I started taking piano lessons as a toddler - at around 8-10 years old, I began lessons with FaithSlaker music and continued until I went to college. Aubrey challenged me as a pianist to take my skills further than I thought they could go. She pushed me out of my comfort zone to further my ability in lessons and performances, but never forced me beyond anything I could handle. I think the approach to music that Aubrey uses with students fosters growth not only in musicianship, but also in personhood. FaithSlaker music really is a holistic approach to music, providing opportunities to collaborate with others, learn about the history of music and cultures of the past, gain focus, and further one's attention to details.
To truly reap the benefits of the skills and techniques taught in private lessons, at-home practice is necessary; Aubrey, however, gives instructions and tips that make it easy and enjoyable through a variety of approaches that keep practicing interesting for musicians of all ages. Given the personal attention asked for in lessons, a student's musicality can progress immensely, as mine did quickly after beginning with FaithSlaker music. For me, sometimes it was challenging to balance music with other parts of life, mainly school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. There were certainly weeks where I didn't perform to the best of my ability because life got in the way, but Aubrey always adapted to my level and kept a positive attitude while encouraging me to find time to practice. Choosing to make time has so many benefits, and makes the lessons all the more worthwhile.
In group lessons, too, I was taught broader theory and harmony, music history, and a deeper musical vocabulary in an environment where my appreciation for music and desire to progress was mutual among a small group of students my age. These skills are often taught in both private lessons and group lessons, but they are applied differently in the two environments. If you can handle the extra commitment, I would definitely recommend taking group lessons as well; they have a lot of value due to the exposure they provide to additional aspects of musical education that aren't necessarily available in private lessons.
Quiet frankly, I could not recommend piano lessons at FaithSlaker music enough. Not only did my knowledge of and appreciation for music skyrocket while I took lessons with Aubrey, but I believe she shaped me as a person just as much as she shaped me as musician. I took lessons during a very formative time of my life, and it was important to my parents - and, while I might not have been aware of it at ten years old, important to me too - that I committed myself to endeavors that would bring me joy and build character. From when I began lessons with Aubrey to the time that I ended, piano lessons did that for me, and much of that had to do with the environment Aubrey provided: an environment in which I was comfortable expressing myself, challenging myself, and failing as well as succeeding. I grew into a more confident person, I think, because I continued to hone in a skill like music with a teacher like Aubrey. Taking the time to adapt to her students, she gives immense attention to each pupil, with a personalized curriculum tailored to every one. Aubrey is pragmatic, fun, and has fabulous stickers as rewards for progress! If you're willing to make a commitment to piano and music, FaithSlaker music is the place to go! read more
