Kathryn Lieppman,
Pianist and Teacher
Unique piano lessons that prioritize “audiation” or
“musical thinking”
(based on “Music Learning Theory” research by Edwin Gordon).
Why audiation? Why “musical thinking”?
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Because if we aren’t “thinking music”, the piano is more like a typewriter than a vehicle for musical expression.
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Because if we aren’t “thinking music”, piano lessons turn into a series of corrections rather than a series of joyful “aha” moments.
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Because if we aren’t “thinking music”, we’re just decoding symbols robotically rather than reading music with big-picture understanding.
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Because if we aren’t “thinking music”, we become one of those adults who says “I took piano lessons, but I don’t remember anything”.
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Because if we aren’t “thinking music”, we aren’t realizing our full musical potential.
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Because “thinking music” means becoming well-rounded, confident, independent musicians who perform, read, compose, and listen to music with deep understanding.
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Because “thinking music” is a lifelong skill that enriches your life, whether you continue playing piano, apply it to another instrument, or become an educated audience member and arts supporter.
What are the elements of an “audiation-based” piano lesson?
Away from the keyboard:
Students develop audiation, or “musical thinking” skills through a variety of singing, chanting, listening and movement activities.
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Movement in lessons helps students develop their understanding of meter and rhythm, and also helps develop coordination, preparing them to play the piano with healthy, free technique.
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A major feature in developing audiation skills is developing a vocabulary of musical patterns (both rhythm and tonal), through listening and echo-ing activities. Internalizing these patterns is an essential part of the path to developing musical understanding as listeners, readers, and performers.
At the keyboard:
Students learn developmentally appropriate pieces. In the beginning years, these are taught by rote (listening and watching). As their audiation develops, notation is introduced.
Students explore the keyboard and create music at every lesson. Improvisation and composition are important parts of becoming well rounded musicians.
Students develop body awareness and work towards playing with healthy technique.
More about my teaching philosophy:
I believe in providing piano students with a well-rounded music education. While we work to master the instrument, we are also developing deep musical understanding through listening, singing, moving, improvising and composing.
I believe in getting to know my students and adapting lessons according to their unique learning styles and goals.
I believe in building a musical community at my studio. Students support and learn from each other as they engage together in group and performance settings.
I believe in engaging not just a child but an entire family in the journey of learning the piano. The more support a child or individual has surrounding their goals, the more successful they will be. Families who set consistent routines, who learn together and listen together, will have a more joyful and enriching experience than those who treat piano like a chore or checklist item.
I believe that learning the piano can be a powerful experience that will enhance your life in many ways, and I enjoy helping my students learn life lessons and critical skills as we work together.
I am honored to be a consistent presence in the lives of my students. They teach me as much as I teach them!
Testimonials
"Kathryn is a gifted music teacher and a brilliant musician in her own right. She has an extraordinary ability to engage with children musically and uses many creative techniques to do so. She is warm, patient, playful and kind. We feel so lucky to have found her!"
— Jason F, Parent of Ruby, age 6