I grew up in
San Francisco and have earned my masters degree in piano
pedagogy from Holy Nams University
in 2002 .
I have motivated, educated, and mentored hundreds of
students for seven years as a faculty member of Holy Names University
Preparatory Music Department, and as a private instructor. After I
got married, I moved, and am now excited about
settling into my new studio in the Peninsula area in 2006. I currently accept students of all ages and
levels. I am also currently active as
Vice-President and Membership Secretary of the Music Teachers'
Association of California in the San Francisco Branch.
One teaching method that I
specialize in is the Suzuki Method, a mother tongue approach where
students can begin to learn piano as young as three. Suzuki
students can learn how to play and perform a number of pieces quickly
by ear and by memory within a few months and with confidence.
When one can complete a task of creating a beautiful sound, and
share it with the world, a sense of self worth is raised to new
levels. Their joy of music spreads as people listen to that
beauty.
This is made possible with the basic principle that children can
reach their highest potential when they are given the best,
loving, and supportive musical enviroment, parents,
teachers, and society can give them.
Emphasis of teaching is on tone production, phrasing, technique,
and all elements that contribute to the development of expressive and confident piano style. I have
an individual approach to each student and all the lessons are
tailored according to the knowledge and ability of each student. I keep
in touch with each parent and we constantly discuss improvements and what needs to be done to acheive certain
goals. We discuss how to prepare for the lessons
and how to practice at
home.
I also integrate traditional methods because I am also a firm
believer in the importance of learning to read music as well.
Testimonies of
parents:
"It was amazing how talented some of your students are after
only 2-4 years of lessons!
The grandparents were even impressed that [she] was able to play
1) in the recital in front of strangers and 2) with both hands
at the same time after only 2 months oflessons! ... even young children can play
multiple variations of a song in such a short length of time ."
"You have exceptional patience...something I admire and
strive for myself. Music aside, piano lessons with you
are helping [my son] learn how to apply himself to something that
is very challenging for him! It is important for his self confidence an
self esteem."
"I’ve very proud of [my daughter.] [What's
she's playing] is the hardest piece she’s learned so
far. She’s practicing it a lot and is self-determined to get
it perfect for Sunday. I’ve actually had to tell her to stop
practicing because it’s bed time because we need to leave the
house. Thank you for all your work with her. She’s really doing
better and has a better attitude about playing piano with you than with
her past teachers. Thank you for being kind but firm. I
think that’s what she responds to."
Copyright 2007-2008 Phyllis Pan.. All
Rights Reserved
