Piano with Emily S.

When I was little, I begged my mom to let me play the piano. At age 5, I started taking lessons at my school. As my passion for music grew, I began composing and at age 11. I wrote my first complete song. Continuing to study and compose music, I completed all 10 levels of California'™s Certificate of Merit music program, and for several consecutive years, I was selected by the Certificate of Merit judges to perform in multiple honors recitals. I have also been singing all my life and have been formally trained in voice. Being able to sing and accompany myself on the piano has been very rewarding, and I hope to help others to do the same! In addition, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology with concentrations in Ballet and Literature from the University of California, San Diego. My degree in psychology gives me a broad understanding of different learning styles and personalities, enabling me to best cater to the needs of the students. I am very patient and kind, and I encourage each student to flourish and develop his or her skills and talents. *** Lesson Details *** I like to mold my lessons based on the student's needs. I can be strict in order to encourage focus and develop discipline, but I am not mean. I do not believe in harsh yelling or criticism; instead I use positive reinforcement. I also believe that it is important to have fun and enjoy learning a new skill! I use traditional teaching methods for piano, music theory, and singing. Once someone is classically trained and has obtained proper technique as a solid foundation, he or she can easily venture into other genres and styles. *** Studio Equipment *** For Piano: Piano, music stand, selected music books, couch *** Specialties *** I have trained classically in music and have studied music history from each of the major influential periods such as baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary.