Piano Lessons For Ages 6 to Adult

My Background and Qualifications

I started learning piano at the age of four.  Formal lessons were not available for me until later so upon reaching the 7th grade my major instrument became Saxophone.  Over the years, the Piano has remained near and dear to me and was my minor applied instrument in college.  I hold the Associate of Arts Degree from Gulf Coast College, Panama City, FL and the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Troy University, Troy, Al.  I also did graduate work at Troy and at Barry University.  My career since age 20 has been centered around Music Education including the distinction of having been the first to teach piano in a classroom setting in the public schools of Florida.  I wrote the first state adopted course guide for piano instruction in Florida and chaired the committee on piano and electronic music for the Broward County Schools (at that time, the largest fully accredited school system in the United States).   The experience of having worked with large groups of students as well as hundreds of individuals over 45 years has been invaluable.

Philosophy

I believe motivation is the key to success at the piano for youngsters of all ages.  “Forced” practice time is not in the best interest of successful progress for there is no doubt we learn best when we are enjoying the learning process.  Learning music should be and almost “must” be pleasant and joyful.  When this environment is in place, sufficient practice habits will occur naturally and abundantly.  Making certain this happens is a constant focus during lesson time.

Materials

There are many piano methods and learning series available.  I prefer the grand daddy of them all and still, I believe, superior approach of the John Thompson Modern Course For Piano.  Children under about 10 years of age usually begin with the book titled “Teaching Little Fingers To Play” while beginners around the age of 10 or older can usually start with the book “First Grade”.  I provide some additional materials along the way, free of charge, such as scale exercises, sight reading material, flash cards, etc.

Policies and Tuition

Tuition is $80 per month (including months when your lesson day falls five times in the month).  This is paid at the first lesson of each month and covers the cost of one thirty minute lesson per week.  Any missed lesson will be credited back by deducting $20 from the tuition due the following month, so long as notification was provided at least a day in advance.  Of course, emergencies will also be accommodated within reason.  From time to time, I will need to cancel or reschedule a lesson to accommodate travel plans, holidays, professional performances, etc.  but as a general rule I continue teaching year round.  If a student decides to take an extended break from lessons of a month or more, for example, during summer vacation from school, I will try to save their lesson slot for when they return but I reserve the option of assigning that time to someone else if necessary.  In the student’s best interest I do not recommend such extended time away from weekly lessons.