Dickinson Music Lessons

tials of each different style of music. Learning piano skills is very important, but note-reading, theory, ear training and music history can't be neglected. I will include all these subjects consistently during the lessons to help the students build stronger and richer musicality. One or two recitals will be provided by me, all the students are encouraged to participate in the recitals.Students are also encouraged to take advanced performance opportunities, in church, school, and joint studio recitals. I must be notified at least one month in advance if the student desires to participate in the events.

Students responsibility:
-Daily practice is strongly recommended. It is important and necessary for steady progress.
-Students should have neat, clean, trimmed nails at every lesson.
-Students must be prepared for each lesson.

Parents responsibility:
-Parents should promptly pick up their children at the end of each lesson.
-Parents should regularly check and support the students practice routine.

*** Studio Equipment ***
One Yamaha piano, space for parents to sit and observe lessons.

*** Specialties ***
classical piano,music theory, ear-training

IMPORTANT NOTE: the studio space is inhabited by an energetic, adorable Jack Russel terrier. Do consider this when you plan to sign up for lessons.

whole life more often than not!
YOU can be an active musician. If you have the passion and desire. The first step though, is learning your instrument. Learning an instrument is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's an unfaltering companion that can benefit you in so many ways. I like to toss out the strict "teacher/student" regiment and create a laid back, fun, easy going atmosphere. I want to be buds and SHARE music with each other and introduce you into this world that I have grown to love so so much. There is nothing more rewarding. I promise. So let's get started!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back. Your progress is directly linked to you. I will give it my all to teach you and help you, but if you don't practice or soak it in, that's on you! I hate having a tense, seminar type lesson atmosphere. Lessons with me will be easy going and relaxed. I don't want to have to put on a sweater vest and wag my finger as a I scold you. That's just not me.
However, I DO expect you to get things done. Why waste your time with lessons if you're not going to take them seriously on any level? The curriculum will be totally personalized for YOU. After all, not everybody likes the same music and style. The first lesson or two will be getting a handle on exactly what YOU want to learn and what YOU want out of it. Finding out your favorite bands/artists, guitar players, bass players, etc. There's nothing worse than being taught something you have no desire for, but having it drilled into your head week after week! So whether that be blues, folk, metal, whatever, that's the first step. With that information I'll begin constructing and laying out the rest of your lesson plan.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Although I assume you have an instrument of your own (if not I recommend getting one, it sort of helps), if you're looking to just try things out at first I have more than a few extra that I'd be happy to let you use. My teaching studio doubles as a recording studio as well. This means 2 things: if ever you would like to record some of your music you know where to go! And also, I have the means to record the entire lesson if you'd like. You'll need to supply the blank CD(s) of course. It's not a requirement to record the lesson, just an option! Basically, I have everything you could ever possibly need for music lessons here. So you're set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitars, amps, etc. anything that would be needed I've got!

*** Specialties ***
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, hardcore, acoustic-finger-style and various other acoustic styles, and more. Through teaching and experience as a working musician I have mastered most genres and styles. When sitting at home jamming in my free time, I probably most frequently find myself playing acoustic finger-style, blues, folk, or rock, but love and appreciate most styles. So, bring it on!

nd theory lessons
Audio production lessons

*** Studio Equipment ***
One upright piano, one grand piano, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass guitar, electric bass guitar (student should bring his/her own instrument except piano, of course)

*** Specialties ***
classical piano, jazz piano, improvisation, music theory, pop/folk guitar, bass guitar.

ving to Houston, she coached non-major, college-aged students at the University of Illinois, taught music classes at the prestigious International Preschool in New York City, and developed a teaching and playing program for children with behavioral and communication disorders in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

petition, and third prize at Haneum Music Competition in Korea. She has performed in the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, and the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and various other venues. She plans to continue her performance, recording, and teaching career featuring the music of Walter Saul and other composers.

as a piano teacher at the Piano Studio. Using the lessons he had learned from his visit to the doctor, he started to form his philosophy on teaching. No matter what the challenges of the student, Alex will always strive to work through those challenges and do his best to successfully teach that student.

There have been a few piano beginners that have come by the Piano Studio that were assigned to Alex’s teaching roster. When they started, they were clearly some of the hardest beginners he has had to work with. One parent even remarked that her child would be impossible to teach. That parent was fortunately wrong! For months, now, this student follows Alex's instructions very clearly and has been paying attention every lesson. This is an example of how Alex's tenacity has paid off.

