Piano with Kristie S.

I am a professional musician based in Las Vegas, with a strong background in both teaching and performing music. I have over fifteen years of experience teaching music lessons to students of all ages and levels. I am accepting new students for weekly 40-minute lessons. *** My Teaching Background *** I graduated summa cum laude and with Honors with a Bachelor of Music in harp and piano performance from the University of Arizona in 2004, where I studied with Dr. Paula Fan, Regents Professor of Piano and principal pianist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. I was honored as the Outstanding Senior of her undergraduate class. I am now a doctoral candidate at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.. I also teach improvisation and playing from lead sheets. Kristie's piano studio is a nurturing environment where students of all ages and all levels feel safe, welcome and supported in their musical journey. *** Getting Started *** At the first lesson, I will get to know you and ask questions about your goals and interests, so that I can tailor the lessons to fit your needs. If you are a brand-new beginner, I will start with an introduction to music and get you going with several fun pieces to go home and practice. If you are a transfer student or if you already play another instrument or sing, it is helpful to bring any previous or current music books and to be prepared to play a couple of pieces. These pieces do not necessarily need to be memorized or performance-ready; the idea is to give me an idea of what you already know and where you would like to grow. *** Lesson Details *** For beginning piano students, I use a variety of different methods depending on the student’s age, personality, and goals. These include Faber’s Piano Adventures, Irina Gorin’s “Tales of a Musical Journey,” “Piano Safari,” “Music for Mozarts,” and Alfred’s “Premier Piano Method,” among others. Lessons typically include music theory. Students will be given clear assignments to practice and complete. Depending on the student's level, background, and interests, piano lessons may also include: • Scales, arpeggios, or études (technical development) • Improvisation and playing from lead sheets (for pop or jazz music) • Composition (learning how to create and notate your own music) *** Studio Equipment *** • Kawai baby grand piano • Lyon and Healy pedal harps • Salvi 25-string lever harp for young beginners *** Special Needs *** Please inquire, as this is on a case by case basis.