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Felicia Wishner

Born May 25, 1966      Piano teacher playing

A musician's career often depends on a chain of events that may date back to beginning instruction. The training and development of a young pianist is entrusted exclusively to the independent teacher. Therefore it is vitally important for a young student to have a competent and qualified teacher, because the beginning teacher can "make or break" a young pianist. The total composite of one's training, background, personality, and motivation are combined to produce a  skilled professional.

Experience is the most important factor in successful teaching. I have taught piano full time in New Jersey for over 12 years, and  average 40 students per week. Approximately 45% are beginners - to advanced beginners, 45% are intermediate to advanced intermediate,  and 10%  are advanced players. I teach year round and break only a few weeks out of the year. I specialize in teaching beginners and work with them up through college level.

My degree is in Education from Baruch College with a minor in music. My musical training began at age 7, where I was taught privately by my father. My father was a music director in Italy and a private piano teacher in  New York City for many years. He developed  his teaching method training my prodigal brother for international competition in classical accordion. I studied classical piano for 23 years and played primarily for my own enjoyment, but always kept a watchful eye on the ease at which his students learned.

"A great method presented incorrectly is not always well received."  I have taken my fathers (old world) method and have made minor adjustments to insure the smooth transition between various playing levels. The goals: are to understand the entire keyboard, recognize notes fluently, including ledger line notes, recognize chords and be able to play them, understand tempo, meter signatures, key signatures, music terms, and improvise. My method is classically based; however, I am not so stringent as to not introduce popular, jazz, and standards to my students. I feel all forms of music help develop certain technique, and I present  music education in a fun and enthusiastic way.

 
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I use Kasschau and Benner Theory, Hanon  and Czerny for technique, Schaum and  Bastine for scales and other note reading exercises. I hold regular private recitals. I  am a member of the New Jersey Music Teachers Association (MTNA) and I am affiliated with the Royal Academy of Music. Through these institutions I can offer competitive play, national or regional recitals, theory examinations, and evaluations that allow the student to obtain an objective assessment of themselves and my teaching.

I recognize that many adults feel deprived that they never took lessons when they were young, or they just have a love of music and want to learn more about it. Adults are quick learners, but (newer students) cannot always obtain the coordination or develop the independent dexterity necessary to play at a higher level. I tailor my music lessons to meet an adults individual needs and focus on the type of music you want to play.  

Piano lessons have changed quite a bit since you might have experienced them in your childhood. In my studio, students receive a thirty-minute lesson and generally come once a week, advanced players forty-five minutes or an hour. Besides just learning to actually play the piano, you will gain an overall knowledge of music, which can also prepare you for continued study in other instruments or singing.

Please contact me via e-mail if you have questions about music in general, or if you would like to get on my waiting list for private lessons visit the "Children's Lesson Tab". If you are one of my students, or a parent of a student, please take a few minutes to sign my guest book.

                   Thanks!  


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