I travel to my private students to save them time and make their music lessons more convenient.  I have both violin and piano students from age 4 to 67.  Most children take 30 minute lessons once a week, and most adults and advanced students take 60 minute lessons either once a week or twice a month, based on how much practice time they have available.

I can show students how to travel the classical path that I took.  They do their scales, etudes and solo literature, perform in concerts and recitals as they progress, and focus quite a bit on mastering note reading, especially in the first three to five years. I also taught myself to play by ear, improvise in many styles, read guitar chords and play from lead sheets; so some of my students work with keyboards and take a more “self taught” creative approach to learning. 

I encourage all my students to do a little bit of both because knowing how to read guitar chords helps with classical theory, and playing scales and arpeggios regularly helps with improvising.   Very often, when students get a little frustrated in one area, we can try something new and take a different approach so they continue to have fun and move forward. While I have done very intense training myself, practicing 3-6 hours a day on top of a full academic schedule, I don’t press this pattern on my students.  I don’t use competitions as a motivator, but rather work with students to create a self motivating atmosphere.  I ask them to take responsibility for their progress step by step.  I encourage them to understand by their own experience that it’s fun to play well and improve, and regular practice is the most important part of keeping that going.

Many of my students excel academically and their music lessons help them in this regard, but I am also aware of the demands that homework make on children today, so for most of my students, piano and violin come after family, church and school work on their priority list.  I’m fine with that and work to be patient.  Students should be able to learn at their pace and have fun, not feel intimidated or pressured by their music teacher all the time.

I have been teaching privately for more than 18 years, and still enjoy working with beginners, both children and adult.  For information about openings and availability, please call me.  904-294-7219 or e-mail: support@musicbydavidpaul.com