Music By Art Scott

Find a Teacher Today Directory

2009-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Up until a few months ago, anyone could look on the website of the Capo School District and find a Private Music Teacher in South County. No more. Now some foundation has taken over this tasks and is actually charging a fee to these private music teachers, which I disagree with.

So due to popular request, here is a copy of that list. Pass this on to all your friends.

Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com (949) 454-1221

ps - if you wish to be added to this list free of charge of update you information, or if your new, it's all good and I will take care of posting this from here out, again, for free to our fellow teachers who need our support. When you call a teacher from this list let them know you saw it at MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

(CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Private Music Teacher List – 2008-09)

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ.
At the request of parents, the Music Department provides this list of individuals who offer music tutoring. Please recognize that CUSD makes no recommendations, representations or endorsements and does not exercise any type of screening with regard to any individual on this list. CUSD provides this list as a service to parents and it is up to each family to determine which, if any individual on this list is suited to tutor their child. Information provided herein is not necessarily complete and may be revised at any time.

Instrument Phone # Area
Bass
Christine Allen 589-5612 CDC
Randy Gravett 495-3754 LN
Matt Hare 319.321-2277 SC
Joan Lunde 587-0065 LH
Marilyn Mayland 645-3599 NB
Robert Messinger 496-8417 DP

Bassoon
William Hunker 425-1279 MV
Keith Bishop 487-0738 CB
Jeff LaMarca 888-1758 RSM
Michelle See-McKenzie 562.500-0054 LF

Cello
Greg Adamson 714.441-1339 FULLERTON
Vicki Bacon 714.894-0081 WESTM.
Charles Baker 714.871-4624 FULLERTON
Pat Bastis 661-5383 LN
Ellen Bork 786-8255 IRV
Karen Deaner 636-9763 SC
Natalia Dyakonov 714.990-3869 BREA
Erin Esses 500-5260 MV
Patricia Hicks 714.538-7829 ORANGE
Shelley Johnson 888-0313 RSM
Gloria Lui 714 928-2228 FV
Alan Mautner 714.527-0814 BP
Ian McKinnel 714.524-3215 PLACENTIA
Naoko Maruko 362-2465 AV
Joan Thomassen 646-5194 NB
Steve Velez 723-0838 NB

Clarinet
Joe Aiello 496-8844 SJC
Joe Baffa 496-4857 SJC
Scott Dash 842-7387
Mike Mekata 582-1632 MV
Robert Messinger 496-8417 DP
Wayne Mestas 433-0987 MV
Dan Morse 714.730-0573 IRVINE
Nancy Peterson 586-6420 LF
Ira Raibom 493-7209 SJC
Rob Stirling 760 213-2603 TRAVEL
Frank Tretter 714.534-6228 GG
James Zimmermann 281-7507 AV

Flute Phone # Area
Kerri Arakawa 275-2461 LR
Mary Bestgen 443-5283 DP
Keith Bishop 487-0738 CB
Norm Douglas(Bobovnick) 362-8834 LN
Jane Carter 582-2256 LN
Susan Gumpert 589-8699 RSM
Althea Holdcroft 770-6833 LF
Julie Macy 855-4889 LN
Amy MacLean 635-9605 LF
Scott Martin 581-7177 MV
Robert Messinger 496-8417 DP
Wayne Mestas 433-0987 MV
Ira Raibom 493-7209 SJC
Janet Seymour 218-4775 SJC
Kazuko Stratmann 635-6887 RSM
Mary Ellen Trefry 714.779-6438 YL
Mike Whittman 643-2333 LN
Betty Jo Whyte 858-7644 RSM
Cynthia Wood 586-7739 AV
David Zapotocky 322-0820 TRAVEL

French Horn
Lisa Cherry 770-7533 LF
Rob Grishkoff 654-3945 LF
Ray Lowery 830-9810 LF
Jacquelyn Sellers 215-0684 AV

Guitar
Ben Camp 582-2256 LN
Mike Ellerby 493-5108 DP
Ralph D’Ignazio 838-6272
Micah Grant 582-2256 LN
Nate Smith 330-3635 MV
Bob Thackara 422-9871 LB

Oboe
Price Kent 733-9331 SJC
Ann Ludwig 248-9223 SJC
Diane Manaster 653-1643 IRVINE
Scott Reese 562 595-7001 TRAVEL

Percussion/Drums
Craig Berkson 218-6321 LR
Frank Cotinola 230-9643 LF/TRAVEL
Johnny Byrne 909.519-6240 SA
Mike Ellerby 493-5108 DP
Rob Ferrell 533-1687 MV
Dave Hall 582-2256 LN
Kurt Hamernik 457-4201 LF/LN
Burt Shur 347-0100 MV

Piano
Donna Beccia 305-8868 MV
Craig Berkson 218-6321 LR
Rhonda Bradley 487-2355 DP
Debra Brener 589-5559 CDC
Kathy Buck 493-3617 SJ
Maxine Caspers 448-0720 DP
Carole Champ 951-6095 MV
Larry Diehm 581-2110 LH
Cecilia Gross 495-8214 LN

Piano Cont. Phone # Area
Vicki Hurst 498-1584 SC
Maria Lake 495-8385 LN
Jesse Levesque 460-9339 AV
Nancy Lowery 830-9810 LF
Angela MacFarlan 661-3629 SJC
Patricia McNeil 714.492-0845 SC
Narcisa Mikov 310.528-8237 RSM
Alysia Murray 497-3811 LB
Teddy Newsom 489-3435 MV/LN
Nancy Pirozzi 364-1412 MV
Lois Roberts 366-1729 SC
Nancy Rohr 492-6350 SC
Julia Roud 584-4681 MV/TRAVEL
Art Scott 454-1221 TRAVEL
Justin Wong 981-5277 IRVINE
Cynthia Wood 586-7739 AV

Saxophone
Joe Aiello 496-8844 SJC
Joe Baffa 496-4857 SJC
Keith Bishop 487-0738 CB
Norm Douglas(Bobovnik) 362-8834 LH
Jason Francisco 714.743-5002 LB
William Gutaskus 714.293-4142 TRAVEL
Scott Martin 581-7177 MV
Mike Mekata 582-1632 MV
Wayne Mestas 433-0987 MV
Richard Mora 213.300-8140 TRAVEL
Dan Morse 714.730-0573 TRAVEL
Nancy Peterson 586-6420 LF
Ira Raibom 493-7209 SJC
Rob Stirling 760 2132603 TRAVEL
Mike Whittman 643-2333 LN
Betty Jo Whyte 858-7644 RSM
David Zapotocky 322-0820 TRAVEL
James Zimmermann 281-7507 AV

Trombone
Joe Aiello 496-8844 SJC
Pete Fournier 714.968-7931 CM
Michael Hoffman 855-9311 MV
Ray Lowery 830-9810 LF
Michael McGuire 916-2272 MV
Chris Popperwell 257-8896 CB
Tom Shearer 589-7263 RSM

Trumpet
Joe Baffa 496-4857 SJC
Michael Bartley 714.310-8678 TRAVEL
Chad Cunningham 218-4546 LR
Marie-France Downer 443-0147 CB
Joe Ferruzzo 412-9221 SJC
Ann Franek 397-8262 LH
Tim Hall 582-2256 LN
Ray Lowery 830-9810 LF
Henry Miller 380-0255 LF
Jeremy White 209.679-3459 TRAVEL

Tuba/Baritone/Euphonium
Michael Hoffman 855-9311 MV
Henry Miller 380-0255 LF
Michael McGuire 916-2272 MV
Chris Popperwell 257-8896 CB
Samuel Smith 498-2783 SC
Glen Stewart 499-4781

Viola
Christy Alesi 770-1341 MV
Cathy Alonzo 275-0182 MV
Wayne Davis 770-8299 TRAVEL
Mari Haig 248-5727 SJC
Johanna Kroezen 714.856-6437 IRVINE
Karen Lak 360-1028 LN
Jessica Lynch 412-0746 LB

Violin
Cathy Alonzo 275-0182 MV
Yang Li Bartolotti 481-8185 DP
Daniel Blank 493-1245 SJC
Lonie Bosserman 714.998-0789 SA
Mary Culici 830-7794 LH
Jonathan Dysart 714.280-1931 TU
Nancy Davis 837-8542 MV
Wayne Davis 770-8299 TRAVEL
Alan Ellsworth 499-6011 LB
Christine Flowers 495-6396 LN
Franklin Foster 361-9504 TRAVEL
Dianna Gray 249-0198 LN
Valerie Geller 916-8861 LH
Sonja Hammad 470-4775 LH
Mari Haig 361-3020 SJC
Carmen Hensley 661-0276 CB
Adriana Hernandez 257-6469 SJC
Heiling Jung 582-2256 LN
Karen Lak 360-1028 LN
Jesse Levesque 460-9339 AV
Jessica Lynch 412-0746 LB
Paul Manaster 653-1643 IRVINE
Michelle Wright 857-8566 IRVINE
Kathy Person 661-1902 DP
Georgette Popa 854-0130 IRVINE
Lisa Schmalle 481-9190 SC
Alex Shipitsyn 888-3587 RSM
Evangeline Tran Elder 903-4347 TRAVEL
Sandra Wood 489-3569 SJC

