Piano with Courtney S.

Hello, I am Courtney! I works with beginners of all ages and start piano as early as preschool! I love that I can start day playing piano games with a preschooler and end it with a software engineer picking up ukulele as hobby. My approach is to create well-rounded musicians that can go on to live a life filled with performing, singing, and dancing, whether as a profession or for epic shower performances. I hold two degrees in music education specializing in early learners and choral instruction. I have a a strong interest and background in the research of how we learn best and implement techniques that build a strong musical foundation as opposed to merely checking off pages in a method book. As a teacher I strive to meet each student where they are at so that our lessons can suit their strengths and needs. I can be a little silly with my young students and believe that music, while sometimes hard work, is most importantly for our enjoyment and emotional expression. I am very patient and love nothing more than a student's "aha!" moment, when something that seems difficult finally makes sense. I've been told by administrators that I have a very calming demeanor with students, which I believe has helped me to create a open and welcoming classroom. I have recently moved home to Vermont after living and teaching in Santa Monica, CA for 4 years! We are settling in to our new home in Barre with our two corgis and two special needs ducks. I am excited to open my home to in-person lessons beginning in the Fall.