Teaching was gifted to me as a high schooler. As a young student, I attended a home studio run by a woman and her three adult children. When there was a death in the family, they needed people to fill in. They must have been desperate to ask an eager 14 year old, but when they did, it opened an entirely new world to me.
After the first lesson I knew I wanted to teach piano lessons for the rest of my life.
My teachers mentored me as an assistant teacher all through highschool. Later, I was accepted at a university with a renewable scholarship for piano performance and pedagogy. The early success of my teaching caused me to think this degree was not necessary. I did not end up taking the scholarship.
Unfortunately, I rationalized that I was already doing enough and there was no need for school.My youthful assumption did not pan out.A few short years later, I found myself a young, divorced mother of two.I was not involved with music. I was not practicing. I didn’t even own a keyboard or a piano.Instead, I was working an office job trying to support my kids 100% on my own.I had accepted that my chance with music was over until one day my mom called and said one of her clients was looking for a piano teacher.I had dismissed the thought of teaching ever again, but I needed the money, and I missed music, so I said yes. Soon I got another call from a different family. And then another. My studio grew out of nowhere and after a few years of organizing processes and gaining certifications, I was back in the teaching game in a local music academy.
Suddenly I had access to amazing and experienced performers and teachers.I shadowed lessons, revised my policy, joined my local music teacher association, participated my studio in local events, enhanced my recitals for students, and more. Although my students were doing well, I knew my own skill was lacking. Along with the gap of practicing while working at the office, I also was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Moving my fingers to play anything well was challenging. Not to mention my schedule. By this time I was remarried with a baby and had my two young children. Running a business as a mom leaves little time for practice.
Regardless, I started taking lessons from an incredibly patient colleague. She helped me with my technique and during this time I found a protocol for my health that alleviated my joint pain.But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Ask my friend/instructor, and she would tell you I was consistently unprepared, full of excuses, and would unfairly cancel due to guilt of no practice. I was so nervous I would even break out into hives at lessons!
My career is teaching. And I am a good teacher. Yet, at that time, I couldn’t crack the code of my own adult education.
This experience allowed me to empathize with my students younger and older. I could see how preparing specific elements as a child could prevent issues later on in the piano education.I could also see how incredibly terrifying it is to learn such skills as an adult. The guilt of not practicing. The embarrassment of not playing as well as I once did. After a few years of self-reflections, lots of books, research, webinars, and figuring out a real practice routine, I am genuinely happy with the pianist I am.
It is thrilling to learn new pieces, perform them, laugh about mistakes, and to just play music.
So, not only have I implemented foundational skills for my younger students, but I am launching an online adult piano program that better fits realistic needs of adults. An adult piano program that will help them to play beautiful music, keep their mind’s sharp, and to relax. A realistic program to fit in with their busy and complex lifestyles.
- If you have ever wanted to play piano but felt that you are too old, not 'musical' enough, or learning piano would be too much work, I encourage you to book a call with me.
- If you are frustrated that you are not seeing your desired results or you give it another shot, only to throw your hands up and quit, I encourage you to book a call.
- If you want to learn to help your own child or maybe even get your child started, I encourage you to book a call.
I am a firm believer that anyone can enjoy and learn to play at any age. Together we can discuss what specifically you want to learn, your overall goals, and we can put forth a plan together.
I would love to connect and discuss your dreams to make them a reality!