"Piano is something I wanted to do for a long time and even started once, but had to stop before I really got into it. After seeing a couple of articles about seventy-somethings (I’m 74) starting piano to keep their brains active, I felt it was time.
During practice I really do feel myself both engaged and challenged by the content and process of learning piano. It doesn’t just happen! One has to put the time and mental effort into learning the notes, then playing with one hand, then the other, then (and this is where I really feel my brain working overtime) playing with two hands.
Then there is playing musically which takes the experience to a whole different level because you’re not just playing notes, but paying attention to rhythm, dynamics, and all sorts of techniques depending on the piece. For example, a huge a-ha for me was learning how the correct fingering continues to set your hands up for the next notes and make playing actually easier.
Putting it together and in the right way is where an excellent teacher comes in. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Ginny as she understands how to move a student through one level of playing, say learning notes, to playing the whole piece. She often will record a section of a piece I’m working on, then text it to me to listen to during practice. She, of course, taught me the value of using the right finger on the right key at the right time. I particularly appreciate how she teaches adults like me, allowing us plenty of leeway while still always keeping us moving forward."
Owen says "I love learning piano with Ginny! She's a great teacher. I've learned lots of fun new pieces. I like playing them for my friends at home."
Tasha (Owen's Mom) says "It's been wonderful to see how Owen has connected with the piano. Ginny is a fantastic teacher - so patient, sensitive to how Owen is feeling, and able to draw him in, and find the right songs that he likes and is motivated to learn and play.
Owen has ADHD, and Ginny is excellent at guaging his mood and attention span during each lesson. She manages to center him, and although some lessons are short, they are working wonders with his development. I think learning piano is helping him focus in day to day life and at school. And he loves it!"
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.