Voice
Carole Champ 951-6095 MV
Heather Hadfield 274-2602 AV
Jason Harney 714.875-8337 AV
Jesse Levesque 460-9339 AV
Linda Rose Linnebach 837-6642 LF
Kathy Loh 498-0169 SC
Dan Morse 714.730-0573 IRVINE
Eileen O’Hern 362-4511 AV
Maria Simeone 916-7639 FR
Lan Song 276-7562 LR
Tiffany Tarleton 690-1566 TRAVEL

Selecting the Right Teacher is Crucial

2009-03-31T04:15:00.001-07:00

I often tell parents that selecting the right teacher is so important. Over thirty years of teaching private piano lessons I have learned the following things to be true;

-Every good parent wants to have their children learn from teachers who are good educators; dedicated people who know how to teach many different types of students.

-If the relationship is a positive one, it should last for years which will allow any good qualified teacher to transfer their knowledge effectively at an appropriate rate so students are challenged, encouraged, monitored and well supported towards an ongoing greater success at the piano.

-Proper LEARNING should NEVER be a guessing game; a good teacher should be able to convey their subject area so clearly that a student will know exactly what is required in each lesson.

-Good parents will always set the stage to RESPECT TEACHERS and their children should be taught to be compliant to a teacher's request.

-Always ask a prospective teacher to play for you and your children; this establishes credibility and trust from the very first lesson.

I am always happy to dialogue with parents and answer all your questions. Art Scott (949) 454-1221 www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

A Tribute to my Two Special Piano Teachers....

2009-02-01T22:46:00.000-08:00

Back in 1961, I had my first piano lesson. I remember how excited i was; I remember flinging the front door open to meet Mrs. Johnson. Little did I realize the impact this wonderful teacher would have on my young life. My first exposure to the joy of the piano was from a neighbor across the street.

These neighbors has an upright piano and I used to listen to a lady who lived their play on her old upright piano Broadway show tunes. Since they were renters at some point they moved and I remember distinctly crying my eyes out thinking music was leaving my life forever. I ironically another set of neighbors were re tiling their basement and offered to give us this beat up old baby grand piano.

My dad sunk a lot of money into fixing this piano up, new hammers, new strings, even new key tops. Unfortunately the piano had a cracked pin block so all that money was spent in vain but the piano lasted a few years and I was on cloud nine. I think lessons back then cost a huge 50 cents. Hard to believe that lessons now cost $35.

My relationship with Mrs. Johnson lasted around eight years. Typical of most teenagers, it was a struggle to keep my interest at the piano and into practicing. i finally wore my mom down around the time when I was 16 years old and she finally relented and called Mrs. Johnson to terminate the lessons. Mrs. Johnson told my mom to tell "Artie" that he should be a piano teacher.

From that point on my life did have a sense of direction. I thank God for Mrs. Johnson and her affirmation that ended up being my profession of thirty years. We often never know the influence we have on others as teachers.

I picked up three adult students at my home church in MD.

When I was 21 I finally started college and thanks for that affirmation at age 16, I had an insatiable drive and desire to teach piano. in fact, I taught piano all four years in college and was able to fund my entire education with a little bit of scholarship money and from my piano students.

I graduated in 1980 with a degree in Music Education from Liberty University, a private school in VA. My teacher was Mr. David Ehrman, who was a graduate of Cincinnati Music Conservatory. Mr. Ehrman was and is an incredible friend, teacher, performer and confidant. Over many years now he has been a dear mentor and helped me on an ongoing basis resolve many teaching issues with students. In addition to being an inspirational teacher and performer, Mr. Ehrman has a hilarious sense of humor which he uses as a lubricant when working his students to the bone.

Today my profession has enabled to help so many students and families and the joy of music is still spreading.

