WELCOME

Both! Weekly lessons are offered both in-person at my home in Hillsborough, NJ, and online via Zoom. Students may opt for exclusively in-person or online, or a hybrid of the two.

In-person lessons are held at my home studio in Hillsborough, NJ, just down the road from the intersection of Rt. 206 and Mountain View Road. Online lessons are held via Zoom.

Each lesson includes: A warm-up with technical exercises and activities Play what was assigned for at-home practice Work on new pieces or build on current pieces by reading together, finding patterns, and practicing the building blocks of that piece Theory and ear-training activity relevant to current repertoire

It is up to you! If you are unsure, my advice is not to stay, as children tend to be more creative and focused with fewer adult observers. Use the time to go for a walk or relax, or run errands. With that said, parents and siblings are welcome to stay and quietly observe. If your lesson is online, parents don't need to stay in the room for the lesson, but it is a good idea to remain within earshot so that you can help with any necessary "tech support."

Yes! Daily practice can only be accomplished when an instrument is in the home. An acoustic piano is your best option. Students who practice on a real piano develop stronger and more agile technique, and are better equipped to express their musical intentions. A digital piano or keyboard is a useful tool for imitating the sound of a piano, but does not imitate the vibrations, overtones, or full range of dynamics; if you already have one, it can be okay for a beginner for 1-2 years. All digital pianos used for lessons must have at least 66 weighted and touch-sensitive keys, must be at the proper height, and must have a music stand and pedal. Smaller keyboards with small or unweighted and non-touch-sensitive keys don’t work for piano lessons.

A student's progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons. Therefore, daily practice is essential and expected. The practice assignment is fine-tuned to the student and to the strengths and struggles of that day's lesson. It is designed to be specific, efficient, and broken into manageable steps. By following it, material that is difficult will become easy. Playing the piano is a mental, physical, and emotional exercise. For young students and beginners, physical mastery demands the most attention. Specific amounts of practice time are not assigned to each student. Instead, students should practice long enough to accomplish the goals that we create during each lesson. Parents, help your child find this quiet time every day, and make it part of your routine. The physical motion of playing every day will internalize good technique, build stronger fingers and posture, and help form a more free and intuitively musical student. For adults, the main challenge is providing that consistent time for yourself, despite life’s many other demands. It helps to truly think of your musical journey as a “practice” in the sense of a meditation or yoga practice. It’s amazing what a little each day can do.

I strongly encourage at least two performances a year, which can take many forms: a recital, student showcase at school, family gathering, group lesson, or competitive or juried event. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the hard work of the student and to bond with fellow pianists. It’s also a great way to become comfortable with nerves and develop poise and confidence in a fun and supportive setting. I never put a student in the position of performing something that is not 100% comfortable and ready. While I push students to do their best throughout the year, I do not use the recital as a strategy to force practice. We simply choose our favorite music and share it.