PIANO TEACHING (I am on teaching leave for school year 2022-24)
Why take piano studies?
Some parents may be challenged to make it a priority for their child to learn to play a musical instrument. However, the training that children obtain from instrumental studies, coupled with their discipline and determination, may help them tremendously to cope with modern day challenges and growing responsibilities. In addition music is an avenue for inner expression, the soul being a part of us which cannot be ignored.
Choosing which instrument to learn will depend on one's interest and preference. The piano is a basic instrument with which to start. Music can be fully appreciated through the piano without the need for an accompanying instrument. With the piano, pitch is built in, thereby eliminating a learning task for a beginner.
Guiding students to discover their highest potential.
I read a book where the author pronounced "Why right-brainers will rule the future." The book is thought provoking. As a music educator, I find that my influence on students reaches far beyond being able to perform on the instrument into balanced thinking, encouraged in instrumental study and performance. Balanced thinking - in a nutshell - will enable us to respond to the need of the moment and to cope with life challenges wisely. In day to day reality, we cannot rely on creative thinking alone, or on logical thinking alone. One needs the ability to see the small steps needed to achieve the big picture, coupled with discipline and determination.
As a piano teacher, I am happy and rewarded whenever I see and hear my students perform beautifully on the piano, because that means they have achieved balance and therefore the ability to cope with modern day challenges.
(Written by Josephine Sanchez 2010)
Piano Programs for Students
I am on teaching leave for school year 2022-24.
Suzuki Piano Instruction: starting at age 4
In the Suzuki method, children learn to play music in the same way they learned to speak their language - through listening, modeling, daily reinforcement and by making music a part of life. Musical intuition and natural use of the body are developed first before teaching music reading.
Developed more than 50 years ago, the Suzuki method of instrument instruction is an educational philosophy that seeks to develop children's intellectual potential by developing the whole child - providing them with a good environment, nurturing them with emotional support and encouraging creative and positive-oriented thinking. A parent's full involvement is a necessary factor in this approach.
As a performance-based program, students are required to participate in playthroughs (informal performances), end of semester recitals and for those who are ready, in graduation concerts of the Suzuki Music Association of California, Bay Area Piano branch.
Music Teachers' Association of California Certificate of Merit
The Certificate of Merit Program (CM) is a progressive course of piano study administered by the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). There are 10 levels (excluding Preparatory Level) that integrate piano performance, technique, sight reading, theory and ear training. The student takes the statewide CM examinations given in the spring in the county in which the teacher is a registered member.