My studio
My studio is located in Ankeny, Iowa, and I provide private piano instructions to children and individuals of all ages. At the current moment, I am providing in-person lessons at the student’s homes. These arrangements can change depending on the situation.
My preference is in-person lessons. If we have to revert to online lessons, they will be conducted over high speed internet, with quality audio and multi-camera setting to provide clear views of hand positions and postures, sheet music, pedaling and piano keys to my students. When needed, I also provide additional online videos to assist in their practice.
To help parents stay organized and students be more independent, information of lessons, announcements and class materials can be accessed through Google Classroom. Online students will also submit their theory homework via Google Classroom.
Lessons usually cover music theory, technique exercises and scales, grade level pieces and performance repertoire, sight reading, ear training and aural skills.
Students are expected to perform in two recitals every year around December and May.
About Me
I studied piano, underwent years of rigorous training and examinations, and graduated under the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music) system (which is based in UK). The system is very structured and comprehensive for skill development. Today, I continue to research and study methods and strategies to improve on playing and teaching. I also enjoy discovering dynamic and fun pieces to help build the students’ repertoire.
As I have developed progressive bilateral hearing loss in the recent years, my musical journey will probably be short. So I am selective with taking in new students. I am happy to work with parents and students who are fully committed and cooperative, and those who are eager and willing to learn.
My Philosophy
I believe every child has the capability to play a musical instrument well. The keys to success are strong foundation, strong parental support and a good work and learning attitude. If you are a committed parent who plans to be involved in your child’s music education, I am the right teacher for you.
Different families have different needs, and different piano teachers have different goals. I am not here to teach every child. It is important to find a teacher who is a good fit and who will help your child excel. I am classically trained and I am focused on teaching techniques to produce a good tone and practice methods that prepares the player for advanced repertoire. I require students to have an adequate acoustic (or digital) piano before starting lessons.
I also believe that the choice of your first music teacher determines what kind of pianist your child will become. Even a prodigy when exposed to poor teaching methods can limit his chances of being an advanced player. Developing this strong musical foundation comes from doing it correctly right from the start. Since you are already making an investment, your child should be receiving a quality education.
Some of my transferred students were with their first piano teacher for 2 to 5 years before coming to me. The problems I encounter vary from being unable to read music or count, poor sitting and hand postures, flat fingers, percussive playing etc. Because these students are diligent and practiced regularly, they have developed habits that would essentially take months or years to break, or very frequently deep set. Much of learning an instrument is based on habits, muscle memory and the training of the brain. This explains why if you start to learn a language with poor pronunciation, you are less likely be able to speak it fluently or master it in the future. Because most transferred students were not trained to recognize mistakes, they tend to practice ineffectively. The process of relearning takes patience and perseverance.
My mission as a piano teacher is to equip my students with a strong foundation, to help them develop essential skills and musicality so that they can progress to play the music they enjoy at an advanced level, as well as the ability to continue their musical journey with ease and confidence.