MY APPROACH
At Piano Mike, I'm not afraid to teach a student to read notation too early in his/her piano journey, but I'm afraid of teaching too much too fast. Each week, I try to make sure my students have an easy reading assignment usually related with their current repertoire, 2-3 workbook pages, and maybe some other third thing. I try my best to make the lessons as fun as possible and create a sense of belonging for the student. I like to send text messages throughout the week to parents to relay to their children because I am a big believer in consistent practice (obviously). Signing up for music classes is not the end for the parents. Your child's success is largely dependent on the support they receive from you and I, as well as the amount of listening to "real" music they do.
MY BACKGROUND
My music education started with Karta Iglesias in Tampa when I was seven. I never practiced for the first two years because learning how to read music was very hard. My first two years of piano were not so fun. We used a book called "New Horizons piano course for busy adults." After those first two years, I really began to enjoy music from "The Beatles" and "Led Zeppelin." These bands inspired me as a musician. In my lessons, I would choose between the guitar and piano but most often picked the guitar as I wanted to be just like Jimmy Page. My next breakthrough was in my freshman year of high school when I joined the choir. Being able to sing in tune is a skill every musician should have with confidence. In my sophomore year of high school, I took lessons under Elisabet Fandiño and expanded my classical repertoire. I just finished my undergraduate coursework at UF and I am now looking to continue my education in the science of entrepreneurship.
Before you or your child learns to play piano, Click on the blue link below on "how to practice," to understand the importance of slow, mindful practice. The slower you go the faster you learn.