• Calendar

    Recitals & Events

    2026

    March 1st
    2:00 pm
    Studio Recital

    Carlsbad Senior Center

    March 22nd
    Time TBD
    Suzuki Chapter Graduation Recital

    Arias Hall/Musician’s Association

    April 26th
    Time TBD
    Group Recital: “Duets and More!”

    Arias Hall/Musician’s Association

    October 18th
    2:00 pm
    Studio Recital

    Carlsbad Senior Center

    Studio Holidays

    2026

    No piano lessons will be given on these days:

    President Days
    Feb. 16th & 17th (Mon./Tues. lessons, optional)

    Spring Break
    March 30-April 3rd (Flexible dates/notify teacher)

    Memorial Day
    May 25th (Mon. lessons)

    Fourth of July
    July 6th (Mon. lessons, optional)

    SD Suzuki Institute
    July 13th – 17th (I will be teaching at the Institute. Please consider enrolling!)

    Labor Day
    Sept. 7th (Mon. lessons)

    Thanksgiving
    Nov. 23rd – 27th (All, M & T lesson flexible/optional)

    Winter Holidays
    Dec. 23rd – Jan. 3rd, 2027 (All, W the 23rd is optional)

  • Testimonials

    Letters from my students and their parents over the years

    • “My children have both grown so much as musicians…”

      Mary,
      I really want to thank you for everything you have done for our family this year. Since we have moved around the country quite a bit, we have had four different Suzuki piano teachers. You are miles above all of the rest. My children have both grown so much as musicians this year. I am particularly thrilled with my 10-year-old’s progress. In one short year, his understanding of music and theory has truly exploded. With your help, he has become a musician, instead of just a child taking piano lessons. He has exceeded my expectations under your mentorship. You will be sorely missed when our family moves!
      Canora P.
      Parent

    • “…positive, gracious, supportive, understanding, and caring…”

      Dear Ms. Mary,
      I am beyond appreciative of your expertise and support! I can not express how much you have made an impact on me. I am absolutely grateful that I learned how to play the piano and am STILL playing the piano! From when I was a tiny toddler to now, you have been so positive, gracious, supportive, understanding, and caring! You are such an inspiration and bring so much positive energy! I know that every time I look at a piano, I will think of you, and the amazing things that you taught me. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family over the past 11-12 years.
      Vivian W.
      Student

    • “Thank you for being an amazing piano teacher…”

      Dear Ms. Mary,
      Thank you for being an amazing piano teacher to me for many years. I miss you so much and value everything you taught me! I appreciate all your hard work!
      Chloe L.
      Student

    • “I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher!”

      Dear Ms. Mary,
      Thank you for being such a kind, supporting teacher through all the years you have taught me. You have taught me so many skills and helped me be more confident. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher!
      Elise L.
      Student

    • “Our lives have been blessed having you!”

      Dear Mary,
      Thank you for all of your amazing years of teaching piano to my children. Not only did you teach piano to them, but you also taught them compassion, empathy, and confidence. Thank you for your incredible passion for sharing the joy of music. Our lives have been blessed having you!
      Elaine L.
      Parent

    • “Your influence in their little lives has been profound”.

      “Dear Mary,
      Our musical journey started so long ago. It was meant to be that you came into our lives. I can’t thank you enough for loving my kids and having so much patience. Your influence in their little lives has been profound.” 
      Brooklyn S.
      Parent

    • “…you helped me grow as a musician overall…”

      Dear Mary,
      I will be leaving for Peabody this Saturday and want to thank you for all your support over the years. Even though I will major in harp, I am ever so grateful to have been your student because of how much you helped me grow as a musician overall. I truly would not have been able to accomplish what I have without you, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
      Megan A.
      Student

  • Methods

    The two primary teaching methods I use are the Suzuki Method and the Royal Conservatory Certificate Program. Each method offers unique advantages tailored to different learning styles and goals. Below, you’ll find detailed information about what makes each method distinct.

    What is Unique About Suzuki Teaching?

