About

Marie-france

Over 30 years of experience in music, performance, + the arts

I have taught piano and voice most of my adult life. After working with hundreds of students, I realized that I needed to adapt my teaching style to the uniqueness of each student, especially those whose perceptions differ widely from the general populace. I love what I do, helping each student discover and nurture their abilities, no matter what age the student may be. Your first lesson is just the beginning of a journey of discovery of all that you are capable of — and I’ll be there every step of the way.

Creating Resources for Parents + Teachers

I also realized that there was a lack of appropriate resources available that considered different learning styles, so I began to create my own. Now, I make those tools available for parents and other teachers in easily-accessible, downloadable formats. Student can use these to practice at home, and other teachers can use them to lead their students -- regardless of learning style -- to success.

The following is a quote from ex-student Karena Krull, author of "Drama Made Easy", and "Rummy Roots":

“Her greatest strength is her ability to find the right direction for each individual. This ability to adapt to the student's needs lends to individual success for student and avoids their frustration. If her current method or communication isn't creating success for a student she will quickly change to another till she finds the right words or method to enable the student to succeed with the least amount of frustration.”

What You Can Expect At Your Lesson

*** Lesson Details ***
I draw on a wide range of tools and resources in my lessons. The curriculum may be color-based or number-based, we might focus on chord building or sight-reading, or even songwriting, depending on the student's need and desire. When something isn’t working, we’ll try something else until we find what does work.

*** Studio Equipment ***

I have a private music studio in my home with a glass door so waiting parents can see what's going on (though they can also be in the studio if they feel more comfortable). I have a baby grand piano, 1 high-end digital hybrid keyboard, and a variety of other instrument including hand drums, chimes, boomwackers (isn’t that just a wonderful word?), a chime-along and autoharp to enhance learning experience.

*** Specialties ***
Because each student is an individual, I approach teaching like a coach who wants to bring out the student’s inherent abilities, rather than an instructor who adheres to one rigidly designed method. I custom design a course of study for each student to meet their individual needs.