Greetings to all...my name is Charlie G. and I am a graduate of Shenandoah University Conservatory. I have been teaching piano since 2006 and playing since the age of four. I hold Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance with additional studies in conducting, church music and piano pedagogy (both in private and group lesson settings). I teach privately at home, church and locally in the Winchester/Frederick County area of Virginia for students ages five to adult. My teaching philosophy is that every person is capable of learning a musical instrument, no matter what their "talent" level is; nor is there an age limit. Learning music is a lifelong journey of development and fun. Learning an instrument, such as the piano, is like planting a seed. It takes time to grow and blossom. It is up to the individual student as well as the teacher as to how well that "seed" matures...meaning that every person deserves that one compatible teacher to help guide him/her along the way in what that student wishes to learn (i.e. genre of music, theory, history, etc.) and it is entirely up to the student as to what he/she can learn through endless amounts of practice, studying and self-discovery.
Typically, some of the piano methods I use are Bastien Piano Basics: Book A and B for students under age seven; but if the student starts after seven, he/she will begin at Primer Level for ages 7-11. As a supplement, I like to make the lessons interesting by using flash cards, games to reinforce note reading, musical symbols and terms. Teenaged or adult students can either opt for the Bastien Older Beginner lesson book, or I can always write my own song arrangements or exercises by hand on staff paper. Memorization of repertoire is emphasized after approximately one year of private study; and pedal technique is usually introduced towards the end of Level 1. For younger kids whose feet cannot yet reach the pedals, a pedal extender is used. I am also really adamant about giving group studio classes and student recitals during Christmas and spring time as a means of building confidence for playing in public--both for children and adults with refreshments afterwards. I have experience teaching classical, pop, hymns and contemporary Christian music.
What has attracted me about the WyzAnt Tutoring service is there are so many options for subjects that potential students from which they can choose, not only in music but also in math, science, English, test prep, etc. I can teach as many students as available and set my own hours and schedule according to the students, parents and myself. It is also truly a blessing to know that WyzAnt offers its services to all areas of VA and not just specified cities or regions. I look forward to meeting each and every one of my new students; just as it is a joy to wake up knowing that what I do as a professional artist and teacher is making a personal difference in the lives of many.
back to top