What to Expect
Each student is unique; therefore, each person learns at their own pace and in their own way. I approach each lesson individually. I do not have a "lesson plan." We work on a piece until we get it. If you don't like it, I suggest you work on it the most so you don't have to keep it longer than necessary. Do the hard work first! I encourage beginner students to practice (at home) a minimum of 3 times weekly, and at least 15 minutes per day...that's 45 minutes per week. This includes flashcard practice, theory, exercises, and music.
Students are encouraged to play for others as often as possible. The student has multiple opportunities throughout the year to perform during a service at Byrd's Chapel UMC.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Music lessons of any kind (piano, voice, drums, guitar, dance, etc.) are very different than other lessons such as sports. In music lessons, you have a lesson once per week in which you perform the pieces as instructed by your teacher. The remainder of the time is spent at home practicing and working through flashcards, theory, fingering exercises, scales, and music. This is a family journey. Parents, you will need to take time with your beginner student to read through the written instructions and work through the information provided by your teacher WITH your student. For parents used to sports, you take your student to practice with a coach several times a week, and then they perform on the weekend during a competition. Both require practice, patience, and performance. But the 3 P's are approached very differently. Music is a totally different family commitment than sports. All extracurricular activities build strength mentally and physically, character, and sportsmanship.
