Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 4-65
Teaching since 1978
Associate in Liberal Arts
About Margaret O.
4.9
(17)
I have taught the piano along with guitar and voice for over 40 years, since I was 16 years old. I started lessons at 9 and continued lessons while I began teaching beginners at a music studio. Since then I have had many different experiences with all kinds of students. I love sharing the gift of music with my students. My goal is to give them a wonderful musical experience and allow them to expand their knowledge of music in a structured manner and can grow to become a casual or professional musician.
*** Lesson Details ***
I adjust my teaching style to the students goals. I like to say I am laid back but do expect progress each week. I can teach the piano for beginner to advanced students. Some students are college bound and need to learn the disciplines of music. Other students just want to learn to play for enjoyment. My main goal to to keep them interested and practicing. I use a composite of different methods depending on the students goals. I have found that each publisher of method books focus on different styles of music. Over the years I have picked the best of each one and we will use the best of the best. I also have edited music for students over the years and have a wide collection of supplemental music. As an example I love Disney music and a beginner after 3 months they will be learning "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. I can teach beginning Guitar students. My specialty is teaching to read "real" music as opposed to tab. Beginners need lots of TLC with the guitar because of the length of time it takes to make "good" sounds of the guitar. Learning good technique in a fun way is essential for good student progress.
Also I can teach beginning-intermediate vocal lessons. My main focus is developing proper vocal technique with vocal exercises and breathing techniques and still making it interesting and fun.
With all of this, i also teach music theory. Whether by itself or along with instrumental lessons, music theory is an essential for all musicians. Music theory is the how and why of everything we do in music.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently have a baby grand, a spinet piano, 16 track sequencer, performance digital piano, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, flute, music stands and keyboard stands.
*** Specialties ***
For the piano I use a mixed method of teaching depending on the students goals. I have used Schaum, Faber, Alfred, Thompson and Bastien. I also use Hannon for advanced students and Duvornoy, Alfred and other types of pedagogy for technique and exercises. I have also edited many pieces of music for early beginners to have fun with. Disney is my favorite. I use these supplemental pieces along with the method books to keep their interest in practicing.
Instructor details
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4.9
17 Reviews
Denise
Student's home
Margaret is terrific. She is professionally trained and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of music. She is patient, smart and fun to learn with. I’m learning a lot.
Posted Apr 6, 2020
Layah Combs(GRANDDAUGHTER
Student's home
I am Layah`s grandmother and I sit in on Layah lesson yesterday and it was very good. I feel we have made the right choice.
Jeanie Affatato
Posted May 19, 2017
Kalysta Minton
Student's home
Met with Margaret in home with a entourage of people including Singer, Mom, Dad, Sound Guy, Talent Agent and Assistant. Everybody was included in the meet and greet and Margaret was so kind to take questions from the entourage as well. Lessons began and everybody was elated and realized that we were indeed lucky to of found so a talented and gifted teacher for Kalysta. Thank you Margaret and looking forward to her next lessons with less people.
Posted Apr 1, 2017
Experience
Music Director
Dec, 1996 - Jun, 2004St Bernadette Catholic Church
Music Director at St. Veronica Catholic Church
Jul, 2008 - Aug, 2013Music Director
Music Director
Jul, 2004 - Apr, 2008St. Thomas More Catholic church
Education
Associate in Liberal Arts
Aug, 1975 - May, 1982Macomb County Community College
Certifications
Keyboard Proficiency Certification
May, 2000Archdioces of Cincinnati
Instructor details
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