Piano with Raymond C.

My name is Ray and I teach piano and organ. I started teaching with Take Lessons in 2012 when I moved to Austin, Texas. Before that, I lived in California where I directed music at churches for over 10 years, served as pianist and organist, and conducted several choirs and music groups. I also started teaching private piano lessons after graduating from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California with a degree in Music Education. I now live in Snohomish, Washington with my husband Dan, and son Galvin. We are (still) enjoying the lush green and cooler weather of the PNW! I consider myself an organist, before pianist, because the organ is my first love! The organ is so similar to the piano, yet it is vastly different and comes with it its own unique excitement! As a teacher, I enjoy watching young musicians discover their abilities. I look forward to helping you get excited about the piano or organ and making music! *** Lesson Details *** My beginning piano students can expect to learn how to read music, use their fingers on the keys correctly, and play several songs or pieces in 3 to 4 months. I use piano method material primarily from the Faber Piano Adventures series, but use other methods as well. My organ students can expect to learn basic keyboard skills as in learning piano, learn how to play the pedal board--a big and exciting part about the organ!--and also specific organ techniques and gain the appreciation for the difference the organ is. I believe that I am an enthusiastic teacher, gently encouraging, but firm and persistent as well. I want you to be excited about music, but I also want you to learn what you need to be able to make that music! *** Travel Equipment *** I don't have equipment, but I expect the student to have a piano at home. In the past when I have taught organ, I could teach at a church, or at my home, but I don't have an organ in my home (in Snohomish) anymore. We would have to make arrangements with a facility with an organ. *** Specialties *** General beginning piano, basic chord reading and improvisation, Classical organ.