Kathy Kerber's Piano Studio

My teaching style and philosophy

Being primarily self-taught, I have benefited from many mentors along the way, one of whom is a highly respected teacher here in the Olympia area (Paul Edwards).  I have always worked hard to be able to write/perform what I want, and it is my desire to pass that work ethic on to my students.   I teach what I know, strive to learn what I do not, and work hard within my abilities to equip each student to reach their goals.  

• I am passionate about being a positive part of every student's musical education, and I think my greatest strength as a teacher is that I can be gentle and patient when the student is frustrated or not comprehending the material. I do not believe every student learns the same way or at the same pace, and I try to be aware of what is or isn't working and to connect with the student in a way that helps them see I care and want to help them succeed. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all teaching method; I try to be perceptive and flexible so that I am able to bring out the best in each student.  
• My students learn to have good posture, read notes, recognize and play rhythm patterns, play and understand 1-2 octave scales, chords, and arpeggios, recognize intervals, play basic articulations, comprehend theory concepts, know key signatures, grasp major/minor relationships, learn intuitive fingering, recognize intervals and other ear-training concepts, and basic sight-reading.  They are encouraged to explore creatively within the pieces they play, to write their own arrangements, and to compose.  Students are rewarded for committing polished pieces to memory.
• I encourage each student to progress at the rate proportionate to their ability, stressing practice and effort over performance, and offering incentives for extra effort. I conduct a monthly contest and other incentives. I use positive affirmation and give extra attention based on effort rather than musical ability.
• Though much effort may have been given to practice, the results can often be disappointing to a student. I endeavor to show them how they can use those experiences to become stronger in their determination to practice, and in their ability to perform confidently.  
• I work hard to be proactive and aware, and I encourage students to take responsibility for their own success.  For younger children, especially, parental involvement is an integral part of a child's success!  I believe that with the combined effort of teacher, parent, and student anything is attainable.
• I believe that learning piano should be fun and exciting, and that achievement can feel empty unless the journey is taken with joy.  If a student leaves my studio, I endeavor that it should never be because they felt defeated or inadequate!  I believe I should stop teaching when my expectations become more important than the hearts of my students!
• HANDLE WITH CARE -  If a parent knows their child is having a rough day, week, month, I would love to know. Parents can send me a text to let me know,  and I will be extra careful with our interactions and my expectations during the lesson.

Recitals

I believe music is a gift from God given first of all to bring glory to God because all abilities are meant to reflect His beauty and power not our own.  They are also given, I believe to bring us closer to each other, and in that closer to Him!  To me, that means the gift is entrusted to us, and what we do with it is very important.I believe that we can use our music to please ourselves first, or to please God first.  I believe that He is pleased when we bring others joy through our music, and so in keeping with that belief, I hold at least one recital a year, generally at a nursing home or a retirement home, giving back to those in our communities who have built what we now enjoy.

Curriculum & Range of study

I primarily use Piano Adventures, which works well for children and adults.  For younger children 5-8 I will often begin with the Note Reading Made Fun series, which allows a slower transition into note reading, while providing fun songs for pre-reading students to learn as they navigate the geography of the keyboard.   I do use Hanon and scales books. Loose sheet music is also introduced, and the student books provide fun and rewarding pieces to perform.  I will teach a little bit by rote, but most music must be read by the student.  Learning pieces by ear is encouraged, but in balance with reading.   I am always on the lookout for new ways to teach complex ideas.  I use a hands on rhythm curriculum and use games frequently to review and reinforce concepts. I have experience teaching Beginner through early Intermediate piano. If a student is ready to progress beyond my skills and knowledge, I will help them prepare to transition to an appropriate instructor.