by Dr. Joseph Line

The famous golfer, Bobby Jones, once said, "Golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course … the space between your ears.”  

The same could certainly be said about playing the piano.  Although many people think golf is about swinging the club and piano is about playing the keys, any measure of success in either piano or golf is determined by what player knows - the skills and knowledge they’ve developed - and by what they are thinking while playing. 

Almost anybody can learn to play a piano to a high degree of proficiency.  It’s not a matter of talent, as many believe, but rather an important mix of the student’s desire to learn about music, constant support of parents and others if the student is a child, a healthy mind and an inspired teacher.  Not only does recent scientific research bear all this out, but my students have shown time and again that “ordinary” music students are capable of playing at extraordinary levels even they didn’t think were possible. 

If you or your child has that important mix of ingredients – desire, support and a healthy mind - then I can provide the guidance, nurturing and training necessary to make it possible to accomplish their or your musical goals.  I am not in the business of training professional musicians, though I could do that if wanted.  But mostly my studio is for those who enjoy music, and want to fulfill their musical potential through piano study.  

My studio is for students of all ages and abilities.   The training I provide is very much what one would expect from a top-rated music school for children or at a local community college for adults.  The course of study for all students is comprehensive and includes:

• Reading music notation until fluency is achieved
• Piano techniques (how to play the notes effectively with the least effort)
• Music theory (understanding how music is constructed)
• Ear training (how to more creatively listen to music)
• Musicianship (how to play expressively)

All instruction is one-on-one (except in my summer Quick Start Piano Classes--more information to come in January 2011). I train students as young as five years of age and as old as 60 or more.  While I specialize in providing good solid pianistic training for beginning and intermediate students, I also teach advanced students who are playing masterworks by the great composers.  But whatever the age or ability, I customize the program of study to fit the student, broadening areas of strength and developing areas of weaknesses to help each one achieve the highest level of musicianship that their interest, commitment and desire will allow.