Joy in your journey today! Art Scott, www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com (949) 454-1221

Should I "Make" my Child Practice.....

2009-01-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

I am asked this question often. The answer generally is YES. You make your child eat their vegetables, you make them go to school, you make them clean their room, you make them do homework, you make them brush their teeth.

Very few children know what is GOOD for them. This is why GOD GAVE CHILDREN PARENTS....to nurture them, love them, be their parent - not just their friend..... too many parents today are too worried that their child will not be their friend if they discipline them.

Children yearn for boundaries even though they may act like that do not want them....they do!

I think it is reasonable to do what my dad did forty years ago - a parent should have a VERBAL AGREEMENT with each child that they are going to take a minimum of one year of piano lessons. After that commitment is fulfilled, then a child should be rewarded and allowed to go on and perhaps play another music instrument.

During that first year a child will learn many things and not just about music .... they will learn the following LIFE SKILLS;

When Children Take Piano Lessons, they learn far more than Music...

Back in the 1890's through the 1950's, the PIANO, the VICTOR VICTROLA, the Phonograph Record and the RADIO were the Entertainment Centers of every home here in America. There were no TV's, no Nintendo's, Computer games, Weii machines, etc. Families turned to live music in the home to entertain themselves.

People actually learned how to play the piano and sing around the piano. It was a family affair. Young people took piano lessons as part of their Education and Personal Enrichment.

Here we are in 2009 - and we need as a nation to get back to the basics. When your kids grow up they will need to have skills that will last them the rest of their life. Consider the list that I have compiled below.
How's this for the 8 C's?

Confidence - your child will be able to play with ease and confidence and be envied by their peers

Concentration - controlled studies have proven that children who take Piano Lessons
are able to accelerate beyond their peers in Math and Science skills; the brained is sorted in a such a manner that skills require thought and organization come with greater ease.

Coordination - eye hand coordination is developed to extremely precise movements, superior to skill of a Heart or Brain Surgeon - Pianists can close their eyes and play memorized pieces - try doing surgery that way.

Consistency - daily practicing renders great results. Children learn that if you put great effort forward towards playing and improving, great results are bound to happen.

Charm - when children develop their skills in playing the Piano, they learn a great deal in grace and charm and develop a taste for the finer things that life offers.

Conceptualization - complex skills such as note reading, understanding complicated rhythms, coordinating the hands to handle playing

Courage - children learn NOT to quit when the going gets tough. Tenaciousness is learned from the start of the very first lesson. Anything worthwhile in life takes stick-to-it ness.

Commitment - children will not be anymore committed than their parents are. Piano lessons should be just as important as every subject at school. The parent as to set the stage for this attitude to be really implemented. Homework is given and needs to be completed. Making a verbal commitment of one year of lessons should be done between a child and the parent so the young person will the process of lessons seriously and be prepared weekly for their teacher.

Let the Music Begin!! Art Scott, www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com (949) 454-1221

Is It Time To Find a New Teacher?

2009-01-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

I get calls every week from parents who are either looking to start their kids for the first time with lessons or they are contemplating switching teachers.

I am always amazed when I ask a parent who is considering a switch of teachers and I ask them, "How Long Have you Been with your teacher?"....and I get responses like, three years, or two years. I explore deeper then and ask, what are the issues your having?

Here are some common responses;

1) My child is not progressing.

2) The teacher yells and screams and my child.

3) My child is bored with the music the teacher is giving them.

4) The teacher is always cancelling lessons or not showing up.

5) The chemistry is just not good between my child and the teacher.

The bottom line here if things are not working right, talk to the teacher and see if issues can be corrected. If they cannot be resolved, by all means stop the lessons and try out some new teachers and keep trying till you find the right fit. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR CHILD HAVE A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO PRIVATE LESSONS. If would be a tragedy for any child to quit music altogether just because of a bad experience with a teacher.

I always tell parents that I always want to do what is best for the child. Period. After 30 years of teaching, I am happy to share freely what I have learned.

Some children are best suited to study with men, others with women. The personality has to have a good mix or it is a waste of time and money.

Hope these ideas help you. Joy in your Music journey today.

Art Scott (949) 454-1221 www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

When should you start kids in Piano Lessons?

2009-01-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Readiness is a very individual issue. Some children are ready to start private lessons at 4 and 5 years old. I base it on attention span....if mom, dad or the grandparents can sit with a young child and read a book for 30 minutes - usually they can be taught well in a private piano lesson.

