I've been playing piano since I was 12 years old. I was trained by ear, and I love to teach students the same way. I do think music theory is important, so I teach basic theory, all scales, and I like to balance the lessons between what students 'need' to learn, and what they 'want to learn'. I always encourage students to bring in music THEY want to learn, as I believe this is the whole reason for piano lessons... so the student reaches a goal of being able to play whatever songs they want...
I've been playing piano since I was 12 years old. I was trained by ear, and I love to teach students the same way. I do think music theory is important, so I teach basic theory, all scales, and I like to balance the lessons between what students 'need' to learn, and what they 'want to learn'. I always encourage students to bring in music THEY want to learn, as I believe this is the whole reason for piano lessons... so the student reaches a goal of being able to play whatever songs they want to play.
I have over 15 years experience as a pianist for recording/arranging. I write my own music, as well as arrange popular songs. My last few albums have been Disney themed, and two of the albums reached the Billboard Top 10 New Age. I also play piano professionally for private events, including gatherings for producer J.J. Abrams, recording artist Jim Brickman, and fashion guru Kym Douglas.
My teaching method is relaxed, fun, and exciting. I use the John Thompson Method Books for beginners and intermediates, and I also balance the training with full scales instruction, ear training, and then any other songs that the student wants to learn, all of that gets incorporated into the lesson. I do expect my students to practice, and to learn the basics, and from there... the sky is the limit!