Piano lessons in Portland
Building a strong musical foundation . . .and having fun!
I offer comprehensive musical training (repertory, technique, theory) to piano students of all levels. I am happy to teach all ages, from first graders to retired seniors. Here are some principal ideas at the core of my teaching philosophy:
Multi-level approach: I always make sure that I am working on several levels simultaneously with every student. The work I assign at each lesson includes material that maintains a balance between forming new skills and reinforcing freshly acquired skills. I never assume that once something has been taught, it has been learned. Therefore, in the same week, my students may be working on harder pieces or exercises to push them forward or teach them something new, pieces at their comfort level to reinforce their skills, and easier pieces to build confidence and for the sheer pleasure of finding something easy to play right away!
One-hour lessons: I give one-hour lessons, which ensures that I have time to both listen fully and work with the previous week's assignment and also to prepare the work for the coming week. I never send a student home without being sure that he/she completely understands the new material and how to work on it. There's nothing worse than a week wasted because the student was unsure about how to practice. Students are shown how to practice efficiently and effectively. A one-hour lesson also allows me to be flexible and veer off-track when appropriate: explore and develop ideas that arise from pertinent questions, listen to recordings, talk about composers or musical history, etc. It also allows time for work away from the keyboard, in the form of musical games, ear-training, rhythm and movement--so valuable and especially appreciated by younger students.
Varied repertory: Chosen repertory is varied in style: besides the core method and technique books, material is a mixture of classical, jazz, new-age and pop. Film music is particularly popular with adolescents.
Multi-level approach: I always make sure that I am working on several levels simultaneously with every student. The work I assign at each lesson includes material that maintains a balance between forming new skills and reinforcing freshly acquired skills. I never assume that once something has been taught, it has been learned. Therefore, in the same week, my students may be working on harder pieces or exercises to push them forward or teach them something new, pieces at their comfort level to reinforce their skills, and easier pieces to build confidence and for the sheer pleasure of finding something easy to play right away!
One-hour lessons: I give one-hour lessons, which ensures that I have time to both listen fully and work with the previous week's assignment and also to prepare the work for the coming week. I never send a student home without being sure that he/she completely understands the new material and how to work on it. There's nothing worse than a week wasted because the student was unsure about how to practice. Students are shown how to practice efficiently and effectively. A one-hour lesson also allows me to be flexible and veer off-track when appropriate: explore and develop ideas that arise from pertinent questions, listen to recordings, talk about composers or musical history, etc. It also allows time for work away from the keyboard, in the form of musical games, ear-training, rhythm and movement--so valuable and especially appreciated by younger students.
Varied repertory: Chosen repertory is varied in style: besides the core method and technique books, material is a mixture of classical, jazz, new-age and pop. Film music is particularly popular with adolescents.
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Reinforcing musical skills and theory: Developing good reading skills is essential to musical enjoyment and the ability to progress. I ensure that none of my students is in a position of "battling the notes" by including note- and/or rhythm-reading exercises as part of every week's assignment, for at least the first year of study and often beyond. Younger students enjoy earning sticker rewards as they successfully complete these weekly drills, which constantly reinforce their skills and make them fluent readers. Theoretical understanding is reinforced with small weekly written assignments. As time permits during the lesson, students work away from the keyboard, using movement and percussion instruments to develop their sense of rhythm and listening.
Expression, expression, expression: Even the youngest students can be made sensitive to playing musically, listening to the sounds they are creating, and developing a solid technique that enables them to produce the sound and expression they desire!
An international flavor: I've been exposed to many approaches during my years in France; my teaching style draws from both French and American pedagogical techniques. I've also been influenced by colleagues from England, Russia, Germany, and other countries.
Fun: Though lessons emphasize thorough understanding, discipline, and perseverance, there is always room for humor and laughter. Believing as I do that we often learn the most from making mistakes, and that it is normal to not always "get" everything right away, students feel free to approach difficult material and try new things without fear of failure.
Expression, expression, expression: Even the youngest students can be made sensitive to playing musically, listening to the sounds they are creating, and developing a solid technique that enables them to produce the sound and expression they desire!
An international flavor: I've been exposed to many approaches during my years in France; my teaching style draws from both French and American pedagogical techniques. I've also been influenced by colleagues from England, Russia, Germany, and other countries.
Fun: Though lessons emphasize thorough understanding, discipline, and perseverance, there is always room for humor and laughter. Believing as I do that we often learn the most from making mistakes, and that it is normal to not always "get" everything right away, students feel free to approach difficult material and try new things without fear of failure.
It's never too late!
How often have I heard adults say, "I wish my parents would not have allowed me to quit piano as a child!"
Older students are often thrilled to discover that much of what they learned in childhood is still there, ready to be revived. Or that something that seemed incomprehensible as a child is easily approachable through the lenses of maturity.
And yes, it is possible to start from absolute zero as an adult. Older students derive great satisfaction as they realize their long-held dream of being able to play the piano!
Older students are often thrilled to discover that much of what they learned in childhood is still there, ready to be revived. Or that something that seemed incomprehensible as a child is easily approachable through the lenses of maturity.
And yes, it is possible to start from absolute zero as an adult. Older students derive great satisfaction as they realize their long-held dream of being able to play the piano!
Debra Sostrin, DMA
Voice & Piano Studio
Serving Northwest Portland & Beaverton, OR 97229
E-mail: [email protected]
Voice & Piano Studio
Serving Northwest Portland & Beaverton, OR 97229
E-mail: [email protected]
