Piano Art Studio is open to students of all ages and abilities,
from beginners who are learning basic concepts in music and piano playing to
advanced students who are preparing for competitions and auditions.
Lesson
durations offered are 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 1 hour, once or
twice a week. For children that are 7
years old and younger 30 minute lessons are typically recommended.
Throughout
the academic year the studio offers a number of different performing
opportunities through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Texas
Music Teachers Association (TMTA) and the Forum Music Teachers Association of
Houston (FMTA) student affiliate membership program. The studio also organizes
student recitals and other events each academic year. Participation is not
mandatory, but is HIGHLY encouraged.
Note
on practicing:
Practicing at home is an integral
part of the piano lessons. 80% of student’s progress on the piano actually depends
on student’s availability and ability to practice at home. For this reason it
is important that students carefully consider the time and the resources
available to them for practicing BEFORE building any expectations regarding
reaching a certain goal within a specific time frame. For children who require
parental supervision this means that 80% of their progress depends on their
parent’s ability to follow, oversee, and encourage them to practice. Thus, the
result of piano lessons is actually a product of a team work which includes the
student, the teacher, and also the parent. To achieve utmost results all
members of the team must do their part. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
If you are
novice to piano and need more information about what to expect from your
lessons please click here, you will be transferred to Piano
Education Page, a reliable source where you will find answers to many questions you might have, and much more.
The method of instruction is based on classical music
conventions and employs classical piano repertoire. Classically trained
students develop highest level of skill and ability on their instrument, and
acquire superior knowledge of music in general. Concepts and pieces from
different styles of music and periods of music (such as pop, jazz, folk etc.)
are also integrated in the method.
The curriculum is customized for each student based on their
skill level, age and musical goals. It includes the following subject areas:
technique, artistry, repertoire, sight-reading, ear-training, music theory, and
music history. Each subject area is more
or less emphasized based on the specific student’s interests and needs, and includes
combination of different musical pieces, exercises and approaches.
The teaching method emphasizes on the development of musical
expressivity in piano playing by means of acquiring sufficient technical skill.
The methods applied to each student’s technique development includes variety of
different approaches and are structured to foster creativity and artistry as
well as finger agility and strength. The goal is to teach students to approach
music as a language, as a tool for self expression, and through consistent
practice to provide them with enough technical skill to be able to articulate themselves musically.
Music is a conduit, a unique language, through which human
imagination and creativity can be articulated and consequently developed in a
way that no other language or method of communication can. By practicing it,
and employing imagination and creativity in music making, students develop greater
inner self awareness as well as skills in logic and math, promoting self growth
on both personal and intellectual levels. As a result students become more
articulate in general, as well as distinctive in their piano artistry.
Lessons are held at the Piano Art Studio location at my
residence, which is located in Candlelight Plaza, near Garden Oaks & Oak Forest neighborhoods, a mile
north from Shepherd and 610 North Loop.
Students who wish to have lessons held at their residences
are also accepted, subject to proximity to the studio’s location and my availability.
Additional fees apply.
Students also have the option to study piano with me through St. Paul's Fine Arts Academy in St. Paul's United Methodist Church
where I currently teach as well. It is located across the street from the Fine Arts Museum and might be more convenient for
students wanting to take piano lessons near West University Place, Rice Village and River Oaks areas.
(Map)
