Darlene's Teaching Methodology

Methodologies and approach used in teaching are deliberate and well-rounded.  The goal to encouraege creativity and freedom in playing while learning music and developing musical skills.  All methods are naturally related and work in conjunction with one another.  All lessons are customized for each individual’s desire to learn, practice time and ability.  

There are four main approaches that I use in teaching:

First and most importantly, we will ask for the Lord's help to both learn and to play.
The second methodology is through the ear.  Students will learn to recognize notes, pitches and rhythms.   We will leverage listening to learn how to replicate what you hear, so that you can play it on the piano.
The third method will focus on developing your technique by training your brain to make playing piano more automatic.  This will be achieved by practicing concepts while learning worship songs in conjunction with some repetition.  Over time, you will be able to focus less on technique and more on the music, dynamic and how it sounds.
The fourth approach is through understanding music, how it works, what sounds good and why.   We will learn music theory over time as it is weaved into lessons.  Understanding how music works unlocks creativity and freedom in playing.
Please note, our main approach is not focused on learning how to read sheet music. However, over time as the above skills are developed and students are exposed to various forms of written music it may be organically learned. 