Piano Lessons for Adults
I enjoy working with adult students at all levels. All work with adults is guided by student objectives, which vary widely. Adults have the option of registering for the standard 14-lesson semester or customizing smaller blocks of lessons. Lessons are taught either at St. Columba's Church, 4201 Albemarle Street, at my home, 3651 Veazey Street, NW, Washington, DC, or by Zoom. The Veazey Street studio has a 9' Steinway piano and St. Columba's has Steinway and Yamaha instruments. Both locations are metro-accessible. Lessons are 60, 45, or 30 minutes. 10 minute Zoom check-in lessons are also available.
Progress and practicing have a direct relationship, and so students should base their expectations on how much time they will be able to spend at the piano. A minimum of 30 minutes per day is recommended, and more practice time will produce more results. Students must have a piano or, at the very least, a decent quality electronic keyboard.
Students with special needs, such as people living with Parkinson's disease, memory loss, arthritis, and other physical or neurological challenges, have experienced pleasure and success with piano lessons. My work with each student focuses on enjoying the process of learning and making music.
Inspirational reading for adult students:
- Playing the Piano for Pleasure by Charles Cooke
Great advice on how to practice. Good for left brain people - or those who want encouragement in that direction - Just Being at the Piano by Mildred Portney Chase
Very mellow. Good for right brain people - or those who want encouragement in that direction. - Piano Lessons: Music, Love, and True Adventures by Noah Adams
A lovely memoir of the NPR commentator's experience as an adult beginner. - Never Too Late: My Musical Life Story by John Holt
Includes the autodidact's experience of learning to play the cello as an adult. - Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students by Barbara English Maris
A lengthy workbook/resource manual for adult beginners.