I does take parental involvement....a parent of grandparent must be willing to support and encourage a child and be hands on present for them during the first few weeks. Even just having a adult present makes a child feel safe and important; the validation that taking piano lessons is a good thing and that we hang in there and not just quit because it gets hard...we keep perservering and get the 'job' done.

Never be afraid to try out a lesson or two and by all means try out several teachers and find the right person to connect with your child. You will know when this happens if you know your child well.

Best wishes, Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com (949) 454-1221

Benefits your child will receive from taking Piano Lessons

2008-12-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Back in the 1890's through the 1950's, the PIANO, the VICTOR VICTROLA, the PHONOGRAPH RECORD and the RADIO were the Entertainment Centers of every home here in America.

There were no TV's, no Nintendo's, Computer games, Weii machines, etc. Families turned to live music in the home to entertain themselves.

People actually learned how to play the piano and sing around the piano. It was a family affair. Young people took piano lessons as part of their Education and Personal Enrichment.

Here we are in 2009 - and we need as a nation to get back to the basics. When your kids grow up they will need to have skills that will last them the rest of their life. Consider the list that I have compiled below.

"Taking Piano Lessons does MORE than just teach MUSIC....."

Confidence - your child will be able to play with ease and confidence and be envied by their peers

Concentration - controlled studies have proven that children who take Piano Lessons
are able to accelerate beyond their peers in Math and Science skills; the brained is sorted in a such a manner that skills require thought and organization come with greater ease.

Coordination - eye hand coordination is developed to extemly precise movements, superior to skill of a Heart or Brain Surgeon - Pianists can close their eyes and play memorized pieces - try doing surgery that way.

Consistency - daily practicing renders great results. Children learn that if you put great effort forward towards playing and improving, great results are bound to happen.

Charm - when children develop their skills in playing the Piano, they learn a great deal in grace and charm and develop a taste for the finer things that life offers.

Conceptualization - complex skills such as note reading, understanding complicated rythms, coordinating the hands to handle playing

Courage - children learn NOT to quit when the going gets tough. Tenaciousness is learned from the start of the very first lesson. Anything worthwhile in life takes stick-to-it ness.

Commitment - children will not be anymore committed than their parents are. Piano lessons should be just as important as every subject at school. The parent as to set the stage for this attitude to be really implemented. Homework is given and needs to be completed. Making a verbal commitment of one year of lessons should be done between a child and the parent so the young person will the process of lessons seriously and be prepared weekly for their teacher.

"I am not sure my kids will stick with it..."

2008-12-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

I hear parents who call me for the first time say this all the time. Taking private music lessons is a COMMITMENT on behalf of the PARENTS first, then the child(ren). I always say to a parent, "....your child will NOT be any more committed than you are."

It's very true. I always recommend parents do as my dad did with 5 children...he made a one year commitment with each one of us, that IF we PRACTICED and PREPARED for our lessons for a minimum of one year, he would rent or or buy us whatever instrument we wanted. Three of my brothers went on to play the trumpet in school bands and my sister stayed with the piano for 6 years.

All of my siblings can read music and can sing in church choirs and as a result of that one year background they each have a confidence level and understanding of music and the fine arts that they otherwise would not have.

So a commitment talk is imperative if a child is going to take the process of lessons serious. Through taking piano lessons children learn more than just 'music'; they also learn and cultivate issues in their lives like self-respect, respect for teachers, respect for the arts, respect for starting and finish assigned tasks, they learn that failure is part of the process of growing and learning, they also learn an appreciation for self expression, being able to create their own music and compose.

Frankly, the sky is the limit. Commitment. It's worth it. Involvement in sports is only one facet of a child's total development as a person. A great Music Education gives a total and balanced 'diet'.

Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com (949) 454-1221

It's Never Too Late to Start

2008-12-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

It really does not matter how old a person is, I have successfully taught 4 year olds and 60+ to play the piano and every age in between.

Some folks grew up where their parents could not afford lessons or even a piano. Now you can enjoy playing music today! Usually when adults decide to muster up the courage to have their first lesson and they realize it's not that hard to learn how to play, they fall in love with making music and playing the piano.

So what are you waiting for? Call today and find out how easy it is to start and fulfill your life's dream....playing the piano for your own enjoyment.

