Miss Esther's Home Studio
If a Student / Students live near 92602 and wish to come in person, that is possible. Precautions are taken, of course
ON LINE ZOOM. us
There are various set ups that work for online lessons. The most simple set up is to have a laptop with a webcam (built-in or attached), on the side of your piano or keyboard. Or, on the music desk sitting above the keys,
Needed for virtual lessons are the below:
A ) Piano/Keyboard
B ) Laptop or Tablet with a camera/webcam
C ) Zoom.us is utilized.
TYPE OF PIANO YOU USE
If you already have a keyboard, it is okay to use it to get started, but you will quickly run out of keys. In order to train your fingers to be strong, you will need weighted keys with the full 88 key.
Most students who do not have a strung instrument to practice upon may struggle playing with finger strength and color in approaching an Acoustic. Yet, it is a passing moment. Strength comes through practice.
If your Student demonstrates ability and interest; perhaps, look into a purchase of an Acoustic Piano
About Miss Esther
Childhood to Freshmen in High School
I began at my study at 6. I begged my mother over and over again to let me begin now. Now, meaning, 4 years old. No, she said. You will begin at 6.
I was a very excitable young girl with a large Family of Amateur and Professional Artists, Sculptors, Woodcarvers and non - professional Musicians. My Grandmother was a Jazz Pianist and played with the greats Not a one could read; yet, what came from their Pianos, guitars, banjos and the like was the beauty into which I was born
My Classical Lessons for my age were easy as I recall. My mother said to all, " Essie has taken to the Piano like a duck to water"
Yes, I was in my element.
Years of my early Piano passed with joy. It was time to move to a Concert Pianist, Miss Faith. I remember auditioning for her. I remember the Bach Minuet in G. And, I remember her accepting me.
My years with Miss Faith truly taught me how the Concert Pianists are taught. How well I remember her taking me through a piece and a measure, just a little measure, would take an hour of time.
Today, I teach that concept to Students. I call the technique: Slow-Motion. Our Brains struggle with it for this Brain runs our body well; yet with high functions ( Mathematics, Scientific areas along with Music ) moving slowly is best.
Colleges and Masters. Performing & Teaching
First year at College going for a Music Performance Degree, I was selected among 2 others to perform the Bach 3 Harpsichord Concerto, sans Orchestra. I performed the on the second Piano. Pity, no Harpsichord, for that Instrument was what I had; along with a Yamaha Vertical Grand.
Though still training with my concert Teacher, I had time for studying Theory & Composition with a Ph.D candidate. Under him, I learned Composition in Early Music. Both the theory and note are different Not impossible, merely different.
A Violist and I formed an Early Music with Harpsichord, Violin and Cello Trio.
We would travel and play for events and just have a good time with all. With sadness, our Cellist broke his thumb and our Trio of Early Music came to an end
EDUCATION
B.A English Literature Summa cum Laude
University of Oregon.
M.A Family Systems Therapy. University of San Francisco Summa cum Laude.
M.A Theological Studies. Divinity School, of the Pacific, Berkeley, CAL
10 years Professed Anglican nun
Indeed, all of this education and development is brought to the Piano Bench as Music is taught and shared.