Teaching Locations:


Levels taught:
Beginner, IntermediateAbout Marilyn S.
Music Job History:
My music teaching/playing background includes: private piano instructor at home studio, elementary music teacher in Lewisville ISD and Odessa Public Schools, piano accompanist for middle school/high school band Solo Contests, and former church accompanist for Methodist churches. Was Elementary Principal at Owen Elementary, The Colony, Lewisville ISD
Personal Information:
Have 3 adult children
Love gardening, reading, playing piano, traveling
I believe performing is an important part of music learning, so I schedule at least 2 recitals each year. Some of my adults prefer not to perform and that is okay too. I am a member of Carrollton Music Teachers Association and through this association are festival opportunities 4 times a year for those students who are ready to play for a judge!. The more you perform, the easier it gets!
*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that most people would say that they wish they could play the piano. Taking piano lessons keeps you practicing and working on improving your skills. I can always help a student to play better in some aspect of their playing. I break down skills into as small a step as needed so the student can understand what needs to be done. Reading music is similar to reading words, so sometimes the problem is not with the fingers being able to play, but what the student is seeing. I can take whatever series you are currently playing out of and move forward with you from that series.
Rhythm can often be a problem when playing and that usually is just a matter of getting that rhythm into your vocabulary and really hearing how it goes.
Fingering is another area that can be the reason that a passage is not working for you and I can help you figure those areas out. I always try to correct and help you improve by using humor and positive reinforcement.
We will spend some of every lesson sight reading (looking at music that you will practice at home). Improving your ability to read music at sight will make your piano playing more enjoyable for you.
As with any lessons, the more you practice, the more progress and fun you will have! Every student needs a spiral notebook that we will use to keep track of your lessons. I have found it best if I buy the books you need and then you pay me for the books - that keeps you from having to search at a music store for the correct books and I make sure you have the correct book/levels. If you prefer to find the books yourself, that will be fine also. I am flexible and want your piano playing years to be lifelong for you.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Grand Piano, Baldwin Acrosonic Studio Piano, Suzuki 88 key electronic keyboard,
*** Specialties ***
*Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.
Piano, Handbells, Music Theory, Sight reading
I can teach from any series, have tended to specialize more with beginning and intermediate students. I have taught from almost every series over the years.
Right now I have students in Faber & Faber, Bastien, John Thompson, Schaum, David Carr Glover, Hal Leonard, FJH, Dozen a Day, and Alfred series.
I think that breaking skills down into small steps works well for mastery and understanding. I like to expand my students' appreciation of different types of music, from classical to pop, looking for music that is at the student's playing level.
Reviews
Write a Review
Great 1st lesson. My son is excited for the next one.

Love working with Marilyn!!!

Based on what I saw today, it's clear my son will be playing incredible pieces of music before he leaves elementary school.

Marilyn is great! Very hands on and very informative!
Merilyn is fantastic!
I am an adult student of Marilyn's and played the piano for 10 years growing up. I came to Marilyn wanting to start playing again after not playing at all for 7 years. My experience has been wonderful and I am surprised at how quickly I'm picking it up again. This is mostly due to Marilyn's positive feedback and constructive instruction. She is laid back and easy to work with and my experience playing as an adult is much more enjoyable than when I was younger.
Beginner student
My daughter is enjoying her piano lessons with Marilyn. She has a great way of teaching kids that suit their level.
Ms. Marilyn is an excellent teacher. My daughter, Sabeen LOVES to go to her class and she's learning so much. Marilyn is very loving and can relate to children very well. I'm so happy I found her for my daughter.
miss
Marilyn is a professional piano teacher. She is very helpful during my piano lesson with her. for the last few weeks that I have taking piano lesson with her I have learned so much already. She is very knowledgeable piano teacher. Thank You so much
guardian of Brianna
Marilyn is a very good piano instructor.
Wonderful with young children
Marilyn is very patient with my 5 and 7 year olds. She is easy to understand, gives simple instructions, and breaks the lesson into smaller parts as needed. I'm learning a lot too by just watching and listening to her teach my kids!
adult piano student
Marilyn is great! I am learning lots.She is very patient and encouraging.
Photos & Videos
Experience
Private Piano Teacher
Jun 2005 - PresentHome Studio
Teaching piano at home studio
Education
Masters in Educational Administration
Aug 1981 - Dec 1984University of North Texas
Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Music in Piano Performance
Sep 1969 - Aug 1977University of North Texas
Bachelor of Music - all level Music Education
Sep 1969 - May 1973University of North Texas
Certifications
Texas Teachers All Level Certifications K-12 Music Lifetime
May 1973Texas Education Agency
Affiliations
Carrollton Music Teachers Association
Sep 2011Music Teachers National Association
Aug 2011Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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