Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
In Student Home
About Me
While my focus is on teaching, training and enjoying classical music, my students do play a variety of music. We hold many performing opportunities through out the school year, from workshops, piano parties and mini-recitals where only students attend and play for each other to formal recitals at our local community college and public performances as community service at malls, nursing homes and senior citizen centers. I do not adhere to any one method of music teaching. Instead my familiarity with many different educational approaches allows me to individualize and personalize my student's lessons. I focus on how to practice but always with encouragement and warmth. I use a wide range of teaching tools that might include at any given time: art work, writing, percussion instrument exploration, recording, listening and movement. To sum up, the parents of my students often describe my approach to music teaching as creative. Ms. Lazarus has over 20 years of teaching experience with a studio of 40+ students.
My Musical Education Background
BA in Music, BA in Psychology, BA in Education, MA in Philosophy of Art, University of PIttsburgh. PhD coursework in Philosophy of Art, University of PIttsburgh and University of Philadelphia.
Genres and Subjects Taught
Classical
Lesson Rates
My studio works on a tuition basis. Tuition can be paid in monthly installments or in quarterly installments. Monthly installments are $100.00 per month from September to June for a weekly half hour lesson. This also includes monthly group lessons and several recitals throughout the school year.
Middle School students and older must take 45 minute length lessons every week. This tuition is $150.00 per month from September to June and also includes monthly group lessons and recitals.
Serious High School music students intending to enter college level music major programs must take an hour lesson every week throughout the school year. This tuition is $200.00 a month with monthly group lessons and recital opportunities.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
Ages 5 to Adult! Starting private piano lessons for young children is most dependent on the child. Can they sit still and focus for a half-hour lesson? Have they started to read independently? Are they asking for piano lessons? If you can answer yes to all three questions, then your child is ready for private music lessons!
My Certifications and Awards
Active Member of Music Teachers National Association, Massachusetts branch. (MTNA and MMTA.) Active Member of North Shore PIano Teachers Group.
My Musical Influences
Penny Lazarus, born in PIttsburgh, PA, has been playing the piano for over 30 years. In 1989 she founded the Jackson Street PIano Studio. In 2000 she moved to the North Shore of Massachusetts with her husband and two children, where she currently teaches.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Alec
Newburyport, MA
I have to tell you one more time... Alec is really digging piano this year... thank you soooo much. We still have to remind him to practice, but he takes such pride in what he is doing. Not sure if it's the jazz.. .or he has just reached that level of competency that makes him enjoy his own playing, but it's sure working. He considers you a "great teacher".... (which, of course we knew... but it's unusual to come from a twelve year old).