Frequently Asked Questions for Elizabeth Borowsky
How would you describe your teaching personality?
My goal is to foster a positive rapport with each student. This relationship is centered around an understanding of the student's personality/interests/goals, and results in mutual respect and excitement to see through the learning process. I encourage students to ask questions and be part of the creative process. I work on assisting them in developing a good ear for style/phrasing so that it becomes natural to them and so that they play the music with genuine understanding and feeling. I care about my students as young musicians but also as people.
What type of technique do you teach?
I focus on the following: relaxed body (relaxed hands, wrists, arms, shoulders), grounded seat and feet, strength (in sound, as well as fingers - no collapse), flexibility and agility. I want students to be able to use and find a range of sounds, colors, articulations and make the piano sound like an orchestra. I use Schmitt Opus 16 exercises, Czerny Etudes, scales, Hanon, blocked/broken chords, arpeggios, and frequently create custom technical exercises based on pieces that the student is studying.
Do you teach theory?
All students receive instruction in theory/harmony/ear training as part of their lessons. For younger students (or students without previous experience) I use Faber Piano Adventures for repertoire, and assign homework out of the book the corresponding theory book. For older or more advanced students, I have several workbooks that I use (depends on the level and age) and may also give assignments on harmonization, transposition, etc. Theory and ear-training exercises are often customized to the student and the repertoire being studied.
How do you choose the musical selections that the students play?
Although repertoire depends on the students age and level of experience, in general, students have a big role in choosing their repertoire. I may steer towards a particular style (e.g. we need to play a classical sonata) but then give them several options to choose from.
What is the purpose of the enrichment activities?
I organize a number of recitals throughout the year so that students have many opportunities to perform (and thus, become comfortable doing so). In addition to studio recitals/competitions/festivals, we perform at retirement homes and community centers so that we can share the gift of music. I want students to feel like they are part of an extended piano family - we go on field trips together (local concerts) and I organize workshops that will help us approach music from other perspectives. Participation in activities is encouraged, but is optional.
What ages of students do you work with?
I enjoy teaching students of all ages and levels, but specialize in intermediate/advanced levels. I taught at Indiana University for two years as an Assistant Instructor, taught full-time at Morgan State University as visiting faculty, and taught at Towson University. I direct a summer program for young musicians and work with advanced pianists ages 14-26 each July (www.imif.us).
It's important that a student's experience with music lessons be positive, fulfilling, and satisfying. The challenge of piano lessons for children is that they take quite a bit of patience and focus for an extended period of time and the child's concept of music making may be very different from ours. Beginning students are accepted to the studio on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, students get the most from lessons at Piano Prodigies after a minimum of three years of piano study. At this point, they are have established a basic understanding of learning music and are ready to accept detailed feedback on their technique and artistry.
How do you continue to learn and grow as a teacher?
Learning is a big part of my life. I attend state and national Music Teachers National Association conferences, take part in continuing education activities, and read, practice, and perform frequently. Professional development is among the requirements for maintaining my status as "Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano."
My goal is to foster a positive rapport with each student. This relationship is centered around an understanding of the student's personality/interests/goals, and results in mutual respect and excitement to see through the learning process. I encourage students to ask questions and be part of the creative process. I work on assisting them in developing a good ear for style/phrasing so that it becomes natural to them and so that they play the music with genuine understanding and feeling. I care about my students as young musicians but also as people.
What type of technique do you teach?
I focus on the following: relaxed body (relaxed hands, wrists, arms, shoulders), grounded seat and feet, strength (in sound, as well as fingers - no collapse), flexibility and agility. I want students to be able to use and find a range of sounds, colors, articulations and make the piano sound like an orchestra. I use Schmitt Opus 16 exercises, Czerny Etudes, scales, Hanon, blocked/broken chords, arpeggios, and frequently create custom technical exercises based on pieces that the student is studying.
Do you teach theory?
All students receive instruction in theory/harmony/ear training as part of their lessons. For younger students (or students without previous experience) I use Faber Piano Adventures for repertoire, and assign homework out of the book the corresponding theory book. For older or more advanced students, I have several workbooks that I use (depends on the level and age) and may also give assignments on harmonization, transposition, etc. Theory and ear-training exercises are often customized to the student and the repertoire being studied.
How do you choose the musical selections that the students play?
Although repertoire depends on the students age and level of experience, in general, students have a big role in choosing their repertoire. I may steer towards a particular style (e.g. we need to play a classical sonata) but then give them several options to choose from.
What is the purpose of the enrichment activities?
I organize a number of recitals throughout the year so that students have many opportunities to perform (and thus, become comfortable doing so). In addition to studio recitals/competitions/festivals, we perform at retirement homes and community centers so that we can share the gift of music. I want students to feel like they are part of an extended piano family - we go on field trips together (local concerts) and I organize workshops that will help us approach music from other perspectives. Participation in activities is encouraged, but is optional.
What ages of students do you work with?
I enjoy teaching students of all ages and levels, but specialize in intermediate/advanced levels. I taught at Indiana University for two years as an Assistant Instructor, taught full-time at Morgan State University as visiting faculty, and taught at Towson University. I direct a summer program for young musicians and work with advanced pianists ages 14-26 each July (www.imif.us).
It's important that a student's experience with music lessons be positive, fulfilling, and satisfying. The challenge of piano lessons for children is that they take quite a bit of patience and focus for an extended period of time and the child's concept of music making may be very different from ours. Beginning students are accepted to the studio on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, students get the most from lessons at Piano Prodigies after a minimum of three years of piano study. At this point, they are have established a basic understanding of learning music and are ready to accept detailed feedback on their technique and artistry.
How do you continue to learn and grow as a teacher?
Learning is a big part of my life. I attend state and national Music Teachers National Association conferences, take part in continuing education activities, and read, practice, and perform frequently. Professional development is among the requirements for maintaining my status as "Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano."