With a full studio of nearly twenty students per week while attending San Jacinto College, Alex stuck by with this principle of never giving up. Even when it seemed discouraging, he never gave up on any of his students as long as his students never give up on themselves. This, he believes, is what separates teachers who are passionate at their work, and teachers who just try to get by.

Currently, Alex teaches at a piano studio in Webster, TX, while attending the University of St. Thomas. Additionally, he performs weekly at a local Church as the staff organist and pianist.

in Salzburg in 2013 and 2014, where she studied in Professor Ya-Fei Chuang’s studio. Also in 2014, she attended the Duxbury Music Festival and studied Chamber Music with Mr. Jeffrey Cohen and Mr. Amir Elden, as well as Solo Piano with Dr. Jonathan Bass. In February 2014, she participated in the New Music Festival, where she had the opportunity to work with talented composer Louis Andriessen, performing his piece “Joli Commentaire.” In November of 2014, she performed two of Ligeti’s Piano Etudes (“Fanfares” and “Arc En Ciel”) again at the New Music Festival. In addition, she has had the honor of working closely with Boris Berman, Brian Ganz, Eugene Pridonoff, Graham Scott, Jung-Ja Kim, Kirill Gerstein, and Victor Rosembaum.
Dr. Ada has held over ten piano solo recitals and performed in a multitude cities, including but not limited to Kaohsiung, Taipei, Austin, Boston, New York, and Salzburg. From 2016 onward, she began focusing on collaborating with an array of instruments and groups. She also began studying with Dr. Colette Valentine and Dr. Anton Nel. As of lately, she has performed at multiple concerts, including a duet with cello in May of 2018, a duet with bassoon in October and November of 2017, and a trio in April of 2017. Furthermore, she is an energetic, inspirational accompanist, and has been meticulously working in Dr. James Morrow’s studio at University of Texas at Austin, performing for lessons, seminars, university choirs, and Bach cantata projects.
Presently, Dr. Ada provides instruction in her personal studio and educates students utilizing her own unique strategies and methods she has refined throughout the course of her musical career. Ultimately, she strives to continue performing, teaching, and enriching people’s lives through her heartfelt music.

Teaching Philosophy ----- Giving students to achieve their dreams
Dr. Ada teaches piano lessons, viola lessons, music theory in levels of beginner, intermediate and advanced, from age 4 and up.
I have a deep passion for teaching, especially when I see student's development with their musicality and creative ideas. As a teacher, teaching students is a reward to me. I divide my teaching strategy into different levels.
For beginners, the fundamental studies have always played an extremely significant role in their future learnings. I focus on the specific aspects, such as the hand posture, relaxation, or rhythm. From their first few lessons, I start to build their good habits on piano practice. Also, during lessons, I divide time into sections, 2/3 on pieces, 1/3 on studies (like scales or some exercises) and theory. Generally, I ask beginning students to practice as lesson length daily.
In intermediate, (the level from sonatines or above) I ask students to define their interests on specific genres and composers. But I also open and assign them to a variety of repertoires. It helps them to build the enjoyment of piano playing. For motivations, I train students for piano contests based on their willingness. Generally, I also ask intermediate to practice as lesson length daily.
For advanced students, the lessons concentrate on building their professionality and musicality. I focus not only on musical techniques but also on artistic expressions. I describe piece as a story, which creates imaginations and helps on creating their musical ideas. But I even analysis piece logically, it helps them to memorize.
Moreover, I use different learning modalities by aural, visual, or kinesthetic learners, always demonstrate in lessons.

n my experience life and enriched my life and those around me.

I believe in the cultivation of a living musicality.

My approach emphasises the importance of process, exploration and discovery, as well as the study and analysis of traditional concepts. I propose, active listening to be the simplest form of composition. And as musicians an active ear is central, not only in practice, but generally, for creative evolution and innovation.

I've found the most effective methods effectively balance theory and practice.

I believe the biggest inhibitor to growth, musical or otherwise, is a lack of confidence. A lack that comes from too much pressure to produce idealized results-- fear of mistakes...

I embrace the developmental process,
I work with every student to make each lesson plan efficient, meaningful and inspiring.