Elisabeth Has Answers ...
Whether starting lessons for the first time, or changing teachers, many families have questions about brain-friendly music lessons. Please read this page BEFORE your initial meeting with me, so you have all the information you need about what to expect. Any further questions you may have can be asked during your meeting!
Interview with Elisabeth:
How Long Have You been Teaching Music, and Who are your most successful students?
I have been teaching music to children as a vocalist since I was eleven years old ... this means I have 29 years of experience working with children as a musician! Since 2011, I have specialized in teaching piano, voice and musicianship to young people with exceptional gifts & talents, and children with neurological differences.
My most successful students have steady moral support at home, encouragement to try new things and do their best. They know that they are loved for who they are, and therefore anything they achieve is celebrated as a result of their hard work.
My most successful students have steady moral support at home, encouragement to try new things and do their best. They know that they are loved for who they are, and therefore anything they achieve is celebrated as a result of their hard work.
What if my family has never taken music lessons before?
Because my brain-friendly approach is a little different from the usual achievement-first mindset, it can actually be very helpful to have Elisabeth as your family's first music teacher. My work will instill a love of music in you and your children, and will set your family up to celebrate your child's achievements as results of their sincere effort.
If you have had music lessons in the past and are coming to me for a different experience, I can help you develop an appreciation for your child's unique strengths and learning preferences that may be beyond the grasp of other teachers you may have worked with.
If you have had music lessons in the past and are coming to me for a different experience, I can help you develop an appreciation for your child's unique strengths and learning preferences that may be beyond the grasp of other teachers you may have worked with.
What sets you apart as an adaptive music teacher? are you a music therapist?
I grew up in a family full of professional musicians and a music critic! I am well-acquainted with pressure to achieve in music. After seeing the dampening effects chronic pressure to achieve had on my self-esteem, I decided to dedicate my career to creating self love in my students, by teaching them to play music for its own sake.
My sessions are each adapted to the individual student, designed to point out and develop strengths, while building complementary skills in areas of lesser confidence. In our time together, my students become creative problem-solvers, active listeners, and masters of their own emotions. After each customized session with me, students of all ages feel calmer, more cheerful and more ready to continue with their day.
I am not a registered Music Therapist, as my academic degree is not clinical, but rather a Master's degree in Music performance and research. However, my students and their parents find our time together highly therapeutic!
My sessions are each adapted to the individual student, designed to point out and develop strengths, while building complementary skills in areas of lesser confidence. In our time together, my students become creative problem-solvers, active listeners, and masters of their own emotions. After each customized session with me, students of all ages feel calmer, more cheerful and more ready to continue with their day.
I am not a registered Music Therapist, as my academic degree is not clinical, but rather a Master's degree in Music performance and research. However, my students and their parents find our time together highly therapeutic!
How long will it take for my child to play music by themselves?
Again, my music studio is all about learning. We make the most of each session by building your child's unique strengths and adding confidence in areas of lesser ease.
Every student progresses at a different rate. However, most students, when starting with no formal music training, learn to read basic music notes within six months. Within the first year, they can play with both hands, each hand playing a different musical line, or they may have begun to compose their own music.
Within two years, a child generally gains mastery of the two most common musical keys or scales, as well as common musical rhythms. At this point they also begin to understand broader concepts of musical theory and can apply them to the pieces they sing or play.
Every student progresses at a different rate. However, most students, when starting with no formal music training, learn to read basic music notes within six months. Within the first year, they can play with both hands, each hand playing a different musical line, or they may have begun to compose their own music.
Within two years, a child generally gains mastery of the two most common musical keys or scales, as well as common musical rhythms. At this point they also begin to understand broader concepts of musical theory and can apply them to the pieces they sing or play.
How can I help my child succeed in Music?
To speed up your child's progress, I recommend sharing music with them. My students whose parents are actively involved in their home play (practice between lessons), progress much faster than my students whose parents take a more hands-off approach. Even if you have never had music lessons yourself, I recommend that you take a bit of time to look at your child's music textbooks and to create a regular practice schedule for your child at home (following the specific guidelines I offer for duration or repetitions). Have a reward that your child can expect when s/he does their weekly practice ... my recommendation? Extra quality time with you!
Listen Up! Is a chapter from Elisabeth's New book Piano Without Tears. Download it Here:
How do you work with people and how do I sign up?
Elisabeth offers full-service music programs to create self-confidence and musicality in your child's mind, body and spirit. Programs come in a variety of lesson durations and frequencies, and there is one to fit just about every family's needs and desired investment levels. Talk to Elisabeth during your initial interview to sign up for the program that is right for you.
How often are payments due? Do you accept credit cards?
Each music package may be covered with a single investment or as a monthly recurring payment. Generally, you will save money by paying for your package all at once. Check is the preferred method of payment for services offered by Elisabeth. However, if you strongly prefer paying online via credit card, we will be happy to set this up for you.
Ok. I am ready to get started. What is the next step?
The next step is to set up your interview with Elisabeth, usually over the phone. Please block out 30 minutes for this interview, although our call should take no more than 20 minutes. In preparation for this call, I invite you to think about this: within a year from now, when we enroll your family in music, what are the changes you would like to see your child or children?
Feel free to write this down or simply consider it internally. To book your interview, simply call or text 914-999-CALM or send an email to music at notearspiano dot com.
Feel free to write this down or simply consider it internally. To book your interview, simply call or text 914-999-CALM or send an email to music at notearspiano dot com.
What if I am not sure whether music is right for my child? Can we try out lessons before enrolling in a package?
I have a number of initial trial options which we can discuss during our interview.