Reading with Mary S.

I began taking piano lessons on a whim in middle school, but it didn't take long before I realized I was completely in love with music. I enjoy playing and teaching many types of music, from classical to rock to hymns and church music. I learned to play by ear at the same time I learned to sight read, and both approaches have helped me to learn and enjoy the music I play. I graduated in December 2010 with a BA in Music Performance from North Central University, here in the Twin Cities. I have been teaching and playing piano ever since. Watching other people learn to play music is one of the greatest rewards I've received. *** Lesson Details *** I believe music has incredible educational value, but I also believe that it should be enjoyable. Every music student is different and has a different purpose for wanting to learn music, and I enjoy working with students to help them achieve their goals. Being a well-rounded musician has not only helped me in my music career, but it has helped me experience and enjoy many different kinds of music. I expect students to play different types of music with a main focus on one genre. If you want to learn to play classical music only, I teach sightreading, technical skills, and with a little time and practice you or your child can be playing some of the simpler masterworks by the end of the first year. But I also encourage classical pianist to try out a rock song or improvisation. The same goes for those who are only interested in learning how to play rock music or church music. Being able to sightread is invaluable to a musician, and after a few lessons on chords and ear-training, I like to introduce basic sight-reading. Developing a love for the instrument you play is just as important as developing the technical skills to play it. I do my best as a teacher to learn what it is that students enjoy most about playing and incorporate that into lessons. *** Studio Equipment *** Home Studio--Yamaha Digital Piano (88 Keys) Lino Lakes--Kawaii Upright, great condition *** Specialties *** I can play and teach in a variety of genres, from classical to pop to church music. I teach students to sight-read, and I can also teach students to play off a chord chart or by ear if these are things that student expresses an interest in. I've found that the method books available to piano students are thorough and effective, especially for beginning students of elementary age. I've used different books, including Faber & Faber, Alfred, and Hal Leonard. All of these have strengths and weaknesses, and I like to pick the method depending on the personality of the student.