Piano lessons with
Joel Ajayi
From$35.43 per lesson
•
Piano lessons with
Joel Ajayi
From$35.43 per lesson
•✨
Joel is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•2 reviews
✨
Joel is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•2 reviews
About your piano coach
From concert halls to your living room, I've spent the last 15 years sharing my love of piano. As a professional pianist, I'm passionate about guiding students of all levels to discover the joy and artistry within themselves. Let's unlock your musical potential together.
👋
Teaches: Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
📍
Lives in: Providence, Rhode Island
🎓
Years Playing: 15 years
🔥
Given: 4 lessons
Joel's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Joel's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near Providence, Rhode Island
No availability for this date
Didn't find a time or location that works with Joel?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
🏅Professional Pianist
➕Travels to you
Reputation
✨
Joel is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Average rating
5.0
2 ratings•2 reviews
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Femi
Now able to play some songs
And learn alone most times
Tune
Patient, fun, and easy to work with
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonApproaching the first piano lesson with a beginner requires a thoughtful and structured plan. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make a positive and engaging first impression:
*Before the Lesson*
1. *Communicate with the student (or parent)*: Ask about their goals, musical background, and any specific expectations they may have.
2. *Prepare the learning environment*: Ensure the piano or keyboard is in good working condition, and the room is quiet and free from distractions.
3. *Gather materials*: Have a variety of teaching tools and resources ready, such as method books, flashcards, and a metronome.
*During the Lesson*
*Introduction and Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)*
1. *Welcome and introduce yourself*: Establish a positive and friendly atmosphere.
2. *Ask open-ended questions*: Encourage the student to share their interests and goals.
*Piano Exploration (15-20 minutes)*
1. *Familiarize the student with the piano*: Explain the basics of the instrument, such as the layout of the keys, hand positions, and finger numbers.
2. *Explore sounds and textures*: Let the student experiment with playing different notes, dynamics, and articulations.
3. *Introduce basic hand positions*: Show the student how to place their hands on the keyboard with curved fingers and relaxed wrists.
*Setting Goals and Expectations (5-10 minutes)*
1. *Discuss goals and expectations*: Align your teaching with the student's objectives and aspirations.
*Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)*
1. *Summarize the lesson*: Recap the key takeaways and highlights from the lesson.
2. *Assign homework*: Provide the student with simple exercises or tasks to practice before the next lesson.
*After the Lesson*
1. *Follow up with the student (or parent)*: Send a brief email or message to thank them for the lesson and inquire about their progress.
2. *Review and adjust your approach*: Reflect on the lesson and make adjustments as needed to better support the student's learning.
Lesson 11+After the first 10 lessons, a beginner can expect to continue refining their skills, expanding their musical knowledge, and developing their own unique style. Here's an overview of what they can expect from their remaining lessons:
*Intermediate Phase (Lessons 11-20)*
1. *Refining Technique*: Continue to develop finger independence, strength, and dexterity.
2. *Expanding Repertoire*: Learn more complex songs and pieces, including classical, jazz, and popular styles.
3. *Music Theory*: Delve deeper into music theory, exploring concepts like chord progressions, harmony, and counterpoint.
4. *Improvisation*: Begin to explore improvisation techniques, learning to play freely and creatively.
5. *Performance Preparation*: Prepare for performances, recitals, or exams, refining stage presence and performance skills.
*Advanced Phase (Lessons 21-30+)*
1. *Advanced Technique*: Focus on advanced technical skills, such as intricate fingerwork, pedaling techniques, and nuanced dynamic control.
2. *Specialized Repertoire*: Explore specific genres or styles, such as classical, jazz, or musical theater.
3. *Composition and Arranging*: Learn to compose or arrange music, developing skills in melody writing, harmony, and orchestration.
4. *Collaboration and Accompaniment*: Learn to play with other musicians, developing skills in accompaniment, ensemble playing, and chamber music.
5. *Professional Development*: Discuss career options, performance opportunities, and ways to share music with others.
*Ongoing Learning and Growth*
1. *Regular Practice*: Establish a consistent practice routine, setting achievable goals and tracking progress.
2. *Exploring New Styles*: Continuously explore new genres, styles, and composers to stay inspired and motivated.
3. *Seeking Feedback*: Regularly seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to refine skills and address areas for improvement.
4. *Embracing Challenges*: Embrace challenges and difficulties as opportunities for growth, persistence, and resilience.
