emphasis only required passing a intermediate level proficiency exam. I have a classical background and teach beginning through advanced piano students. I teach children as young as four years old using the "Music for Little Mozarts" course.