Melissa Q. TakeLessons Instructor Piano, music theory, Music West Warren, MA

I believe in every child; that he/she can learn to read music and play the piano.  I have experience teaching a wide variety of learning styles and have learned that there is not just one method to learning piano.  This is why I am a firm believer in tailoring lessons that work for the student's learning style. 

Each lesson or piece from these methods incorporates music theory AND there are no "gaps" in the curriculum.  I am always trying to find opportunities for my students to perform in public but they are never required to participate.

Though I've only been teaching for 11 years, I have found so many piano teachers out there that do not stress music theory.  I make sure that the parents of my students know that their children will learn music theory as part of their piano program.  My goal is to get my students to the point where they can sight read music without knowing what a song sounds like at first.  I use flashcards, worksheets, board games and lots of different computer games to teach and reinforce theory in a fun way.

Students are always shown that lessons should be fun, not matter what age or level.  For most beginner students ages 4 - 7, I use the activity based method called My First Piano Adventure.  I have not had one student that did not like lessons using this method and it gave those beginners a solid foundation in rhythm, technique and music theory.  For older beginners, ages 7 and up, I use a variety of methods such as Alfred and Faber that are rhythm and technique oriented.  All students are given about 2 or 3 minutes on the computer at the end of each lesson for a music theory activity.

All students are given an assignment sheet at the end of the lesson.  This sheet contains details on what to practice along with tips and goals for the week.

I'm available via email or phone any time that you have a question.  It's not beneficial to the student or myself to have him/her practicing a piece incorrectly for an entire week if he/she could have just called or emailed me their question.  I'm here to support and encourage all of my students, all of the time!

Classical, Faber, Alfred (both premier and old methods)

Nipmuc Regional High School - College prep. courses - 1993 - 1997
Framingham State College - Music/Spanish - 1997 - 1999

Piano, music theory, Music