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As a classically trained pianist, classical music is near and dear to my heart. I love the music of composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Haydn, and Mozart, and I strive to give my students a love of music from these masters as well as other composers. There are so many great piano pieces that were written long ago that are still just as beautiful in this day and age as they were back then. Many people can say that they love classical music, but I think that in order to fully appreciate and understand it one must study it more closely and delve into the mysteries that the great composers gave to us through music.
Classical and traditional music is an important part of my teaching curriculum. I firmly believe in the importance of sightreading, ear training, and theory. These may not always be the most fun aspects of learning music, but they do make one a better musician! There is so much grace and passion that comes with learning how to play a Chopin melody or a Bach fugue - it is not enough that a student merely learn the notes, but they should also learn to play a piece with their heart. That is the secret to great classical music.
Traditional lessons are required of all piano students. This involves the basics of music: notes, rhythm, dynamics, phrase structure, theory, sightreading, ear training, articulation, and music history. To become a well-rounded musician (or just to be able to enjoy music at a deeper level), a student must start with traditional lessons. I typically start beginning students with the Faber method, but I have used other methods such as Bastien, Alfred, Noona, and Suzuki. I tend to stick with the Faber books because I feel that they cover the basics of music the best. Most of the time I supplement traditional lessons with fun and popular pieces that are either requested by the student or suggested by myself. This spices things up a bit and gives the student something to look forward to during practice!
I was once asked if classical music is dying or if it has any relevance in today's society. Of course it does! Classical music reminds us of the beauty of life, if one will sit down and truly listen. The Masters were not called The Masters for nothing - they worked from the depths of their souls and brought forth amazing music because they loved it, not just because they wanted fame and fortune. It is my honor to be able to bring my love of the classics to my students, and it is my hope that they will one day leave my studio with a deeper appreciation of those Classical Masters.
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Why do I teach music?
Not because I expect you to play or sing music all your life . . .
Not because I expect you to be a professional musician . . .
But . . . so you will be human,
. . . so you will recognize beauty,
. . . so you will be sensitive,
. . . so you will be able to bring joy to others
. . . so you will find personal fulfillment
. . . so you may bring out something in yourself that you didn’t even know was there
. . . so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness
. . . in short, more LIFE!
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Classical & Traditional Lessons 
