Transfer Students

If your child has already had some experience with piano lessons, please know that the process of transferring to a new teacher is not as simple as picking up where you left off. Whether the teacher you loved moved, you are looking to improve your standard of playing, or you are specifically looking for another Suzuki teacher, transferring to any new teacher is challenging!

You have to rebuild trust with someone you don't know, who has a different approach. Even if your new teacher continues with your same method series, the change of approach can be enough to encourage or discourage students from continuing music altogether! So finding the right fit for your family is very important. This is why several lessons or weeks of observation are vital for transfer students. Not only will you get an idea of how different my studio and methods may be, it should build a desire to get started with a new approach.

Note reading is an important skill I include in my teaching, but Suzuki is an "ear before eye" approach. Just like learning a language, we learn to speak fluently before teaching students to read and write fluently. No, we won’t stop note reading, but it might feel like it momentarily! Rest assured, we’ll add a theory book, I’ll teach fundamentals either through Suzuki repertoire or piano technic (scales, etc.), and we’ll include supplemental note reading material. It is important to me that students have the abilities to play by ear and read music, including sight reading.

I aim to nurture a love of learning and establish the ability to pursue music beyond our lessons. I do that through the Suzuki method and material. It’s OK if this doesn’t feel like the right fit for you. We have many wonderful teachers in our area that I am happy to recommend!

Bottom line, choosing to transfer to any teacher will be challenging. Please develop an expectation of changing gears. Create a desire to invest in a new approach.