My name is Diane Distefano, and I have been working with children of all ages for over 20 years. I have been teaching private piano and group lessons, including preschool piano, Recorder Karate, Boomwhackers, Stomp Jr. and beginner piano groups for over 12 years. I was raised in a musical family, with my mother being a school music teacher, church organist and piano teacher. I began studying piano when I was five years old. At nine, I began clarinet, and in high school studied privately with Janet Walsh of Peabody Conservatory. I was a member of the award winning Westminster Senior High School Marching Band for four years, under the direction of James Paxton; and a member of the WHS orchestra. I was selected to represent Carroll County and perform with the Maryland Regional Honors Orchestra.
I currently teach music enrichment classes at Classical Conversations. I have Childcare clearances and background checks.
My teaching style is geared toward each individual student. I am patient, and realize that every student is different and has different learning styles. Progress is an individual experience, and I encourage my students to set their own goals and work toward achieving them. I strive to encourage each student, and provide them with the tools and motivation they need to be successful. I have experience not only teaching the gifted student, but also children who have challenges such as dyslexia, autism, or needing vision therapy.
Piano lessons include music reading, rhythm, technique, terminology, and music theory. Students are instructed in practice techniques, and receive assignments for practice during the week. In addition to learning songs in their lesson book and other assignments, I allow students to select repertoire that is something they love, and want to learn to play. That may be a classical piece, Christian contemporary, pop song, Broadway, or something else that motivates them. Finding purpose for their new-found skill will keep them interested and motivated to continue learning and progressing. My aim is to instill a love of music in my students that will last them a lifetime.
Many parents ask if they are required to have an acoustic piano at home for practice. I do not require my students to own an acoustic instrument, because I do not want this requirement to prevent anyone from taking lessons, however, once your child has progressed, you will want them to be able to practice on a quality instrument that includes specific features Please see the tab below "Tell Me More About Pianos!" for information about finding an acoustic piano, digital pianos and more!
I currently teach music enrichment classes at Classical Conversations. I have Childcare clearances and background checks.
My teaching style is geared toward each individual student. I am patient, and realize that every student is different and has different learning styles. Progress is an individual experience, and I encourage my students to set their own goals and work toward achieving them. I strive to encourage each student, and provide them with the tools and motivation they need to be successful. I have experience not only teaching the gifted student, but also children who have challenges such as dyslexia, autism, or needing vision therapy.
Piano lessons include music reading, rhythm, technique, terminology, and music theory. Students are instructed in practice techniques, and receive assignments for practice during the week. In addition to learning songs in their lesson book and other assignments, I allow students to select repertoire that is something they love, and want to learn to play. That may be a classical piece, Christian contemporary, pop song, Broadway, or something else that motivates them. Finding purpose for their new-found skill will keep them interested and motivated to continue learning and progressing. My aim is to instill a love of music in my students that will last them a lifetime.
Many parents ask if they are required to have an acoustic piano at home for practice. I do not require my students to own an acoustic instrument, because I do not want this requirement to prevent anyone from taking lessons, however, once your child has progressed, you will want them to be able to practice on a quality instrument that includes specific features Please see the tab below "Tell Me More About Pianos!" for information about finding an acoustic piano, digital pianos and more!