“My approach is based in classical music- my students learn to read music, then the initial fingering positions, move on to scales, then simple compositions, then begin to put it all together in simple classical pieces. I don’t work from one particular ‘method.’ The Faber and Bastien series do offer some easier transcriptions of popular classical music, but as soon as the student is able I like to go right to Bach or Mozart.”

Lessons

Lessons are usually either 45 minutes or 1 hour long, according to the age of the student. Fees are rated accordingly. Please feel free to call me to discuss my rates.

My studio practice is structured around regular weekly lessons over a ten month period, from Labor Day through the end of June. Every student is scheduled for 39 lessons during that period. I make a seasonal schedule available to each student which lists all of their scheduled lessons for the ten months. The number of lessons each month may vary according to day of the week and other factors.

However, for ease of accounting, each student’s fee is the same each month and is due in advance at the first lesson of each month.

I organize a spring recital at the Berkeley Piano Club for as many students as wish to participate. In addition I usually offer two or three group workshops in the studio in advance of the recital to familiarize my students with performing for an audience.

During the months of July and August my studio schedule is less regular. I encourage students to continue lessons during the summer, but usually see students less frequently owing to family vacations, etc. Therefore summer lessons are paid on a per-lesson prorated basis.