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Classical Piano with Doniell C.

Spokane, Washington

5.0
(11)
Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 5+
Speaks English, German
Teaching since 2002
Masters in Education

    Piano from an expert with 20+ years experience teaching, 30+ years of playing

    ***Please contact me with "Ask a Question" prior to signing up for lessons!*** Piano lessons are a joy to teach! Let me inspire you. Within the first few lessons, you'll know terminology and piano basics such as rhythm and body placement, and as time goes on you'll be able to play classics, standards and more. I typically use method books combined with traditional repertoire. Currently I only teach from Alfred's Basic Piano Library (Adult & Child), or Piano Adventures (Adult & Child) for method. If you're seeking non-method, please send me a detailed message on the "Ask a Question" feature. ***My Equipment*** Extended upright Knabe Yamaha Digital Piano YPG-625 Skype, Zoom or FaceTime iPhone, Laptop, Kindle Fire Printer/Scanner/Copier and high speed internet connectivity Digital and traditional ticking metronomes Flashcards and numerous other learning materials and aids Extensive Music library with 550+ Books and sheets ***At the lesson*** During the lesson, students will begin with a performance of the material they have completed throughout the week. Corrections may be made. Students may have to repeat assignments until they are played satisfactorily - this is common. Then, writing assignments will be graded. Online students will submit writing assignments online through e-mail prior to the lesson, and will be given their grades at the lesson. Next, new material and concepts will be covered. Following the introduction of the week's work, there may be quizzes, flashcards, games, ear training, and composition assignments. Online students are required to write and keep track of their own assignments. At the end of each lesson I reserve time for Q&A. Bring any and all questions to your lesson. If you think of them during practice, write them down and bring them up here. All students under the age of 12 taking online lessons must have an adult nearby during the lesson for technical assistance and/or behavior support if required. All students under the age of 8 must have a parent/guardian sit in on lessons - both for online and lessons in my home. This is so that they can listen and be able to assist their student at home. This may include help with reading assignments, help with understanding assignments, physically assisting students (lifting a wrist, carrying materials, etc.) Online only students MUST have the following: Online Video platform (tablet, computer, etc.), a quiet room or environment in which lessons are conducted, a full-sized piano or weighted electric/digital piano, printer/scanner/copier, Pencils and Highlighters, an assignment notebook, and method books (purchased by the student). ***Practicing*** I require all students to practice each piece of music at least 3 times through every day. 30-60 minutes for students aged 10 and older, each day. Students aged 5-10 should practice between 15-30 minutes each day. Practice time does not include written, reading, or listening assignments. These should be done prior to or in addition to any practicing. ***Materials*** This will be determined by the student's needs and goals, but the following is a general list of what to expect to purchase and/or use. -Method books (these must be purchased by the student and available at every lesson, or the lesson may be canceled without refund) -Theory and/or Notespeller books -Repertoire Books -Technic Books -Etude or Progressive Study books -Sheet Music -Notebook for assignments -Pencils and Hi-Liters ***Policies*** All students will receive a copy of my policies prior to lessons, and must sign an agreement that they will follow said policies regarding situations such as canceling lessons, etiquette, and more BEFORE Lessons can be booked.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teacher's Studio
    Teacher's Studio
    SEE MAP
    S Tekoa
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Monday
    8 AM-9 AM
    10 AM-2 PM
    4 PM-5 PM
    6:30 PM-7 PM
    Tuesday
    9:30 AM-10:30 AM
    11 AM-1:30 PM
    5 PM-7 PM
    Wednesday
    10 AM-2:30 PM
    3:30 PM-4 PM
    Thursday
    10 AM-12:30 PM
    3:30 PM-4 PM
    5 PM-5:30 PM
    Friday
    3:30 PM-4 PM
    5:30 PM-7 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $36
    60 minutes
    $70

    About Doniell C.

