Music and Recitals
What type of music do you teach?
- I assign music to students that is appropriate for their age and interest level. All of my students study the 4 main genres of piano music: baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary. I also love to teach pieces that are motivators for students, such as movie pieces, pop pieces, jazz, contemporary Christian, ragtime, etc. I am not trying to train students to be competitors in music, but rather develop a love of playing the piano. I do have students who are at the advanced level and wish to study music in college. For them, I push their skill level a bit harder. However, are my students picking up Christmas music and playing for friends and relatives during the holidays? Then I have succeeded.
Where do I buy music books and how do I pay for them?
- To avoid additional exchange of money for books, I will place books on hold for you at Strait music throughout the year. I will notify you when those books are available, and you may pick them up and purchase them before the next lesson. If you desire to purchase your music elsewhere (and by all means, please do!), I will give you the title of the book and/or title of the piece that I want you to purchase.
Festivals, Competitions and Recitals?
- I hold 2 recitals a year for my students, 1 in December and 1 in May. Attendance and participation at these recitals is required.
- Students may also elect to participate in local festivals and competitions sponsored by the ADMTA (Austin District Music Teachers Association) and National Federation of Music Clubs. These events are held at UT. Festivals are non-competitive events with a ribbon and comments from a judge given. Competitions are ranked competition based on a student’s age.
- If you would like to participate in festivals and/or competitions, please notify me during the first month of each semester and pay the appropriate fees per events.