Karen's Teaching Philosophy
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.
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?
The amount of time one practices is less important than how a child uses his or her practice time. Conscientious practice helps to develop a student's ability to focus on a variety of endeavors, including schoolwork. 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.
Do students participate in recitals?
Participation in student recitals is required. Learning how to perform is highly beneficial for a child's musical development, self esteem and sense of community. One of my greatest joys is watching students beam with pride following their recital performance.
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.
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?
The amount of time one practices is less important than how a child uses his or her practice time. Conscientious practice helps to develop a student's ability to focus on a variety of endeavors, including schoolwork. 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.
Do students participate in recitals?
Participation in student recitals is required. Learning how to perform is highly beneficial for a child's musical development, self esteem and sense of community. One of my greatest joys is watching students beam with pride following their recital performance.
Karen instructs one of her piano students.
" Karen is a wonderful teacher, whose enthusiasm and insight make her an ideal instructor for adults as well as younger pupils. Our piano lesson is the highlight of my week."
-Rebecca N., Adult Piano Student
-Rebecca N., Adult Piano Student