    5.0
    (11)
    My name is Doniell and I can't wait to meet you! I've been teaching private lessons since 2002 and have loved helping my students appreciate, understand, and be inspired by music, art and history. I'm a helpful and compassionate person and my teaching style is informative, determined by the student's needs and goals, and a combination of traditional and contemporary. I have played piano over 35 years, flute for over 30, and compose my own music during spare time. I look forward to helping you reach your goals! ***Please contact me via "Ask a Question" PRIOR to setting up private lessons!***
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    5.0
    11 Reviews
    Olivia
    Teacher's studio
    My two boys have been taking lessons with Mrs. Cushman for 4+ years. They are both highly energetic and one of them has difficulty with patience and attention span. Mrs. Cushman is understanding but also pushes and inspires when it is needed with all kinds of exercises for strengthening fingers to correct form to games for remembering notes and timing. Mrs. Cushman's composition background offers flexibility for student's to explore the world of chord theory and this can enhance students' ability to play in a band, compose their own music and understand music at a deeper level, if that is the parent or student's desire. Still, if student's enjoy competition, Mrs. Cushman has the connections and ability to support this endeavor. Please note that we have attended in person for many years but recently moved away and the boys still want to continue with her online, which is going well.
    Posted Feb 28, 2022
    Allan
    Teacher's studio
    My daughter took piano from Doniell both in the studio and online. Doniell did a great job of motivating our daughter and making learning fun! She is also great at communicating with parents about expectations and goals for the lessons.
    Posted Feb 25, 2022
    Rochelle
    Teacher's studio
    My 8 year old son has been taking lessons virtually with Doniell for almost a year now. Doniell has been very accommodating with our schedule. I’m amazed how much my son has already learned. We will definitely be signing our younger son up for lessons with Doniell when he gets old enough.
    Posted Feb 25, 2022

    Experience

    Piano Teacher

    Jan, 2011 - Present

    Cushman Music

    Owner and operator of private studio for students in the Spokane metropolitan area. I teach piano, music theory, and ear training.

    Piano Teacher

    Jan, 2007 - Jun, 2010

    Private Studio

    Owner and operator of private studio for American dependents living abroad in Germany serving the U.S. Goverment or Armed Forces.

    Piano Teacher

    Jan, 2002 - Jan, 2007

    Freelance

    Freelance tutoring and lesson teaching.

    Musician

    Feb, 1999 - Feb, 1999

    Tacoma Pantages Theatre

    Pre-Show musician for Katia Skanavi.

    Praise Team Member

    Jan, 1995 - Aug, 2002

    Word of Life Church of God

    Back-up pianist, synthesizer, and choir member.

    Education

    Music Education

    Aug, 2002 - May, 2005

    Washington State University

    Masters in Education

    Aug, 2022

    Western Governers University

    Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

    Aug, 2008 - Nov, 2011

    University of Maryland, University College

    Affiliations

    Kappa Kappa Psi

    Mar, 2003

    Founded on the campus of Oklahoma State University on November 27, 1919, Kappa Kappa Psi is a guiding light with which band students can grow, learn, and develop themselves and their band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi is an organization of opportunity and quality, brimming with historic, well-developed leadership and membership programming that students use to become great leaders, better band members and better adapted young adults prepared for what lies ahead of them.

    Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators

    Jul, 2020

    The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts and others. We provide education and support for these individuals and the community through our awards, grants, programs and events. We strive to increase the quality and quantity of children’s books in the marketplace, and act as a consolidated voice for writers and illustrators of children's books worldwide.

    Washington Music Teachers Association

    Jan, 2015

    Welcome to the Washington Music Teachers Association (WMTA), a non-profit affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Founded in 1934, over the years WMTA has become a prominent association of independent music teachers from the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland in the pursuit of the highest standards in music instruction.

    Music Teachers National Association

    Jun, 2010

    The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

    Languages

    German

    Limited Proficiency

    English

    Native Proficiency

    Private Lessons

    • 1:1 lessons with a trusted instructor
    • 300+ subjects to choose from
    • Meet online or in person
    • Free on-demand videos and articles

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