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 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. 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. This is how many piano teachers get their start. I studied music and business at Brevard Community College ('74) and the University of Central Florida ('82). I have a BS in Business Management from UCF. 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, payable monthly. Pay for two months, and is only $18 per lesson. One-hour students and families with two or more students automatically receive the 10% discount. 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 is suggested. 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 against his will. Please don't do this to your child! He will only hate the piano for the rest of his life. 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. 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? Not any more. My experience is that children focus better out of their play environment. 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? No. However, with a minimum of 24 hours notice , a lesson can be re-scheduled. 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? Nothing at first. I will provide an assignment binder, dated assignment sheets and sheet music for the first few months. If you already have materials, we will use them whenever possible. There ia a $20/year materials fee for all students. Flash cards for beginners are $5. 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, preferably at the last lesson of the month but no later than the first lesson of the new month. Nothing lasts forever... To terminate, 30-days notice is required at the time of payment of the final month's lessons. (i.e. "This will be our last month.") Failure to do so will result in you being charged an additional month’s tuition.
Understanding the Importance of Music... The answer has some lifelong implications. MUSIC offers every individual the chance to experience the pleasure of self-expression at a new level. It is built-in; the process itself provides the reward. Music is music for its own sake. It is beauty within itself and offers the performer new realms of self-satisfaction. The mental stimulation of wonder and imagination is a highly intellectual activity and brings about a unique personal joy that can only be felt through personal accomplishment. It stretches one's understanding, and this growth can be transferred to every facet of learning. Many feel this expansion of comprehension and awareness mixed with the development of positive self-discipline habits is the reason that those who study MUSIC perform at a higher level in other academic areas. Widespread research confirms this theory. Music improves brain development and even enhances skills in subject such as reading and math. Simply put, learning a musical instrument and continuing to explore the limitless possibilities of music provide an excellent preparation for life. Music enhances creativity and promotes social development, personality adjustment and self-worth. Understanding the Importance of Parental Support... There are no shortcuts to the development of young artists. Motivation, dedication and commitment serve as the key foundation blocks in making it all work, as is the case with every facet of life. Motivated individuals always seems to have the extra energy needed to stay on task while others give up along the way. Music offers your child the chance to develop this habit, and your support in this endeavor is crucial to his/her success. You play an important role in the nurturing of your young musician. Please look for every opportunity to praise your child as they explore their talents. A daily practice schedule with a personal compliment from Mom and/or Dad is very important, because parents are the child's most important audience. They are less likely to get discouraged if you continue to reward them for their practice time.
Moving my piano to our new home in Midlothian...
Need a piano tuner? Midlothian Piano John Poliquin, owner (804) 794-5489 or 741-3878 |
Fun!