If you need help buying a piano or keyboard, we offer free advice to anyone who calls.

Art Scott (949) 454-1221 www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

Parents.....what happened to the good old fashioned days.....

2008-12-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

When parents were in charge and they made the decisions - not the kids.

I am amazed how many parents allow the kids to be in charge today and make decisions. Being the eldest of 5 kids, raised on the East Coast, and now with over 30 years teaching experience under my belt, I am disappointed when I run into a teaching situation where I have to terminate the relationship - because the parents are not in charge. I love teaching kids but if the parents are not on the same page as myself, it is time to move on.

Humorously I have often said that if children were left up to their devices, they would eat chocolate bom boms, watch TV and play computer games. Where was the turning point in our society where parents became more worried about being a child's 'friend' rather than be their parent.

I am grateful that the wonderful parents who employ me , some for as many as 8 years consecutive and each family has gone through several funnels to get me to stay as their teacher. Anyone can write a check but it takes a real live parent, in charge to help a child along the journey of taking lessons and be committed to help a child progress. This sometimes means that a parent will sit periodically and monitor what a child is doing and making sure a child gets their lesson fully prepared for their next lesson.

We live in a day and age of supposed entitlement - where people believe they have the right to say or whatever they want - and the fact that they have money gives them the right to hire and fire folks with no respect or regard for the professional and individual.

About once a year I come across folks who think they can still hire slaves....that lasts about two minutes with me...this is why I post an elaborate website and a blog because if parents do not like what I say here in this informational environment, it is not even worth booking a first appointment.

However, if a parent likes and agrees to my philosophy of not only teaching music, but they happen to a be a good parent, this is beginning of a wonderful relationship that will last for years.

Best wishes, Art Scott musicbyartscott.com (949) 454-1221

Teacher Burn Out?

2008-11-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

Many times a young person will study with a teacher for several years and for one reason or another, progress just stops. It is very easy to cross over that grey line where a student teacher relationship stops having the professional distance which is so important.

Students should respect their teacher and parents should instill this respect from the start of lessons. When the respect for any teacher diminishes, then it may be time to secure a new teacher.

I know that I only had the privilege of having two major teachers at the piano who influenced my life and career greatly; Mrs. Faye Johnson and Mr. David Ehrman.

My respect for these precious teachers and musicians is immense. I remember only one time in college where I was not fully prepared for my lesson and I called Mr. Ehrman from a pay phone and cancelled my lesson; I was almost in tears and was so shaken to have to call him that it never happened again. I so admired this dear man who had poured his life into mine and so cared for me and helped me develop my talent tremendously . I simply did not want to waste his time being ill prepared.

I put myself through college teaching piano and it paid all my bills. When I was sixteen and had finally worn my mother down and she relented and after 8 years, cancelled my piano lessons with Mrs. Johnson, this dear teachers last words to me were "tell Artie he should be a piano teacher".

This affirmation established my career for the next few decades and has afforded me immense pleasure and satisfaction.

So if you sensing that your child is burned out, no longer respects their teacher, by all means try out some new teachers and find that special one that will make piano and music come alive to your young person.

Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

Group Piano or Private Lessons

2008-11-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

Many parents ask me the difference between group vs. private piano lessons. There are pros and cons on each side.

Group Lessons

Are Cheaper

No Individualized Attention

The class moves at a constant pace forward and children who don't catch on are left behind and may feel angry and frustrated

Students who have great musical talent will excel sometimes in spite of the teaching environment

Private Lessons

With a qualified teacher children who are slow learners, perhaps have limited musical aptitude can still learn well and be able learn AT THEIR OWN PACE.

With a nuturing, patient teacher who is experienced all Children can learn and feel great about their lessons and will be proud of their accomplishments.

Children will be monitored on a consistent basis so they will progress and reach their highest potential

Private lessons will always cost a little more - but you get what you pay for.

If you have some thoughts on this issue, please send them to me.

Art Scott "Every Child Deserves a Music Education!"

It's Time to Applaud....

2008-11-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

We all grew us in different homes and in various family dynamics. For some of us, there were so many children (5) that kids practically raise each other. I remember when I would practice piano, my dad could not wait till I was finished so he could watch the 6 o'clock news. Bad parenting.

I am so thankful after 30 years of teaching to have been a part of hundreds of families and have watched how much cooperation is rendered by a child when they are praised and made to feel important because of their musical accomplishments.