    • Including the Parent: Active parental involvement is a key component.
    • Addressing Basic Posture Issues: Correct posture is emphasized from the beginning.
    • Giving Specific Praise: Positive reinforcement is regularly used.
    • Using Positive Language: Corrections and observations are framed positively.
    • Talking Less, Demonstrating More: Emphasis on visual and auditory learning.
    • Teaching When to Use and Not Use the Score: Guidance on learning pieces with and without the score.
    • Breaking a Concept Down into Steps: Complex concepts are taught in manageable steps.
    • Using Repetition in a Lesson: Repetition is used to reinforce learning.
    • Using Review in a Lesson: Regular review of previously learned material.
    • Moving on ONLY When a Step is Mastered: Ensuring complete understanding before progressing.
    • Working on Tone: Focus on producing a good sound.
    • Giving Clear Assignments to Student and Parent: Specific tasks for home practice.
    • Daily Listening: Parents play Suzuki music daily for their children.
    • Footstools and Adjustable Benches: Necessary equipment for proper posture.
    • Group Recitals and Book Graduations: Collaborative performance opportunities with other Suzuki students and teachers.

    What is Unique About the RC Certificate Program?

    • Updated Curriculum
      The program was newly updated in 2022 to include a more diverse repertoire.
    • Inclusive Repertoire
      Includes staples from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and contemporary pieces.
    • Comprehensive Approach
      Combines theory, technique, ear-training, sight-reading, études, and repertoire.
    • Regular Testing
      Periodic evaluations by highly-trained pianists and educators.
    • Feedback-Driven
      Evaluations provide essential feedback for directing teaching efforts.
    • Prerequisites
      Best suited for students with a basic understanding of reading, writing, and math.
    • Paced Learning
      Moves at a faster, carefully orchestrated pace.
    • Cost Considerations
      Higher cost for books and testing fees, but well worth it.

    Both methods offer structured and effective ways to learn piano, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you choose the Suzuki Method’s immersive and parent-involved approach or the RC Certificate Program’s comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, you’ll find a supportive and enriching learning environment.

    For more details on Suzuki, including its emphasis on early learning and family involvement, please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website. To learn more about RCM’s structured approach and performance opportunities, visit RCM’s page.

  • Blog

Blog

All Blog Posts

Recitals & Events

2026

March 1st
2:00 pm
Studio Recital

Carlsbad Senior Center

March 22nd
Time TBD
Suzuki Chapter Graduation Recital

Arias Hall/Musician’s Association

April 26th
Time TBD
Group Recital: “Duets and More!”

Arias Hall/Musician’s Association

October 18th
2:00 pm
Studio Recital

Carlsbad Senior Center

Studio Holidays

2026

No piano lessons will be given on these days:

President Days
Feb. 16th & 17th (Mon./Tues. lessons, optional)

Spring Break
March 30-April 3rd (Flexible dates/notify teacher)

Memorial Day
May 25th (Mon. lessons)

Fourth of July
July 6th (Mon. lessons, optional)

SD Suzuki Institute
July 13th – 17th (I will be teaching at the Institute. Please consider enrolling!)

Labor Day
Sept. 7th (Mon. lessons)

Thanksgiving
Nov. 23rd – 27th (All, M & T lesson flexible/optional)

Winter Holidays
Dec. 23rd – Jan. 3rd, 2027 (All, W the 23rd is optional)

Letters from my students and their parents over the years

  • “My children have both grown so much as musicians…”

    Mary,
    I really want to thank you for everything you have done for our family this year. Since we have moved around the country quite a bit, we have had four different Suzuki piano teachers. You are miles above all of the rest. My children have both grown so much as musicians this year. I am particularly thrilled with my 10-year-old’s progress. In one short year, his understanding of music and theory has truly exploded. With your help, he has become a musician, instead of just a child taking piano lessons. He has exceeded my expectations under your mentorship. You will be sorely missed when our family moves!
    Canora P.
    Parent

  • “…positive, gracious, supportive, understanding, and caring…”

    Dear Ms. Mary,
    I am beyond appreciative of your expertise and support! I can not express how much you have made an impact on me. I am absolutely grateful that I learned how to play the piano and am STILL playing the piano! From when I was a tiny toddler to now, you have been so positive, gracious, supportive, understanding, and caring! You are such an inspiration and bring so much positive energy! I know that every time I look at a piano, I will think of you, and the amazing things that you taught me. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family over the past 11-12 years.
    Vivian W.
    Student

  • “Thank you for being an amazing piano teacher…”

    Dear Ms. Mary,
    Thank you for being an amazing piano teacher to me for many years. I miss you so much and value everything you taught me! I appreciate all your hard work!
    Chloe L.
    Student

  • “I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher!”

