The piano has been a great source of joy for me throughout my life. It has instilled within me a sense of confidence, focus, patience, and self expression that continues to have a positive influence on my life. The process of piano learning has taught me self-discipline and determination needed to practice a piano regimen on a regular basis.

I desire to give my students the same benefits by imparting into them the knowledge, skills, excellence, and joy of playing that they too will have the piano as an instrument of their natural expression for the rest of their lives.

Below are the three areas that summarizes my approach:

EXCELLENCE

It is my joy to help students master their music, to help them do their best, and to strive for and achieve excellence. Though students differ in ability and development, I’m a big believer of “when there’s a will there’s a way”. Therefore, I maintain high hopes and expectations for my students (No, I’m not expecting everyone to become a concert pianist...=)

When I meet with my students, I desire to see in them good concentration, a desire to learn in lessons, as well as diligent practice and a ‘I’ll-do-my-best’ attitude.

EDUCATION

I like to play close attention to how my students learn. It is very important to me that they understand what is going on in the lesson so that they know how to go about their practice when I’m not around. This means that in the lesson students will learn to read music proficiently, play rhythm correctly, and express the written dynamics in the music so that they understand how to practice and what result they can expect from practicing these elements.

ENJOYMENT

I desire to see and help my students enjoy piano learning and music-making. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied music, receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy the piano. 

Parental Involvement plays a big part in a child’s musical progress.

Here are some ways you can help your child(ren) pursue the musician in him/her.

Practice 

Regularity of practice and good concentration during practice times are absolutely essential to good progress. Please set a definite period for practice, and see that your child has privacy while practicing. Since fruitful practice requires a high degree of concentration, it is important that the student is not distracted by siblings or common household noises.

Regarding practice, 1) Practice 5 days per week, and 2) Each day of practice complete the assignments that I write on the assignment book.
Note: Beginners may require supervision and guidance from parents during the early stages of practicing.

Encouragement

It is both the parents’ and my role to give encouragement to the child and to help him/her experience pleasure and interest in seeing personal musical progress. I will attempt to give students a well-rounded musical education by including different periods of music from Baroque to Twentieth Century to Jazz and Rock and various aspects of music such as theory, technique, etc. when appropriate. Your attitude toward your child’s music and studies helps to mold him/her musical likes and dislikes. Please encourage your child to do the best he/she can in all of the music.

Piano and Metronome

Please be sure your piano is tuned and in good working order.
A digital 88-note keyboard that is touch-sensitive and has weighted keys can be a substitute. Piano Tuning Resources:

1. Happy Piano Tuner Scot Lockhart (212-489-6171) 2. Beethoven Pianos (1-800-241-0001) 

A metronome is also necessary for lessons and practice.

Recitals

Performing in a recital is a great way to develop a student’s confidence and their sense of accomplishment.
It also reinforces good practice makes good pianists. The Studio hosts a student recital at the end of each semester. These performance opportunities provide students with further incentives to practice and excel. Therefore, participating in the recital is highly encouraged (though not required).

Music/Piano books

All music can be purchased at Amazon.com and MusicSheetPlus.com.

Lessons begin- Sept. 4

Rosh Hashanah- Sept. 17-18

Yom Kippur- Sept. 26 

Columbus Day (closed)- Oct. 8

Thanksgiving Recess (closed)- Nov. 21-24 

Winter Recess (closed)- Dec. 22-Jan. 1

Lessons Resume- Jan. 2

M.L. King. Jr. Day (closed)- Jan. 21

Fall Semester Ends- Feb. 2 

Spring Semester Begins- Feb. 4 

President’s Day (closed)- Feb. 18

*Spring Recess* 

Memorial Day (closed)- May 27 

Spring Semester Ends- June 22

Summer Term Begins- June 24**

Summer break- Aug. 18-31

* Spring Recess- One lesson is already deducted from the semester

** It is important that student keeps the momentum of their music progress throughout the year. There will be more flexibility in the summer schedule to accommodate family vacations and other special activities.