
Lesson Details
Laurence teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+
- Teaching since:
- February 1988
I am a highly experienced and qualified piano teacher, teaching all ages and levels from beginner to advanced. I have proven success in taking students up to the top level of the ABRSM exams, and I am a member of the California Music Teachers Association.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Music (piano pedagogy), 2004, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA (award of excellence)
Bachelor of Arts degree in Musicology, Sorbonne, Paris (cum laude)
State Piano Teaching Diploma, France
Gold Medal in Piano Performance, Conservatoire National
EXPERIENCE
I have been giving weekly individual piano and theory lessons for many years, presenting many for the ABRSM grade examinations. I also accompany high school choirs, and enjoy playing chamber music with the Arte Piano Trio. I am a enthusiastic pianist and enjoy sharing this passion with my students.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am familiar with the major piano methods, but rather than slavishly following one method, I prefer to adapt my teaching approach and pace to the needs and personality of each student, using whatever material is best suited for them. I ensure my students can read the notes they are playing, and thoroughly understand the rhythms, so they can become independent musicians. I also emphasize playing musically, even at beginning level, so they can enjoy and understand the music immediately. My students also have the opportunity to play in student recitals twice per year.
I can teach in English or French, using either letter name notes or the solfege method (do re mi).
*** Specialties ***
Classical piano (all periods) and chamber music
Broadway musicals and popular song music
I am specialized in preparing students for the internationally recognized ABRSM Grade exams.
I am familiar with most popular piano methods such as Faber and Faber, Alfred, Denes Agays, John Thompson and Bastien, and Dozen a Day for technique, and use them when I feel it is appropriate for the particular student.
Education
Master of Music with award of excellence
Aug 2002 - May 2004Gold Medal Piano Performance
Jun 1984 - Jun 1985BA Musicology
Jul 1981 - May 1984Languages
English and French
Certifications
French music teacher's diploma
Jun 1990Qualification for teaching in schools and music conservatories
Awards
Award of excellence
May 2004Photos & Videos
6 Reviews
Write a ReviewLaurence is an excellent teacher! I really like her systematic teaching style with integrated music theory. She is very good at going at the student’s pace, and her enthusiasm inspires greatness. I learned from her for about half a year and the results excelled my expectations. I’m always look forward to talking more lessons from her!
+ Read MoreAlthough it was only my first lesson with Laurence (of 10), I thorough enjoyed our meeting. I especially appreciate her understanding with some unexpected personal-life circumstances that delayed our initial lesson by several weeks.
I look forward to learning from her.
Laurence has the skill set and knowledge which I need.
Lessons are wonderful. Laurence is patient, and with simple exercises she is helping my playing become more spontaneous and smooth.
Laurence is an excellent teacher. She focuses on teaching theory and basics while also cultivating my daughter's love of music and keeping the lessons fun. My daughter loves her!
While I found Laurence to be a good teacher and my daughter was happy with her lessons, she cancelled the set of lessons in the middle without any warning or sign that she was not happy with the arrangement. We missed one class and that was an unfortunate event, but she did not email to talk to us and just abruptly quit. I found that wad rude and unprofessional. I gave her flowers one time. It takes a kind heart to return kind gestures.
+ Read More