Joyful Sounds Studio

 I have been married for 23 years and have 2 teen age children. I've lived in La Grande for 5 years and before that in Seattle for 7 years.

WHY DO I TEACH MUSIC?

Why should anyone teach music?

-not just to have a rewarding job

-not just to repay those who taught me

-not just because music is entwined with so many aspects of our life

I TEACH MUSIC BECAUSE…

-By enriching other's lives with music, I enrich my own

-Helping someone learn music is a lifetime gift.

-Studying music connects people with their community, their culture, their future.

-I want others to experience the joy and the thrill of making music.

       JOYCE HOKE

As a piano teacher, I realize that every person has the right to study piano, regardless of background or previous piano playing ability. This includes students age 4-adult, beginners through intermediate. Students need to have a piano to practice on, and while keyboards are discouraged, they are acceptable as long as there is a desire to buy a piano in the near future.

The curriculum will be chosen by the piano teacher although students may help to decide the direction of their learning including what music to play, whether to participate in recitals and long and short term goals.

Students, regardless of ability, will be given the opportunity to achieve their highest possible level and individual difference of students will be considered.

A variety of music styles will be used for learning and simplified versions of more difficult piano literature or familiar classical works are also available.

As a piano teacher, I am committed to provide the student with a total music education to include: playing various songs, technical exercises, music theory, ear training and sight reading. Development of reading skills will be a strong focus from the beginning. Students are also encouraged to express themselves creatively through improvisation of music.

Practice requirements will be tailored to age, level and ability of the student and consideration is taken for times of sickness or business or holidays. Piano lessons do continue throughout the year with 2 weeks off in the summer and 1 week off during Christmas.

Parental involvement of any minor children is encouraged, however being present during lessons is not critical. Some children do better when mom or dad is not there. Also, different levels of involvement at practice times depends on individual students. For more help in this area, an article on parent involvement is available.

Finally, I view myself as piano teacher and also friend to my students. I look forward to seeing my students and enjoy watching them succeed in their lives and through music.