Piano with Roseann T.

I have been teaching piano for almost 40 years. I have a NY state music teachers license, a masters in music therapy from NYU, and a bachelors in Music Education and AFFA certification. I try to keep the student self-motivated by using music that the student likes, as well as covering the basics. I use props which can be internalized by the student and gradually removed. For example, using stick-on letter names for the notes for a beginner and then removing them one at a time when the student feels ready. I am friendly and very easy going; I'm not a disciplinarian. If a student doesn't practice for some reason, we practice together at the next lesson. If a student doesn't want to practice at all, I can be very creative in motivating them. I don't believe in parents forcing their children to practice, because this tends to turn the child off. Even though I tell parents that if your child doesn't want to play, please don't force it; I tend to keep students for many years (maybe it's because the student's self-motivation is so important to me and to their success). I also have a lot of experience teaching handicapped individuals as a certified music therapist. The music therapy has enabled me to be a better teacher in general because the therapeutic aspect comes up in all lessons, in one way or another. Music educators focus on the educational goals of music, while music therapists focus more on the therapeutic goals . A therapeutic goal might be increasing concentration span or self-confidence. These issues often need to be addressed in all lessons, and can only help the learning process. *** Lesson Details *** I am a very easy-going teacher and aim to motivate you. As a music therapist, I have much experience in making each lesson a positive learning experience for you. Most of my professional experience is in teaching piano. Music intrigued me as a child because I saw learning to play as a great challenge. Because learning to play an instrument can be overwhelming to a student, I have learned through years of teaching to make it understandable - to break it down into steps that will leave you feeling a sense of accomplishment and thinking "I can do this". I prefer to teach piano lessons, all styles and levels, music theory, music therapy and beginning guitar. I also teach beginner vocal lessons, and lessons in how to keep the beat I must add that I have a busy schedule and if a student needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, I need them to let me know at least 24 hours in advance, or the student will be charged for the lesson. I'm an animal lover and rescued a homeless cat who lives at the studio. I keep the studio very clean, but if you're allergic to cats and dogs, you may want to consider another teacher. Thank you *** Studio Equipment *** Room before living room w/ piano computer, amp seating for parents, Baldwin Professional Upright Piano. Korg Pa3X keyboard workstation, Yamaha 88 key digital keyboard with Yamaha hammer action (meaning it feels and plays like a real piano - not mushy and easy to press like most keyboards; thereby allowing finger muscle development), Kustom amp, Yamaha 6 string guitar, Ibanez electric guitar, clarinet and a flute. I also have an enormous music library. *** Travel Equipment *** I play for various events with the Korg Pa3x, where a one person band is required. I also play the acoustic grand pianos in several independent livings centers in Westchester County as an entertainer or to accompany sing-a-longs. *** Specialties *** Classical, popular, classic rock, top 40, music theory, chord piano and more. I teach a thorough classical approach and chord method playing for older students or others who simply want to learn to play quickly. ***CANCELLATION POLICY!*** (PLEASE READ! THANK YOU!) Learning piano is a difficult endeavor and a commitment must be made. I try to make it as easy and palatable as possible by using crutches in the beginning like a keyboard chart, letter names of notes applied to keyboard, which can gradually be removed and writing in the names of the notes on the sheet music itself until the student visualizes and internalizes the notes, Lessons must be consistent, preferably once a week. If a student misses lessons, especially in the beginning, they may practice something wrong and all it takes is a few weeks for the student to learn it the wrong way, this is very hard to correct. Most of all, don’t take a lesson here or there, without any consistency, this makes my job difficult and your job practically impossible, especially if you’re a beginner. Only an advanced student can safely miss lessons. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. You can cancel as much as you need but I need 24 hours’ notice or the lesson must be paid for, no exceptions. Again, cancelations are sometimes necessary but really should be kept to a minimum because bad habits become engrained, and they often cause the student to regress. Also, don’t miss a lesson because the student didn’t get a chance to practice. Take the lesson and we will practice together. This often promotes better practicing habits and students learn to use the time to practice wisely. I try to keep students self-motivated by teaching them songs they like and can succeed at. If the student likes a song and it is too difficult, I’ll rewrite the song in an easier form. I may ask a student to purchase a book, but most of the music will be provided. The music I choose is well-written (based on 50 years of experience). Oops, just gave away my age. A student should never be forced to study piano. This will only serve as a turn-off to piano playing in the future. They will come back if and when they’re ready and they will be self-motivated in the years ahead. In conclusion, don’t quit if the going gets rough. If the student is at a point where they feel frustrated, try to push through. Sometimes breakthroughs happen this way where just getting over the hump would give way to great progress.