Stephanie began teaching Piano and Saxophone five days/week back in the fall; she has been a very valuable asset to The Piano Studio and our Teaching Team! Thank you, Stephanie, for your thoughtful answers to our questions!
- When did you first start playing your instrument?
I started piano lessons at age 7 and started playing the saxophone in my school band at 9 years old.
- Who was your favorite music teacher and why?
Leonid Sprikut was a saxophone teacher I had for a brief period. He prepared me for my university auditions and really opened my eyes as to what it takes to actually be good and proficient in your instrument and all the work and dedication musicians put into their craft every day.
- What made you decide to pursue teaching as a job?
I think music is important for life even if you’re not expecting to pursue a career in or related to music. It makes you think in a different way and listen more accurately. It also requires a lot of focus and discipline, all transferable skills that you can apply to many aspects of your life. I am just glad to be a part of a teaching community where we can instill these values and skills into our students all while having fun and playing music.
- What is your favorite piece to play?
“Mai” by Ryo Noda is my favourite piece to play. It contains a lot of extended techniques, having to manipulate the saxophone to sound in a way that you wouldn’t expect. I had to play the saxophone in a different way and I had a lot of fun learning it.
- Do you play in a band/orchestra?
Currently I do not but I miss it.
- What is one of your favorite songs/artists/styles of music, and why?
I like all kinds of music and it’s very hard for me to choose a favourite but they’re all very popular styles. All music holds merit and can be appreciated for different reasons and at different times. For instance if I am studying I may listen to classical music or jazz like Coleman Hawkins but if for instance I want to dance, I like more pop and hip hop styles.
- What other interests do you have, unrelated to music?
I just joined a beach volleyball league. Our first game is next week and I’m looking forward to it! I enjoy staying active while also developing a new skill. I used to take kickboxing classes as well and am thinking of getting back into it. Sports make you rely more on instinct and it’s fulfilling to be able to trust yourself and your abilities as you see yourself progress and learn.
- Did you ever think about wanting to stop music? If so, what made you continue?
There was a point that I did want to quit piano lessons. I reached a point where I wasn’t progressing as quickly and things weren’t coming as easy to me. My parents didn’t allow me to quit which I am now grateful for not only because I ended up pursuing a career in music but also because of the life lessons that it taught me and the confidence that it gave me knowing that I could achieve something as long as I was willing to put in the effort. I now enjoy playing much more.
- What is your advice to parents whose children are having difficulty finding or making the time to practice at home?
I had this issue going into my first year of university. It was hard for me to balance my studies, personal life as well as the 2+ hours a day we were supposed to put into practicing our principal instrument. I decided that I needed to make a detailed schedule for myself so that I could better manage my time and feel less stressed about my workload.
I feel like children for the most part are comfortable with and enjoy routine. Goal setting is also a good way for children to understand what they have to achieve for that week and may help them want to practice. This is also good for families who don’t have a lot of time to make the time they do have as effective as possible.
- If you could learn to play another instrument, what would it be?
The cello is such a beautiful, expressive instrument that I’ve always wanted to learn. I would also like to learn to play the drums.
