Hi, I’m
Dean Solden
ANN ARBOR,MI
Summary
Dynamic piano instructor with a proven track record of enhancing student performance through innovative lesson planning and strong communication skills. Successfully prepared numerous students for showcase performances while fostering a supportive learning environment. Expertise in classical, jazz, and pop piano for ages 8 and up, tailored to individual learning styles.
I'm a people person and have a strong love of music. I transfer that feeling to my students who then maintain a lifelong love of music. Isn't that the goal?
Overview
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Self-Employed
Piano Teacher
01.2000 - Current
Job overview
- Boosted student confidence in their abilities through consistent positive reinforcement and encouragement.
- Introduced students to appropriate hand positioning, finger transitions and pedal use.
- Communicated with parents regarding upcoming events and student progress.
- Developed lesson plans, selected course materials and prepared assignments.
- Enhanced student performance by incorporating innovative teaching methods and individualized lesson plans.
- Developed personalized curriculum for each student to cater to their unique learning styles and needs.
- Provided constructive feedback on technique, expression, posture, rhythm-reading skills during weekly private lessons.
- Established a supportive learning environment that promoted open communication between students, parents, and faculty members.
Self-Employed
Piano Instructor - Jazz, Classical, Pop
09.1986 - 07.1993
Job overview
- Arranged lessons to accommodate each student's unique goals and interests.
- Conducted individual and group music lessons lasting from 30 to 60 minutes each.
- Communicated regularly with parents to provide information about children's progress and challenges.
- Established strong music foundation with students by incorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons.
- Selected music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
- Prepared over [Number] piano students for showcase performances.
Education
Private Instruction - Jazz Great - Don HassSan Mateo, CA
from Piano
Private Instruction - Jazz Great - Dick HindmanSan Francisco, CA
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park, CA
Bachelor of Arts from Music Performance
05-1983
Skills
- Beginning, Intermediate Classical Piano
- Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Jazz and Blues Piano
- Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Pop/Rock Piano
- Ages 8 and up
- Can create arrangements of classical, jazz or popular on the spot customized for the student
- Create a fun and warm environment to learn
- Can teach in groups - parent/child 2 people
- Specialty in teaching jazz to experienced players
- Effective lesson planning
- Strong communication skills
I am a performing musician of jazz, pop, and classical music.
I have been a professional musician since I was 16 years old, touring in an "oldies" band on the New Jersey shore. I have preformed around the country, with jazz groups and a major blues band. I have have my degree in jazz and classical music, and I love and play all styles of music equally. I have been a professional jazz instructor for many years, and also created one of the first "rock schools" in America in Marin County, California.
As a teacher, I am unique. I teach people what they want, but many people don't know they can learn blues, jazz and pop music as well as classical music. I enjoy teaching it all. What makes me unique is that I can create an arrangement of almost any song on the spot, at the right level of the student. In other words, I can get them playing the type of music they want virtually right away. They really enjoy that!
I also have a speciality in teaching intermediate and advanced piano students who have not played jazz, how to improvise. This takes a special skill. My students enjoy this very much and generally have transformative musical experiences. I would look forward to sharing music with you.
Timeline
Piano Teacher
Self-Employed
01.2000 - Current
Piano Instructor - Jazz, Classical, Pop
Self-Employed
09.1986 - 07.1993
Private Instruction - Jazz Great - Don Hass
from Piano
Private Instruction - Jazz Great - Dick Hindman
Sonoma State University
Bachelor of Arts from Music Performance
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