It's funny to me, being a music educator how so many parents will have their kids involved in so many sports, drive and even fly to other states to participate in competitions, yet when I comes to piano or any instrument including voice, where is the same passion?

I once have a friend in college who played football tell me that he admired me and other musicians because what we did for our profession we could literally do for the rest of our lives. Often times if a person is a professional athlete of any major sport, their bodies are so injured at the end of their career, physically they are washed up and can no longer play the sport they loved. Interested contrasts.

So I wish that more parents would balance getting their kids involved in sports is great, but in addition, develop a child's intellect should always include at Music Education.

Every child deserves a Music Education. Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

I Wish My Mom had Never Let Me Quit...

2008-10-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

If I had a dollar for every time an adult has said this to me, I would probably be a millionaire. After months or years of 'making' a child practice, it can wear down any parent and often, this is just what the child is trying to do.....I had a voice teacher friend once tell me that "the most talented students will try to sabotage the lesson process - because it comes so easily to them"....After thirty years of teaching experience, I would have to wholeheartedly agree.

A word of encouragement to adults, parents and grandparents who read this, it is NEVER too late to start to play, or go back to playing and studying. In fact, in several homes that I teach in, a mom or dad is taking lessons back to back with their kids, so their is a healthy competition present and the children and prone to working harder, so they can stay ahead of mom or dad.

So music touches all of us. Support your local private teachers....and as earlier as you can start your children, the better. Studies have proven that a child's brains develops and absorbs the most between the ages of 1 and 3.

Art Scott www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

Keeping a Child Motivated at the Piano....

2008-10-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mommy, I wanna quit.

At some point every parent will hear their child say this - it could be on the second lesson, the second month or second year.

The trick is setting the stage as a parent. My dad was very wise in that he told all of us (5 children) that we HAD to stick to piano for a minimum of one year. After we fulfilled that, he told us that we could choose any other instrument in the band to play at school but we HAD to have a year of background so we would know HOW TO READ MUSIC, how to count, etc., and have some basic music theory under our belt.

I am so glad to this day - that I stuck with the piano for 8 years....and then went on to put myself through college by teaching piano and paid for 100% of all my school and living expenses.

Back to motivation and keep your children motivated. After thirty years of teaching I have found their are 2 schools of thought - reward or deprivation.

We live in a different day and age today. I often tell parents that I have trouble finding parents who are COMMITTED and willing to be firm and basically do their job as parents. I am blessed to have over 50 families who are supportive and parents who are great parents and where the parents are in charge and not the kids.

Every time a child does their job and practices without being reminded - they can get a sticker put up on a chart - and at the end of 30 days of successfully practicing they get a reward - like going to a concert, going to a toy store, getting a new computer game or whatever is meaningful to them. I have one mom 20 years ago go out and buy roller blades for her son when they were a hot ticket item...and put them high up on a shelf and told her son when the chart was filled out he would get them. It worked.

For girls getting their nails done, for boys playing golf with dad. Make it special!

Deprivation I find does not work well; in fact it cause have an opposite effect and cause children to hate music and hate the piano. Find something that works for you kids and stick to it. Children yearn for boundaries even though at time they may act like they hate them.

Work with your teacher closely; make sure your kids are playing interesting music.

If the music is boring it will be an uphill battle.

Funny thing I have found about kids, they often are just a reflection of the good and bad aspects / personality attributes of their parents. So if you see your son or daughter quiting when the task gets hard, perhaps they are modeling behavior they have seen from mom and day.

When a mom and dad and even grandparents praise their kids and support them verbally and show sincere affirmation over the piano pieces they are studying, great things can and do happen. We all need appreciation and need affirmation and in the music world which tends to be very competitive and ruthless at times, a child does develop intrinsic confidence from the praise they get at home.

Music successfully learned cast permanent memories on the psyche of children and parents. Choose your piano teacher carefully!

A Student should ALWAYS be involved in choosing....

2008-10-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

I loved my first piano teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I owe her an awful lot in that after eight years of private lessons, I finally 'wore my mom down' and she let me quit....although she was a brilliant teacher, I admiringly have developed my own style of teaching children and the one primary thing I do vastly different is I do not go page and page in piano method books...rather, I turn the selection process into a game similar to Jeopardy....door number #1 - 2 - 3 and sometimes even 4. Depending on the child, years of study and level of accomplishment, these choices may include a classical piece, a jazz piece, a Disney piece, etc. I give them 10 seconds to make up their mind....and the look of excitement on a child's face when they get to choose the piece is worth all the gold in China....or somewhere...My standing rule though is once you have selected the piece, there is no changing....so choose carefully.