5. *Sharing Music with Others*: Share music with others through performance, teaching, or other means, spreading the joy and beauty of music.
Throughout their remaining lessons, beginners can expect to:
- Refine their technical skills and musical knowledge
- Expand their repertoire and explore new styles
- Develop their own unique voice and style
- Prepare for performances, exams, or other musical milestones
- Continuously grow and improve as musicians
Lesson 4-10
*Lessons 4-5: Building Foundations*
1. *Hand position refinement*: Continue to develop proper hand positions for both hands.
2. *Finger independence*: Focus on exercises that improve finger independence and dexterity.
3. *Basic chords*: Introduce simple chords (e.g., C, G, Am) to develop hand strength and coordination.
4. *Simple songs*: Learn new songs that incorporate previously learned concepts.
*Lessons 6-7: Expanding Technique*
1. *Introduction to scales*: Learn the basics of scales (e.g., C major) and understand their importance.
2. *Arpeggios*: Introduce arpeggios (broken chords played in a smooth, flowing manner) to improve finger strength and dexterity.
3. *Dynamic control*: Focus on playing with varying dynamics (loud and soft) and articulations (legato and staccato).
4. *More complex rhythms*: Explore more complex rhythms, including time signatures and rests.
*Lessons 8-9: Developing Musicianship*
1. *Introduction to music theory*: Learn basic music theory concepts, such as note values, rests, and intervals.
2. *Ear training*: Develop ear training skills by identifying intervals, chord progressions, and melodies.
3. *Phrasing and expression*: Focus on playing with phrasing, expression, and emotional depth.
4. *Repertoire expansion*: Learn new songs that challenge technique and musicianship.
*Lesson 10: Refining Skills*
1. *Technique refinement*: Refine technical skills, such as finger independence, hand position, and dynamic control.
2. *Sight-reading*: Introduce sight-reading exercises to improve reading skills and fluency.
3. *Performance preparation*: Prepare for a performance or recital by refining a piece and developing stage presence.
4. *Goal setting*: Set goals for future lessons and practice, and discuss ways to maintain motivation and progress.
By the end of the tenth lesson, beginners can expect to:
- Play with more confidence and control
- Demonstrate improved finger independence and dexterity
- Understand basic music theory concepts
- Play with more expression and emotional depth
- Have a more extensive repertoire of songs and exercises
Lesson 2-3Here's an overview of what a beginner can expect from their second and third piano lessons:
*Second Lesson (30-45 minutes)*
1. *Review and Refine*: Review the hand positions, finger numbers, and basic keyboard layout from the first lesson. Refine these skills with exercises and simple songs.
2. *Introduction to Music Notation*: Introduce the concept of music notation, including staff, clefs, notes, rests, and basic rhythm.
3. *Simple Melodies*: Learn to play simple melodies using the right-hand fingers (e.g., C, D, E, G). Focus on proper finger placement, hand position, and tone production.
4. *Basic Rhythm*: Introduce basic rhythm concepts, such as playing on the beat, recognizing note values (whole, half, quarter), and understanding rests.
5. *Homework and Practice*: Assign exercises and songs to practice, focusing on developing finger independence, hand-eye coordination, and basic technique.
*Third Lesson (30-45 minutes)*
1. *Expanding Hand Positions*: Introduce left-hand finger numbers and explore playing with both hands together in a simple, five-finger position.
2. *More Complex Rhythms*: Introduce more complex rhythms, such as playing with a steady pulse, recognizing syncopation, and exploring dynamic contrasts (loud and soft).
3. *Simple Harmonies*: Introduce basic harmonies using intervals (e.g., playing two notes together) to add depth to simple melodies.
4. *Playing with Expression*: Focus on playing with expression, including varying dynamics, articulation, and phrasing to convey emotion and feeling.
5. *Repertoire Expansion*: Introduce new songs or exercises that reinforce previously learned concepts and challenge the student to develop new skills.
By the end of the third lesson, beginners can expect to:
- Play simple melodies with both hands
- Understand basic music notation and rhythm concepts
- Develop finger independence and hand-eye coordination
- Play with expression and varying dynamics
- Have a small repertoire of simple songs and exercises
Keep in mind that every student learns at their own pace, and the specific content of each lesson may vary depending on the individual's progress and needs.
