Personal Statement/Bio:

Kathryn McCarthy has a passion for teaching children. It is an exciting challenge to decipher how each individual child learns, what they like, and how best to teach them. She has been enjoying teaching piano for the past six years.

Education/Training:

Mrs. McCarthy grew up listening to her mother teach piano. She always expected to take lessons herself, and started piano lessons at the age of five. She currently holds a BA in Music Performance from Mills College.

Teaching Philosophy:

Piano lessons need to be a mixture of hard work and fun. Students should look forward to their lessons, not dread them. Mrs. McCarthy tries to choose music that best suits each child's individual interests and learning needs. That said, the students who enjoy their lessons the most are those who have done good consistent practice at home.

Parental involvement is a key factor in the success of a child's piano lessons, especially from age 4 through 13. Parents are encouraged and expected to sit in on their child's lessons. Parents are expected to supervise their child's practice time at home. Parents who know what went on in their child's lesson are better equipped to guide their child's practice time at home. Good practice in turn increases the rate at which the child progresses.

Music Programs:

Mrs. McCarthy is an active member of both the Music Teacher's Association of California (MTAC) and The National Guild of Piano Teachers.

Cancellation Policy:

If your child is sick, especially if they might be contagious, please DO NOT bring your child for his/her lesson. Please DO call as soon as possible before your scheduled lesson time to cancel and attempt to reschedule your lesson. Unless there is a family emergency or the child is sick, 24 hour notice is requested to cancel or reschedule a lesson.