About MeMusic has always been my passion. When I was 3, my parents won a miniature grand piano in a contest. To my eyes, it was as beautiful as the one in the picture above! For the next year, I played it endlessly. Convinced of my desire to play (and tired of the pling-pling sound), my parents replaced it with a real piano when I was 4. Lessons began shortly thereafter. For 9 years, I was fortunate to take lessons from Mrs. Wilbur Cary Curtis Morton, a graduate of Boston Conservatory of Music. When I graduated from her studio, she referred me to her former teacher, Mr. Cary Epes McMurran, also a BCM grad. At that time, he was a well-known concert pianist and conductor of the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, which he founded in 1947 in Newport News, VA. (It has since merged with the Virginia Symphony.) For many years, he was also conductor of Colonial Williamsburg's Governor's Palace Orchestra. I took from Mr. McMurran for 5 years, at which time I moved to Florida. I studied music at Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida. I have a BS in Business Management from UCF. Teaching piano allows me to combine my love of music with running a business. In the 50s and 60s, there were no computers, stereos, cable TV, or most of the other distractions kids have today. Both my parents worked long hours and I was alone a lot. My free time was spent playing the piano. This is why I love to play so much, I guess. It never seemed like work. When I was 15, I played my first church service and began teaching my two little cousins to play. Who would guess that I'd still be playing in church and teaching some 38 years later! From 1997 to 2007, I was organist at Murfreesboro United Methodist Church (Murfreesboro, NC). My last service was January 7, 2007. I've included a couple organ pieces recorded on the church's Allen organ. We moved to Midlothian due to my husband's job transfer to Richmond.
STUDIO POLICIES
How much do you charge? $20 per half hour rate is standard in this area. Out of respect for my fellow teachers, I cannot charge less. However, I do offer a discount if you buy two months of lessons at once. Those taking 1-hour lessons also receive the discount. The discount is 10% if paying by cash or check or 5% if paying with credit card. How often should I take? A lesson once a week is recommended, especially with children. Reinforcement and encouragement are critical, both at home and at the lesson. Where do you teach? At my home in Midlothian and at the White Hawk Music Cafe in Goochland. This website is provided for persons interested in taking lessons in Midlothian. (For security reasons, I prefer not to give out my address until we've spoken over the phone.) How much does my child need to practice each day? A minimum of 15 minutes per day. Young children may require assistance, especially if they can't read. What if my child won't practice, doesn't like it, etc.? First, let me say that I won't accept a student who is being forced to take lessons. Please don't do this to your child! They will only hate the teacher and the piano for the rest of their lives. Before starting lessons, please make sure your child wants to take lessons and agrees to practice at least 15 minutes a day. Progress is necessary for the experience to be fun and rewarding. If it ceases to be fun, I will alert you that we are having problems. Failure to improve within a month may result in termination. What if we don't own a piano? Of course, there is no substitute for a real piano, but an electronic keyboard is an adequate substitute for a beginner. Rather than buying an expensive piano at first, you might consider a used piano. Check the local classifieds or contact piano stores. Leasing from a piano store is also an option. Are there recitals? Yes, but in the form of informal piano parties. Students will have the option of performing solo pieces and/or duets with me. They may use their music. Fun games like musical chairs in which the students provide the music take the stress out of performing. Do you make house calls? No. Children focus better when out of their play zone. If we forget a lesson, do you charge? Yes!! I will be sitting at the piano waiting for you. May I cancel a lesson and not be charged? Since you pay for lessons in advance, a makeup lesson will be scheduled at no additional charge. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required. This will allow me to teach someone else or schedule a personal appointment. May I sit in on my child's lesson? Absolutely! In fact, I would prefer it, especially with young children. The need for parental support at home cannot be overstated, so it is important for you to know what is happening at lessons. What books and materials will I need? There are many piano courses available in the local music stores. If you already have materials, I'll review them to see if they are appropriate. If/when new materials are needed, I'll let you know. We can discuss your preferences at that time. Some people prefer that I supply them. In addition to books, I use materials that I have prepared. What forms of payment do you accept? Cash, check, and credit card. How often do I have to pay? Payment is expected monthy or bi-monthly, due by the first lesson of the month in which payment is due. Nothing lasts forever... To terminate, 30-days notice is required at the time of payment of the final month's lessons. In the event of early termination or no-show of the second lesson of the month, any outstanding balance for lessons, materials, books, fees, etc. will be charged to the credit card on file.  
(804) 355-0557 Famous Jerry Piano Moving moved my grand piano in record time-- 50 minutes, start to finish. Also at a record price-- half what the local piano store wanted! 
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