Perfect Practice

You've heard the phrase, "Practice Makes Perfect,"  however with piano, that's not quite correct!  "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect," is more accurate.  Just what constitutes "Perfect Practice"?
First, we must practice every day.  Consistency really does matter.
Second, slow, deliberate practice is a must when learning a new piece.  Hands alone, metronome ticking, counting out loud, getting the fingering right - all help as you are getting acquainted with the piece.
Third, learn any new piece a little at a time.  "By the inch, it's a cinch... By the yard, it's hard."  Try to master one or two or three measures at a time.
Fourth, Listen!  Are there any stutters, any wrong notes, any counting glitches?  Stop!  Make corrections and play it until it's fixed before going on.
Fifth, add the finishing touches - dynamics, ritards, phrasing, accents, staccatos - every detail that makes a piece of music pleasing and complete.

Promise yourself that you will make every practice session productive, as you prepare each part of your repertoire.

Consistency

This is one of Claude Monet's famous "Haystack" studies. "The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. If you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent rendering of a [hay stack]." (David A. Bednar, Ensign, Nov 2009) Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting with light and shadow.

Each time you practice daily - thoughtfully and with care; each time you count aloud and use the metronome; each time you try to play your pieces with feeling; each time you play a scale or a Hanon exercise; you are adding a brushstroke to your talent canvas. Each practice session may not seem to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes or paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant results. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). Consistency is the key.

Studio Guidelines

Welcome new students and parents!


I am so excited to get to know you and play beautiful music together. This post contains a few guidelines that will help you and I to have a great experience learning together.

First, let's talk about practicing! My rule is that you only need to practice on the days that you eat--with one exception--you may choose one day to have "off", or skip. That means 20 to 60 minutes of dedicated practicing of the lesson material we choose together. We will agree upon an exact amount of minutes to practice. Your love for the piano and talent will grow equal to your efforts. Students who do not demonstrate a commitment to practice and progress will be referred to a different teacher may be better suited for them.

Second, attendance. Students are expected to attend all lessons and studio classes. Please notify me in advance if you must miss a session. No make-up lessons are given for missed or cancelled lessons. You may switch lesson times with another student--please let me know ahead of time of the arrangements you have made. To be fair to all students waiting for their lesson to start, if you come to your lesson late, the lesson will still end on time.

Third, tuition. Payment for lessons is due the first lesson of each month. Currently, my lesson rate is $10 for each 30-minute lesson. There is also an annual book rental fee of $25 due in September for all piano students. This covers the books that you will rent from me. As you become more skilled in your abilities, we will only choose one or two pieces from a repertoire. This rental fee will save you money on buying books for just one or two pieces. Theory books must be purchased by the student, as they are workbooks you will write in. Students must also have a metronome.



Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding these guidelines. I look forward to seeing your talents progress and your love of music grow.

Method and Approach

Private Lessons - One-on-one instruction for both technique, theory and musicianship. Goals are set and maintained as students learn how to achieve their personal objectives through discipline, focus, and enjoyment.

For piano, I begin students in the Piano Adventure series and focus on more classical pieces to develop a broad base of ability. Contemporary pieces are added per the student's request.

Studio Class - Group sessions where all students perform for their peers, listen, and discuss such topics as: the psychology of performance, chamber music skills, learning to condition your sound to different spaces, audience courtesy, sight reading skills, creating practicing schedules, musicians, and composers, among many other topics. Studio Classes are 1 hour, $10 per session, and are held once each quarter. All students are expected to attend.

Recitals - Two to three recital opportunities are given to each student every year.