Openings for Private Lessons

Beginning in December, I will have a few openings for private students.  You can take a few private lessons to supplement your group classes at CMC over winter break, or you can sign up for weekly private lessons for winter term.

Or, you could try a different style.  I teach beginning blues piano!  Or try your hand at composing, or chording while you sing! Lots of fun possibilities.....

Wednesday after 5 p.m. will be available.

See me with questions. ;)

Peace and Joy through Music!


Teacher Zita

Piano Recitals!

Hi Piano Students, Parents, Family and Friends!

Recital season is upon us! I LOVE recitals!  I have at least two big recitals a year.   I have over 100 students, so I divide the recitals into two days with two times available each day.  So, you can choose one of four recitals to perform in that will fit your schedule.

When I was a young student, I had a lot of stage fright.  I overcame it eventually, with a kind piano teacher as a teenager and a lot of practice.  But I told myself, that if I ever became a piano teacher, I would ease the tension and make piano recitals fun and as pain free as possible.

If you are a little anxious about being on stage, talk to me! It is not mandatory to perform in a recital if you are my student, but I encourage it. Music is to be shared! We are all in this together! And the more you perform, the easier it gets!

And, to support my students even further, I sit by their side at the piano while they perform. Beginning students go up on stage as a group and sit in a semi-circle on stage (Just like "circle time" in class at CMC!)

I encourage the audience to applaud while you walk on stage (on of my memories as a child, was that long walk up the aisle to the stage, IN DEAD SILENCE - aack!). But hearing applause as you walk up, before you even play is empowering, in my humble opinion.

Then of course, afterwards there will be thunderous applause and many yummy goodies to eat at the reception!

And, as I always tell my students, there is no "Mistake Bear" hiding behind the piano to come out and bite you if you make a mistake. Who cares if you make a mistake? We all make mistakes. Of course, you should try to do your best. But if you make a mistake, it is ok! Keep going, stop and correct it, or start over. Just don't run out of the auditorium screaming! lol.  I teach at the Community Music Center where I hold my recitals. It is an environment of learning.  Mistakes are not a big deal. :)

So, here are the dates and times of the December recitals.  Put them on your calendars and then let me know in the next few weeks which date and time you prefer. 

Students can have family and friends come, but the auditorium only comfortably holds about 100, so don't invite the whole neighborhood.  And please bring treats for everyone to share afterwards! Healthy goodies are always preferred, but sweets are nice too!

RECITAL DATES AND TIMES

Sunday, December 9, 2012:  5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, 2012: 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Peace and Joy through Music!

Teacher Zita :)

Buying A Piano - Some Suggestions

Hello Piano Students!

Fall has finally arrived with our wonderful Portland rain and lovely colors of the changing leaves.

And new piano students have arrived with their enthusiasm and unique personalities.

This is my favorite time of year! :)

If you are looking for beginning piano to practice on, and you have a limited budget, I would suggest you look at this page from GuitarCenter.com:

Usedkeyboards

I recommend the Yamaha NP11 61-Key Piaggero Digital Piano for brand new beginners on a budget. Guitar Center has them new at $159.  Ask them for a comparable used keyboard if you'd like a cheaper price.

If you are willing to travel to Vancouver, WA, my high school friend Gayle Beacock of Beacock Music, will give any of my students a discount off of this keyboard.  If you are interested, email me and I will put you touch with her keyboard guy.

If price is not so much of an issue, I would always suggest a studio acoustic upright. I am partial to Yamahas, but there are lots of great pianos out there.  
Classic Pianos at 3003 SE Milwaukie Ave (off of 12th and Powell) is a wonderful store to browse.  Ask for Peggy, and tell her Teacher Zita from the Community Music Center sent you and she'll give you the grand tour, and a great deal if you choose to purchase your piano there. I believe they even offer rent to own deals.

My piano is a 1910 Wagner upright I purchased from Day Music about 20 years ago. It is a beautiful, tall, heavy upright with a very nice action and stays in tune quite nicely.  If you like the older, did I say HEAVY?!, uprights, "The Immortal Piano" on Belmont and 40th is a wonderful store.  

If you are limited on space, but budget is not such an issue, I would recommend:

Yamaha YDP-C71PE Arius Polished Ebony Digital Piano with Bench

Item # 107618779. This is similar to the digital pianos we have at CMC. They have them listed for $1,800 currently at Guitar Center. They carry this same piano at Classic Pianos, but I am not sure of their current price.


It is important for you to have a piano to practice on.  A full piano keyboard as 88 keys.  A "real" piano action allows you to increase or decrease volume with the weight of your fingers.  If you purchase an electric keyboard, please consider a full keyboard with weighted keys for a better learning and musical experience.

If you have any questions, please email me or ask me at your lesson!
 
Peace and Joy through Music!
 
Teacher Zita :)

My Piano!