Sometimes get regret the piece they choose because "it's HARD".

I don't fight them on this - I agree with them it is hard - sometimes it's hard to even wake up in the morning....but we all grow as a result of accomplishing a 'hard' piece.

I sometimes will even role play with the kids and pretend to be them and wine and complain so they can see how silly the look when they behave this way.

Someone once told me that to be a good piano teacher you are not just a musician who is teaching, but over the years you become an arm chair psychologist of sorts.

Send me your questions and concerns, I am happy to interact with anyone on the subject of piano teaching, children, musician education, etc.

Come back tomorrow....and tell your friends to visit our new, exciting site.

Topics for the next few days...from Music by Art Scott

2008-10-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Over the next fews days I will be covering several topics that most parents will enjoy reading; this includes

-How to keep my child motivated

-When should a parent let a music teacher go and how to handle the transition

-How to support your child daily and keep them motivated and practicing

-What to expect from piano recitals and how to prepare you child for them

......send me your suggestions for other topics you would like to see discussed

Welcome to Music By Art Scott

2008-10-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new music blog. The sole intention of this blog is to provide daily information to parents about Music Education and the joy of bring piano music to your home - and keep it going - year after year.

Part of this process involves two things; choosing the right instrument and choosing the right teacher.

If you already have a piano or keyboard in your house, you need to make sure if it's a digital instrument that it is touch sensitive; that way your child can begin to express themself correctly right from the start when they take lessons. Touch sensitive simply means that when someone is playing softly that they can play soft; when they excert more pressure into the key(s) it responds louder, thus emulating a real piano.

Having a piano in tune is also essential for a child's ear to develop fully. If it's been twenty years since you had your piano tuned, send me an email at mraspiano@yahoo.com and I can refer you to a good tuner, anywhere in the world!

My resources are endless and it would be a privilege to help you. Depending on where you live you can spend from $80 - 120 currently on having a piano tuned.

The wave of the future I predict is in digital pianos - you can find a huge selection of prices, major name brands of keyboards that are touch sensitive starting as low as $130 for a 5 octave unit made by Casio. I fully support digital pianos as a veteran piano teacher with over 30 years teaching experience. Families today generally do not have the room or budget to spend on an acoustical piano - one with strings and hammers.

If you choose to go the route of a real piano - you can rent them or purchase them new or used. If you are the type of consumer who likes to research before you make a purchase, you can buy the book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying a Piano by Marty and Jennifer Flinn - you can get this easily on Amazon.com. I noticed used copies for around $6....

Once you secure an instrument for you child to practice daily on, now comes the task of finding the right teacher. Whenever a parent calls me, which is almost daily about piano lessons, I also encourage them to have a mutual 'audition' time of a lesson or two with several teachers to find the right personality mix.

If the personality jive well together - then this should be a positive relationship that lasts for many years.

Unfortunately many parents have had negative experiences in their own life experience and strictly out of their own fears of the past, they refuse to even try the process of giving their children private piano lessons. In my opinion this is both wrong and selfish. The old catholic nuns who taught piano and would strike children with rulers - is - a thing of the PAST. Thank God!!

For further information on how to choose a teacher, how to choose an instrument, please avail yourself of my two websites; www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com and www.ARTSCOTTPIANOBROKER.com

Should you have specific questions and concerns and want some free advice you can either post here on my blog or email me directly at mraspiano@yahoo.com

I am and will always be a firm believer that "Every Child Deserves a Music Education" and also that "Music Changes Lives Forever!

Feel free to look at my blog daily for new information. If there are subjects that you as parents want to see covered, please feel free to suggest your concerns here - as this BLOG is for you.

Have a great day. Art Scott, Owner / Operator www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com

PS - if your wanting to shop for sheet music, music books of all types of music and want to give some music as a gift for a birthday, special occasion, Holiday, at the top of my site, click on the sheet music banner and you will find thousands of selection for piano, vocal, instrumental there.

Also, if you are in the market of guitars, drums, keyboards and much more, go to the bottom of my site www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com and click on the keyboard banner.

There you will find over 125,000 instruments at great prices.