Mead, WA Piano Lessons

Students begin to read music at their first lesson. Beginners will learn simple repertoire, and as their skills progress more challenging songs.
Piano lessons include music theory, scales, chords and rhythm exercises. There are 1 or 2 yearly piano recitals students look forward to performing in.

In our lessons, beginning students will learn to read music, play their favorite pieces, how to do warm ups and learn basic skills. I use sheet music and introductory books in my classes and assign homework for their daily practice. After 3 months, each student will move to the next level and continue learning more advanced skills. More advanced students will learn how to understand and compose music, put expression into the pieces they play and improve their current skills.

I will help the student become excited about music and piano playing. I will educate in some music history, theory, and music appreciation as well. I go at the student's pace, with some gentle encouraging. I will always be honest. All students have the potential to go all the way to the top.

You can expect instruction in three areas--theory, technique, and repertoire, or put more simply, ideas, skills, and songs. I will teach you a skill, we will discuss why and how it works, and then I will show you how to use it in the context of a song. This process can take place over a few months or a few minutes, depending on what's being discussed and the experience level of the student. I will almost always send you home with reference sheets and/or recordings. Though we sometimes learn out of books, I prefer to generate custom lessons and materials and focus on playing by ear.

Beginning Piano students will be taught the basics in a fun but productive way. I will teach a strong foundation so a student can move forward with confidence. Lessons would be individualized to focus on areas that need the most guidance.

Students will learn the basics about rhythm, harmony, and melody and how they apply to piano. They will become fluent in the 12 basic keys to a degree where you can play simple songs in any of them.

Piano lessons are a joy to teach! Let me inspire you. Within the first few lessons, you'll know terminology and piano basics such as rhythm and body placement, and as time goes on you'll be able to play classics, standards and more. I typically use method books combined with traditional repertoire.
***My Equipment***

I own an extended upright Knabe on which I conduct lessons. Skype and computer hardware via tablet and laptop. Extensive music library of several hundred books and thousands of pieces or music. Printer/Scanner/Copier and high speed internet connectivity. Digital and traditional ticking metronomes. Flashcards and numerous other learning materials and aids.

Both online lessons and lessons at my location are conducted in my home living room with the piano lid open.

***At the lesson***

During the lesson, students will begin with a performance of the material they have completed throughout the week. Corrections may be made. Students may have to repeat ...

Experienced teacher of 5 years, specializing in the beginner/intermediate piano student! All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student. Not only will you be playing songs in no time, but you will be building a strong foundation of note reading, music theory, ear training, sight reading, technique, and more. Let's get started!

Lessons involved cooperative learning, language experience approach, hands-on/minds-on experiences, and interdisciplinary teaching.

As stated in my singing blurb, I started taking lessons when I was seven years of age, my mother being my first piano teacher. From that early age, I fell in love the instrument and know that I can help anyone who loves the piano, better understand and master the instrument.

Paula Johnson is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Piano and holds the Permanent Professional Certificate from Music Teachers National Association. She received a degree in Music Education from Carson Newman College and has been a long time member of the Tennessee and Knoxville Music Teachers Associations, in addition to being a Past President and Teacher of the Year of the Smoky Mountain Music Teachers Association. In addition, Ms. Johnson received training through Kindermusik International, a music and movement program for young children beginning at age birth, and is licensed to teach all Kindermusik curricula.

Regular attendances of classes, workshops, seminars, and conferences, as well as review of current professional journals are an important part of Ms. Johnson’s continuing education. She has honed her piano performance skills by serving many years as church musician in congregations of various different denominations, as well as performing at weddings, funeral services,