Piano Lessons with Carolyn Medrano

Age: I enjoy teaching students of all ages, usually beginning in first grade.

Frequency of Lessons: Most students do well with one half-hour lesson per week.

Methods:

There are no clear-cut rules when choosing a method for a student, but by studying the different methods, and having used them with different students, I have some general guidelines I follow.  I select from only the most pedagogically-sound methods available.  I frequently discuss the merits of these methods with colleagues, and choose supplementary material as needed.

There are several wonderful options available for students. I choose from the following, depending on the learning style and interests of the student:

•        Piano Pronto, by Jennifer Eklund

•        Piano Town, by Keith Snell and Diane Hidy

•        Piano Adventures,  by Nancy and Randall Faber
•        The Perfect Start, by Kevin and Julia Olson
•        Alfred's Prep Course, by Palmer, Manus, and Lethco

Practice: Regularity is most important for any student's practice.  Students that are very young should not be expected to practice 30 minutes at a time.  Just as younger children spend less time on homework, they shouldn't be expected to practice piano as long as older students.  However, student progress depends on regular practice.  Younger students need parental support in their practice.  As the student progresses and matures, longer practice sessions are expected.  At any age or level, progress can be expected to be faster if the student plays the piano every day and completes all assignments.