In-Studio & ZOOM Lessons
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Tuesdays & Thursdays Studio VOX! Online ZOOM Lessons |
Tuesdays Tacoma's North end at Studio VOX! (inquire below for location) Tacoma, WA 98406 |
Intuitive Piano Lessons
With new students, I assess present skill level, aptitude and interest in learning music, motor skills/coordination, climate of mind (stress level regarding our work together) as well as what has been retained from their time with any prior piano teacher. Moving forward, criteria always includes these basics: body posture and support, hand and finger mobility and technique, aural acuity/listening, general musicianship including theory and rhythm practice, expression and interpretation by way of improvisational play.
We have 60mins together and I do my best to fill it with valuable learning, support and laughter. I want all of my students to know I'm with them on this journey. At home, early learners are free to decide what they'd like to do at the piano. It usually looks like exploration and experimentation or simply "play". Self motivated coordination and technical practice (or simply doing what makes them feel good at the time) should be not only allowed but encouraged. As lessons progress and note reading becomes part of their study, students begin using the Step-by-Step Reading Book for Treble and Bass Clef. I send home regular updates as to your student's progress and invite questions at that time. When learners are secure in reading notated music I add beginning literature appropriate for their skill level.
"As a teacher you are very kind, specific, funny, direct, brave, spontaneous and present." C.S. Seattle, WA
Intuitive Composition Cards for Piano
Created by: Debby Boland Watt
- Early learner materials used:
- Intuitive Composition Cards
- Boomwhackers, drums, shakers, etc
- Studio Pianos
- Step-by-Step Piano Reading Books
- Drawings, as Compositions
- Co-Improvisational Play
- Movement Exercises
- Garage Band
Music can be an emotional experience. Exploring the piano, hearing what the piano does, will do, can do in regards to registers, touch, volume, etc., can be new and very exciting! Intuitive piano play is backed with solid technical instruction and music theory necessary to progress seamlessly. That said, you may be surprised that at first, early learners will not be given music books. Instead of memorizing something on a page that doesn't speak to the student's senses, students will be taught and gain what they need to help them create the music they wish to play and hear on a need-to-know/want-to-know basis. This will include technique, ear training, exploration of keyboard, co-playing with fellow students or myself, rhythm practice and body assimilation through exercises/games. Improvisation is an invaluable tool throughout our time together! This free state of creating allows the student to access and practice new skill sets with surprising ease.
I am an improvisational artist and musician. Improvisation is very technical, theory driven and demands experience, flexibility and creativity on an extraordinary level. At first, most students demonstrate improvisation by playing by ear, mirroring, using familiar patterns or visual lesson prompts, such as my Intuitive Composition Cards, which help in composing pieces of music. Patterns and style develop as one inserts their own personality intuitively into their composing. Many times it is from this place of patient play and melodic or rhythmic expression that an emotional connection to their music is found. The youngest learner can be lifted and satisfied as if they'd been playing all their life. Postponing the reward of creating beautiful music is not an option in my studio. We dive right in! Continued study will advance students with the skillset, ear and technical prowess necessary for further improvisation and spontaneous composition. This unique and heart driven ability allows one to confidently connect within improvisational groups and opens them to identify with their audience from a freer intuitive space. In this, I'm creating independence from both the instructor and the page.
As students progress and begin to take on new music independently, I refer them on to higher level instructors. With respect to each student's advancement, I know my skill set and stay within the perimeters of excellence. Each of my studios employ phenomenal upper level piano teachers and am glad to assist in matching the student's goals, skills and temperament to their next instructor.
I am an improvisational artist and musician. Improvisation is very technical, theory driven and demands experience, flexibility and creativity on an extraordinary level. At first, most students demonstrate improvisation by playing by ear, mirroring, using familiar patterns or visual lesson prompts, such as my Intuitive Composition Cards, which help in composing pieces of music. Patterns and style develop as one inserts their own personality intuitively into their composing. Many times it is from this place of patient play and melodic or rhythmic expression that an emotional connection to their music is found. The youngest learner can be lifted and satisfied as if they'd been playing all their life. Postponing the reward of creating beautiful music is not an option in my studio. We dive right in! Continued study will advance students with the skillset, ear and technical prowess necessary for further improvisation and spontaneous composition. This unique and heart driven ability allows one to confidently connect within improvisational groups and opens them to identify with their audience from a freer intuitive space. In this, I'm creating independence from both the instructor and the page.
As students progress and begin to take on new music independently, I refer them on to higher level instructors. With respect to each student's advancement, I know my skill set and stay within the perimeters of excellence. Each of my studios employ phenomenal upper level piano teachers and am glad to assist in matching the student's goals, skills and temperament to their next instructor.
I teach using the Step-by-Step Piano Reading book series by Dr. Kendall Becherer. This book is a tool for teachers and parents to introduce piano note reading using small steps. It is designed to be used with the guidance of more experienced pianists (parents & teachers) who can decide how quickly or slowly a certain student should progress through the book. For more information and ordering books please browse Kendall's website listed below:
Samples of Improvisational Piano play
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6 year old Rose is in Kindergarten and in her first year of piano with Ms. Watt. This audio clip is from a recent lesson. Rose is playing the lower voice of this completely improvised piece. Improvisation is intuitive. For my early beginners, it's all Play!
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Little T is 3 years old. He's experimenting, mirroring, engaging in the piano with gentle instruction and passionate intent.
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I believe in viewing the student as body, mind and spirit. Being present and available to the student, allowing for compassion and patient exchange to occur, always benefits both instructors and students. I believe that everything in life informs everything in life! The key is how we approach, pay attention to and use the information coming our way.