Why should my child take music lessons?
Music lessons build children’s self-confidence, encourage creative thinking and improve motor skills and math scores. I teach solid fundamentals, make them fun, and tailor the lessons to fit the student’s aptitude and learning style.

Is my child ready for lessons?
How old a child should be before beginning lessons depends upon the child and his or her choice of instrument. A four-year old, for example, will not have large enough fingers to cover the holes of the Clarinet, but can easily play the Recorder. If a child is asking for lessons, he or she is often ready. That said, when I was young my mother decided I was going to take lessons without any idea that I had musical ability or substantial interest.

Am I too old to start lessons?
You are never too old to learn to play an instrument. There are wonderful progressive piano books solely for adults. Mature students find lessons a welcome respite from the fast pace of modern life. One of my Ivy League educated students learned to play the piano for the first time at age 58 following brain surgery! She simply loves her lessons and cannot believe how much they have aided her physical and mental rehabilitation.

What do I need to know about practicing?
Practice by definition is doing something repeatedly. Information is only learned once it is stored in our long-term memory. How it winds up in our long-term memory is by repetition. This is true for sports, hobbies, learning people’s names and, of course, music. Playing an instrument or singing also requires learning new motor skills. The only way to learn to swing a bat well enough to hit a ball is to practice.

How much does one need to practice?
My philosophy on practicing is that “even a little goes a long way.” You owe it to your child to develop and maintain a regular practice schedule in order to ensure success on his or her instrument. Ideally, a student should play an instrument daily, preferably at the same time each day. The amount of time one practices is less important than how a child uses his or her practice time. Conscientious practice helps to develop one’s ability to focus on all kinds of endeavors, including schoolwork. I provide tips and strategies on effective practice for young musicians.

Do you give recitals?
Participation in my yearly recital is highly encouraged. Learning how to perform is beneficial for musical development and personal growth. Perhaps my greatest joy is seeing students’ pride soar after performing in their first recital.