Youth players
Working with kids
*Lesson Structure*
1. *Shorter lessons*: Kids have shorter attention spans, so lessons should be shorter (20-30 minutes) and more frequent.
2. *Break lessons into smaller chunks*: Divide lessons into smaller, manageable sections to help kids stay focused.
3. *Make it interactive*: Incorporate games, activities, and hands-on exercises to keep kids engaged.
*Teaching Methods*
1. *Use kid-friendly language*: Explain complex musical concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
2. *Visual aids*: Use pictures, diagrams, and videos to help kids visualize and understand musical concepts.
3. *Demonstrate and imitate*: Demonstrate techniques and have kids imitate you to help them learn through observation and repetition.
*Repertoire and Materials*
1. *Choose kid-friendly repertoire*: Select songs and pieces that are fun, engaging, and suitable for kids' skill levels.
2. *Use kid-friendly materials*: Utilize method books, worksheets, and games specifically designed for kids, such as:
- Alfred's Basic Piano Library
- Piano Adventures
- Music for Little Mozarts
*Practice and Motivation*
1. *Make practice fun*: Encourage kids to practice by making it a game or a fun activity.
2. *Set achievable goals*: Help kids set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements to maintain motivation.
3. *Provide positive feedback*: Offer constructive, positive feedback to help kids build confidence and self-esteem.
*Additional Tips*
1. *Use technology*: Incorporate technology, such as piano learning apps (e.g., Piano Maestro, Piano Game) and software (e.g., Synthesia), to make lessons more engaging.
2. *Encourage exploration*: Allow kids to explore the piano and discover new sounds and techniques.
3. *Be patient and supportive*: Create a positive and supportive learning environment by being patient, encouraging, and celebratory of kids' progress.
By adapting piano lessons to meet the unique needs and learning styles of kids, you can create a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment that fosters their musical growth and development.
Working with teenagersWhen teaching piano to teenagers, it's essential to adapt lessons to meet their unique needs, learning styles, and interests. Here are some ways to modify piano lessons for teenagers:
*Lesson Structure*
1. *Length and frequency*: Teenagers can focus for longer periods, so lessons can be 45-60 minutes, depending on their schedule and attention span.
2. *Flexibility*: Be flexible with lesson scheduling, as teenagers often have busy schedules with school, extracurricular activities, and social events.
*Teaching Methods*
1. *Respect and autonomy*: Treat teenagers as young adults, giving them more autonomy and responsibility for their learning.
2. *Relate to their interests*: Connect piano lessons to their musical interests, such as playing songs by their favorite artists or exploring specific genres (e.g., jazz, rock, or pop).
3. *Technical exercises*: Incorporate technical exercises that challenge them and help build skills, such as Hanon exercises, scales, or arpeggios.
*Repertoire and Materials*
1. *Choose relevant repertoire*: Select songs and pieces that resonate with their musical tastes and goals.
2. *Explore different genres*: Expose them to various genres, such as classical, jazz, or musical theater, to broaden their musical understanding and appreciation.
3. *Use technology*: Leverage technology, such as piano learning apps (e.g., Piano Maestro, Piano Game), software (e.g., Synthesia), or digital sheet music, to make lessons more engaging and efficient.
*Practice and Motivation*
1. *Set achievable goals*: Help teenagers set realistic goals, both short-term and long-term, to maintain motivation and direction.
2. *Encourage self-directed learning*: Foster independence by encouraging them to explore new music, practice regularly, and take ownership of their learning process.
3. *Provide constructive feedback*: Offer specific, constructive feedback to help them improve and grow as musicians.
*Additional Tips*
1. *Be patient and understanding*: Recognize that teenagers face unique challenges, such as academic pressure, social stress, and emotional changes. Be patient, empathetic, and supportive.
2. *Foster a positive learning environment*: Create a comfortable, non-judgmental space where teenagers feel encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
3. *Celebrate progress and achievements*: Acknowledge and celebrate their progress, no matter how small, to boost motivation and confidence.
By adapting piano lessons to meet the unique needs and interests of teenagers, you can create a engaging, supportive, and motivating learning environment that fosters their musical growth and development.
What you need to bringCome and let’s teach you to become an expert. If you have a preferred equipment: piano or keyboard you are welcomed to
What I can bringMy personal piano and lessons
Frequently asked questions
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Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
JA
Piano with Joel A.New to TeachMe.To