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My Lesson Philosophy
I believe that anyone can learn piano with the right approach! My goal is to create lessons that everyone is welcome at and makes music acessible. I also believe in the importance of giving students the tools they need to succeed. I hope that they walk away from piano lessons with a deep love and appreciation for music, as well as a joy for creating.
Testimonials
Veronica
(Jorge and Hunter's Mom)
"What stood out most was her patience and ability to connect with each child individually. She made learning fun while still maintaining structure and progress. Her positive attitude and genuine passion for teaching really made a difference"
Harley
(Olive's Dad)
"Shalaya was organized and had a plan for how to help Olive at her skill level"
Anjalica
(Lorenzo, Jovan, and Arian's Mom)
"Shalaya is warm, patient, and such an amazingly skilled piano teacher. She always has fun ideas and activities up her sleeve to keep lessons enjoyable and the kids motivated. Thank you Shalaya!"
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is a good age to start piano lessons?
In my studio, students can start learning as young as age 3! But there is no perfect age to start, and I welcome beginners of all ages!
How long are lessons?
Lessons are generally scheduled once a week. For beginners and young children, I recommend starting with 30 minutes. But past the first year or for very enthusiastic students I recommend 45 minutes. 60 minute lessons are great for students who are working on a piano exam, composition, festival, audition, or other large scale projects.
How much do we need to practice?
Practice is absolutely essential to developing music skills, and parental involvement is a huge factor. I have an incentive system which promotes 5 days a week of practice, but this is not the prescription for each child. The important factor is quality and consistency over quantity. It is better to practice well every day for 5 minutes than to practice frantically 2 hours every once in a while.
What is your curriculum?
I have been influenced by many pedagogical styles, and I use a variety of method books in my lessons. I create custom lesson plans for each child in order to maximize both fun and learning! My primary method book is Piano Adventures, but I also use Alfred's Premier, Music for Little Mozarts, Piano Safari, Pianoforte, and am always open to new methods!
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