Performance Piano, Solfeggio, Theory, Music Appreciation & the Arts

Columbia, Maryland

Performance Piano, Technique, Expression, Ear Training, and Ensemble

“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

I teach classical piano, beginner through early advanced, pre-K to 12th grade. I use the Faber Piano series and Hanon Scales and Exercises, in combination with other texts as needed. When a student is ready, we learn Western European classical repertoire from the Baroque to the Modern Classical periods. Repertoire across multiple cultures is included to aid the development of technique, theory, performance, and appreciation. Piano lessons are frequently combined with ear training using solfeggio. Students often choose between a performance-oriented program and a musicianship program. The latter prepares students for band, orchestra, or choir, or develops general music appreciation.

Music Appreciation and the Arts

“That’s why people listen to music or look at paintings. To get in touch with that wholeness.”
–Corita Kent

Students may wish to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of classical music, both Western and as developed in other cultures, and to study the relationship of each to other arts, such as painting, sculpture, drama, and architecture. I offer opportunities for short-term sessions in music appreciation that can be tailored to a student’s interests.

Music Theory, Composition, and Conducting

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
Aldous Huxley

Theory, composition, and conducting are the backbone of music, enlivened on stage. Each aspect can be mastered alone or in combination with piano performance. I offer opportunities to study theory and complete statewide theory exams, to participate in composition competitions, and to learn basic conducting.

Opportunities

MTNA Gold Cup Awards
Studio Awards
Guest Artist Presentations
Soundtrap
PREZI/Youtube
Ensemble work
Local & Regional Competition
Individual Recital
Statewide Exams
UNMUTE
Royal Conservatory of Music Theory
Studio and Local Student Recitals

Perspective

“The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their Divine Nature, not entertainment.”
Pythagoras of Samos

“Music is the divine way, to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”
Pablo Casals

Success

Each student will set individual goals and a general purpose for their art, as they are ready. We will map success according to goal achievement including mastery of technique, musicianship, repertoire, and level of engagement. Performance opportunities in socially conscious venues round out our pursuits.