"My daughter took piano lessons from Mei-En, and absolutely loved it.
She was encouraging & patient with students while also challenging them to do better every time."
~ Cynthia S., parent of an 9th grader
♪ PRIVATE LESSON TEACHING PHILOSOPHY ♪
Music is my life and has always been, and I want to share my passion with others.
I see music as a language and music appreciation as a different world. I consider myself as a tour guide, leading students to explore through this artistic world with varied perspectives and providing tips when they run into difficulties. Therefore, not only do I teach piano, but I always plugin related music theory and historical background as well. In that sense, they would have the skills of piano playing, which is good kinesthetic training and coordination. Moreover, even if they end up not being a musician for life, they do understand the musical fundamentals and appreciate music and arts for the rest of their lives, which could soothe us and express unarticulated emotions.
Having a full-time position at a college while maintaining a private studio, I have experience from beginner to collegiate level. I teach students of all ages and all levels, mainly in classical but also including jazzy and pop compositions from time to time. For younger students, parent(s) participation is encouraged, as I can only guide them with the weekly tips, yet students' growth in practicing will mostly occur outside of my supervision. Adult students are always welcome because we learn life-long, and it is never too late to start (or restart) a new hobby. When possible, I combine a few beginners and offer group classes, as I've witnessed that peer-collaboration inspire students to learn rapidly and excitedly. Outside of group class, I also create ensemble opportunities for students, such as piano duets, as it is definitely important to interact with partners, either in music making or in life.
Every student is unique and their opinions should be weighed in. In order to accomplish these, I use various materials and lessons are tailored for students' abilities and needs because each one of them progresses differently. I accommodate students' requests when possible since self-motivation is more effective. I believe communication is the key and a good teacher is always a good listener. If students and I disagree, we can have open conversation to articulate and discuss reasoning fully.
Students are assessed via their in-lesson presentation and student recitals, and are highly encouraged to participate in competition and musical events, which would be challenging yet rewarding. I also expect students to be able to perform for family/friends or as self-entertainment. Having students constantly place in competitions and perform at festivals is one of the joys of my studio, when their hard work pay off to accomplishments.
Should you have any question or interested in inquiring further info, don't hesitate to contact me!
"Dr. Chou is a wonderful teacher. Not only does she, heavily, invest in every one of her students, but she encourages them to be the best versions of themselves.
Her kind demeanor eases the student into learning, and her passion ignites a fire in them.
I have seen her work with others as well as myself, and she always manages to find and draw out the uniqueness in every sound."
~ Kameryn L, former student at Louisiana College
♪ HIGHLIGHTS of STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS ♪
District Piano Rally - CenLA Piano Teachers Association
- A musical event consisting (1) performance, (2) sight reading, (3) keyboard musicianship, and (4) written theory, history and ear training of the local Music Teachers Association.
Winners:
Keerthiana Stanley - 3rd place, 2015
Vivian Ryder - 1st place, 2013 , 2014, 2016
Lucy Widener -1st place, 2014
Laura Beth Mears - 2nd place, 2016
Hollie Hubbard - 2nd place, 2013
The Torgrimson/Swanzy Competition - Louisiana Music Teachers Association
- For students who earned at least a 98 in performance and 94 or above in other areas from the district competition (see District Piano Rally above) to reach the state finals.
Winner:
Lucy Widener - 2nd place, 2016
Sonatina Festival - CenLA Piano Teachers Association
- An opportunity to raise awareness and appreciation of sonatinas and to perform for a judge.
Superior ratings:
Laura Beth Mears, 2016
Grace Shelton, 2015
Keerthana Stanley, 2015-2016
Jolie Strain, 2015-2016
Tyler Walsh, 2016
Hymn Festival - Louisiana Baptist Convention
- A program developed to help meet the need for better hymn playing in churches. It also provides an avenue for all students to develop a love of hymns and offers opportunities for the hymn playing experience.
Superior ratings:
Isabelle Herrington, 2015
Laura Beth Mears, 2015
Grace Shelton, 2014-2015
Keerthana Stangley, 2012-2015
Jolie Strain, 2015
Tyler Walsh, 2015
♪ STUDENT SHOWCASE ♪
- Paul Holmes, prize winner of multiple piano competitions
Alcorn State Competition, 2nd place
Caudell Cup Piano Competition, 1st place
DeBose Piano Competition, 1st place
Interested in taking lessons? Email Dr. Chou here.