The attention to detail required to play the piano serves children well through their school years and into adulthood.  Pianists often become self-assured adults who are prepared to pursue successful careers or further musical study.

Kids often perceive piano as a drag, but all I can say is...not in my studio!  I love teaching my students to use the piano as a vehicle to express themselves both powerfully and subtlely.  Nothing sets a band above the ho hum of pop mediocrity like a good pianist with trained hands that can work independently to create groove.

Lessons initially focus on the basic skills required to read music and play simple melodies on keyboard.  As lessons progress, students learn  to master rhythm, fingering, chording, comping bass lines and chords, soloing while comping with the left hand, major/minor & blues scales and how to combine them.  The essential skills of reading music are also emphasized.  I teach them to study the page BEFORE jumping in sp they understand the key signature, melodic figures and chord inversions that'll be encountered.  We then proceed to more advanced skills using the works of some of the most well known composers.  Advanced students work with me on modal theory, jazz and blues improvisation and creative composition in different styles.

At Loudoun Music, students successfully completing 5 years of piano will be able to play many well known classical, contemporary and popular pieces by sight.  They will also know how to navigate a 12 bar blues progression as a soloist while keeping solid time in their bass lines.  They'll know how to apply blues and jazz theory to contemporary music, and know how to really "boogie-woogie."  When I ask my long time students to give my some boogie woogie...they give me some.  I make the piano "cool," so the kids keep coming back for more.   I will teach your child the way they "can be taught."  Some respond well to the traditional "read it and weep" method.  This is how I was originally taught.  I hated it but it helped me.  If a student of mine does not respond to traditional training, for any reason, I'll bounce to another angle.  I'll get them playing, get them to experience rhythm, melody and success.  I will  hook 'em.  If they love music they'll be fine here.  Once they are musicians I can teach them how to write and read the language they're speaking.  There's always a way.

In determining the right time to start, consider the desire level of the child (most important), and size of the hand.  Have the child place their hand, completely fanned out, on a table or flat surface.  Measure from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb.  I look for about 4 1/2 - 5" in order to be able to get started.  Generally, the optimum age for beginning piano instruction is between 6 and 8 years old.  Most important though is desire...does your child really want to play?  If so, the or she is probably ready.