FAQs
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Beginner to advanced
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7 years old and up
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Adults at any level
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Music theory, sight reading, ear training
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Playing fundamentals (technique)
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Classical curriculum with popular, jazz, religious, duet and 2-piano music options
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Winter and spring recitals
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Two studio grand pianos
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Studio hours: 9 am to 7 pm
Exposing younger children to singing, movement and rhythm as excellent preparation for formal piano lessons.
Young and old can reap great benefit by studying the piano. The key to success is a teacher who can put together well-paced lesson material that accomplishes goals while being fun and interesting and a student excited about learning.
Philosophy
Music has always been an important part of my life, and I've taken every opportunity to spend time on the piano. And even with degrees in piano performance and sacred music, I continue to love learning and growing as a pianist.
There is more music to enjoy than we could learn in a life-time, and the pursuit of it leads down paths one never knew existed! For me, piano studies made it easy for me to pick up many related skills. String bass in 6th grade gave me ensemble skills, and I played bass with fellow musicians in orchestras, concert bands, small string and jazz ensembles through college. Singing in ensembles and choirs plus studying conducting gave me skills needed to direct choirs, which in churches and schools. Ensemble experience gave me skills needed to accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs. For many years I was honored to accompany the graded of The Christian Choral Society of Austin. Today I enjoy accompanying high school students at UIL solo competitions. So you can see how the piano can lead you in interesting directions over time.
For almost 50 years I've taught piano students. I use the best materials - old and new - which includes classical, jazz, pop and church music. Students acquire skills needed for lifelong involvement with music.
Successful results require a challenging but nurturing learning environment which you will find in my studio. A student's innate abilities and musical interests are evaluated and built upon. Fundamentals are taught and strengthened including note reading, sight reading, theory, ear-training and performance techniques of the baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary time periods, a working knowledge of chords, and music history. These skills can easily allow one to play a wide variety of musical genres. Ensemble playing including two-piano literature is explored as well.
Students receive help preparing for special school and church events. Three studio recitals are held every year, and students can participate in festivals and events hosted by the Austin District Music Assn. /Texas Music Teachers Assn.
Those who become musicians express music from their hearts. British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams said, "The art of music above all the other arts is the expression of the soul of a nation." May the art of the piano bring beauty to the soul of our nation.
Testimonials
"I want to take a moment to say how happy and grateful we are that you are my son's piano teacher. You know when to push him and what he's capable of. We appreciate how devoted and dedicated you are to your students from lessons, to planning and coordinating recitals, to zoom lessons, to handling everything for the festivals and to how kind and patient you are with your students. We don't say it enough but wanted you to know that we love and appreciate you so much!"
A note from a local high school orchestra director after recording accompaniment tracks for UIL soloists: "Thank you for taking the time to make this work. Alyssa played beautifully and the parts fit together perfectly. Thank you so much."
"My son started piano lessons with Mrs. Dolan last year, and we are amazed at how much he has learned in only six months. She is very patient and clearly has a passion for music and for teaching."
"Mrs. Dolan is an amazing piano teacher. My daughter surpassed in 9 months what took me 3 years to learn when I was taking piano!"
"Thank you for giving the gift of music to our daughter. She has found joy, confidence and strength. You’ve given her more than 30 minutes a week and we are so grateful."
"Your confidence in my son's ability is pulling him forward with his skills just like I'd hoped. You are the perfect teacher for him!"
"Mrs. Dolan is an awesome instructor! From the time we met, I had a sense of a great teacher student connection. One of my retirement goals was to invest in a piano and learn to play. This would be a challenge for sure but Mrs. Dolan has accepted me as a challenge and I am expecting my love for piano music and Mrs. Dolan's teaching skills will fulfill my dream of playing the piano. The best is yet to come!!!"
"I recommend Mrs. Dolan highly. I hadn’t played in 40 years and am happy with my progress."
