What can you expect on Your Musical Journey?

We approach your piano study through the  naturalness of learning using all the senses and the mind. We start where you are.

Nurtured by Love

“When love is deep, much can be accomplished.” *

One of the most important aspects of the Suzuki philosophy is cooperation rather than competition. The nurturance that is called forth sets the tone of the lessons.

EVERYONE has the Ability to Play Beautifully.

If students of any age put in the time, follow instruction and allow themselves to believe it is possible, they WILL succeed. I believe in EVERYONE’s ability and hold that for you. I know this is true from my own teaching experience.

First, we immerse ourselves in listening to the literature and then we learn to feel/play what we hear. Just as a child successfully learns to speak the language he hears daily, we listen and imitate what we hear on piano. 

Because of the excellent selection of pieces in the first book, we are also able to learn many technical and musical skills that would have to wait if we were relying on our eyes to guide us.

Training the Ear

In my studio we work first with the senses. We develop an aural musical memory and tie that to what our fingers feel. The ear guides the fingers to find the notes, then to refine the tone, and then to guide the expression of more refined musicality.

One Step at a Time

“Success breeds success.” *

To climb this mountain, we take one step at a time, starting where you are at every moment. Each accomplishment is appreciated and honored building confidence in your ability to succeed.

Patience, Persistence

I can see the building of patience reflected in my Suzuki students.

The way I teach, building technical and musical skills right from the very beginning, students have quite an ability when they finish the first book. The building blocks take time, whatever time is needed, but each is skill is developed and Everyone accomplishes them, unless they give up. Setting the template and expectation that each piece will require the same diligence, students who stay in the program develop an attitude that patience, practice, and persistence are the norm. It is interesting and heartening to experience students who have shown that fortitude through book after book. It develops character.

Commitment to Excellence

My goal is that with each piece a student learns we gleam all that we can in understanding the pieces: their forms and harmonic expression, contrapuntal devices, and artistry. I want my students to be able to have the ability to fully express themselves through music. 

Learning to read

We learn to read and write notes, scales and chords from the beginning. In book two we start to add reading the Suzuki pieces gradually, learning to feel and hear phrases and harmonies we are seeing. Learning to read is ongoing as literature is more advanced and diverse. The opportunity is to be curious about the reading process and what that offers. The more advanced the musical understanding, the more advanced the reading can be. The beauty is that one is not held back musically but continues to advance while the reading comes along. 

I have found that blind students and students that have difficulty with eye/hand coordination can learn to play advanced pieces beautifully even though they are not reading music. I am so happy they have that gift through which they can express themselves.

Continuing the development of the ear is ongoing

Music is an aural expression. As we develop in our piano study, our early connection to the ear is developed throughout. With that, we refine our musical expression, and we become more critical listeners. We learn to hear subtleties in performances, comparing different editions of scores with recordings, and developing the understanding of stylistic interpretation. 

*Dr. Suzuki quotes to inspire