Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 5-80
Teaching since 2007
Music Performance, Piano
Learn piano and play the music you love
About Me
I started taking piano lessons in 8th grade, because my little sister started taking lessons and I didn’t want her to be able to do something I could not! My motivation quickly changed as I began to love the piano and the music I found I could make come from it. Not only did I enjoy the challenges and rewards that came from learning the piano, but the habits of hard work and persistence that I formed along the way have paid off in every part of my life. I graduated with a BA in Music Performance in 2010 from North Central University.
I believe music has incredible educational value, but I also believe that it should be enjoyable. Every student is different and has a different purpose for wanting to learn music. 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 those aspects into lessons.
Methodology
Method books are used as a basic foundation for lessons. I’ve found these books to be good indicators of progress, and they fill in theory, technique, and ear training gaps that might otherwise be passed over in the course of just “learning songs.” They also do a good job introducing all types of musical genres, while keeping the difficulty level appropriate. The two series I use most commonly are Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, and Faber and Faber’s Piano Adventures.
I do treat the method books with a lot of flexibility, especially when dealing with younger students (5-6 years old), or students who process differently from traditional learners. The biggest advantage of private lessons is that learning and pace can be tailored to individual students. I typically teach 2-3 introductory lessons before recommending a starting book.
Practice Expectations
All students 2nd grade and up are expected to practice 5-6 days a week, 20-30 minutes a day. Playing piano is both a physical and mental task, and requires repetition and drilling in order to master basic technique and theory. As each student progresses, he or she may need to practice more often, for longer periods, in order to master more difficult pieces. For students younger than 2nd grade, practice times can be tailored to the student’s ability and attention span.
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Lake Drive
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Wednesday
12 PM-2 PM
2:30 PM-3 PM
Thursday
12 PM-2 PM
3 PM-4 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$60
About Mary S.
4.8
(15)
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.
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ReviewsWrite a review
5
87%
4
13%
3
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4.8
15 Reviews
Olivia
Teacher's studio
Mary S is fantastic!
Posted Jan 10, 2020
Grant
The first lesson went extremely well. Mary was very supportive and affirming. I made progress! I look forward to further lessons. Online methodology worked well as we were working across country.
Posted Dec 20, 2019
Samuel
Teacher's studio
She was very patient took the time to give me excellent lessons. I learned a lot and was very pleased with her professional approach to teaching.
Posted Oct 3, 2019
Experience
Piano Teacher
Jun, 2015 - PresentNorthern Pine Studios
Piano Teacher
Jun, 2015 - Aug, 2017Rogers School of Music
Piano Teacher
Oct, 2011 - PresentTake Lessons
Children's Choir Director
Nov, 2010 - May, 2015Presbyterian Church of the Way
Education
Music Performance, Piano
Sep, 2007 - Dec, 2010North Central University
Affiliations
Music Teachers National Association
Oct, 2015The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.
Mary's Gallery
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Lake Drive
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Wednesday
12 PM-2 PM
2:30 PM-3 PM
Thursday
12 PM-2 PM
3 PM-4 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$60
Private Lessons
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