    Dear Ms. Mary,
    Thank you for being such a kind, supporting teacher through all the years you have taught me. You have taught me so many skills and helped me be more confident. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher!
    Elise L.
    Student

  • “Our lives have been blessed having you!”

    Dear Mary,
    Thank you for all of your amazing years of teaching piano to my children. Not only did you teach piano to them, but you also taught them compassion, empathy, and confidence. Thank you for your incredible passion for sharing the joy of music. Our lives have been blessed having you!
    Elaine L.
    Parent

  • “Your influence in their little lives has been profound”.

    “Dear Mary,
    Our musical journey started so long ago. It was meant to be that you came into our lives. I can’t thank you enough for loving my kids and having so much patience. Your influence in their little lives has been profound.” 
    Brooklyn S.
    Parent

  • “…you helped me grow as a musician overall…”

    Dear Mary,
    I will be leaving for Peabody this Saturday and want to thank you for all your support over the years. Even though I will major in harp, I am ever so grateful to have been your student because of how much you helped me grow as a musician overall. I truly would not have been able to accomplish what I have without you, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
    Megan A.
    Student

The two primary teaching methods I use are the Suzuki Method and the Royal Conservatory Certificate Program. Each method offers unique advantages tailored to different learning styles and goals. Below, you’ll find detailed information about what makes each method distinct.

What is Unique About Suzuki Teaching?

  • Including the Parent: Active parental involvement is a key component.
  • Addressing Basic Posture Issues: Correct posture is emphasized from the beginning.
  • Giving Specific Praise: Positive reinforcement is regularly used.
  • Using Positive Language: Corrections and observations are framed positively.
  • Talking Less, Demonstrating More: Emphasis on visual and auditory learning.
  • Teaching When to Use and Not Use the Score: Guidance on learning pieces with and without the score.
  • Breaking a Concept Down into Steps: Complex concepts are taught in manageable steps.
  • Using Repetition in a Lesson: Repetition is used to reinforce learning.
  • Using Review in a Lesson: Regular review of previously learned material.
  • Moving on ONLY When a Step is Mastered: Ensuring complete understanding before progressing.
  • Working on Tone: Focus on producing a good sound.
  • Giving Clear Assignments to Student and Parent: Specific tasks for home practice.
  • Daily Listening: Parents play Suzuki music daily for their children.
  • Footstools and Adjustable Benches: Necessary equipment for proper posture.
  • Group Recitals and Book Graduations: Collaborative performance opportunities with other Suzuki students and teachers.

What is Unique About the RC Certificate Program?

  • Updated Curriculum
    The program was newly updated in 2022 to include a more diverse repertoire.
  • Inclusive Repertoire
    Includes staples from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and contemporary pieces.
  • Comprehensive Approach
    Combines theory, technique, ear-training, sight-reading, études, and repertoire.
  • Regular Testing
    Periodic evaluations by highly-trained pianists and educators.
  • Feedback-Driven
    Evaluations provide essential feedback for directing teaching efforts.
  • Prerequisites
    Best suited for students with a basic understanding of reading, writing, and math.
  • Paced Learning
    Moves at a faster, carefully orchestrated pace.
  • Cost Considerations
    Higher cost for books and testing fees, but well worth it.

Both methods offer structured and effective ways to learn piano, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you choose the Suzuki Method’s immersive and parent-involved approach or the RC Certificate Program’s comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, you’ll find a supportive and enriching learning environment.

For more details on Suzuki, including its emphasis on early learning and family involvement, please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website. To learn more about RCM’s structured approach and performance opportunities, visit RCM’s page.