Lessons Offered
Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
I have been teaching piano for over thirty years and have maintained my own private studio for 25 years; I call it Gateway Piano Studio. It was opened in 1993. During this time I have had many students of all ages and levels. It is so rewarding to work with and help someone attain his or her individual pianistic dreams and goals.
My Musical Education Background
BM Piano Performance: Converse College
MM Piano Performance: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Doctoral Studies UNCG Greensboro, NC
Piano Technique ( Taubman ) with Edna Golandsky, New York, New York
My Teachers: Joseph Kalichstein, George Lucktenberg, Edna Golandsky, John Ruggero
Genres and Subjects Taught
Piano (All Levels) Classical/ Popular/ Sacred
Theory( Beginning through College Level )
Lesson Rates
60 and 45 Minute Lessons Offered by Semester
Call (contact me) for Rates
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
All Ages
All Levels: Beginning through College Levels
My Certifications and Awards
Carol Fifield’s Students have won many Competitions:
East Carolina Piano Competition Senior Division First Place
Piano and Organ Distributors Scholarship:
Winner
Meredith College Chopin Competition: Third Place
Gardner-Webb Concerto Competition: First Place
MTNA Competition Senior Division:
Two Alternates: 2010, 2014
Two Honorable Mentions: 2009, 2011
Carol Fifield’s Students have consistently received Superiors and Highest Honors over the years at all Levels JA, JB, SA, and SB of the District and State Levels of the NCMTA Performance Festival.
Carol Fifield has been a member of MTNA and NCMTA since 1990.
My Musical Influences
Some of my Favorite Composers:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Maurice Ravel
Love: Classical, Hymns, Argentine Tango,
Johnny Cash, Bluegrass to name a few
Service Area
Student Reviews
Mary B
Cary, NC
I took piano lessons for several years as a child, played very little as an adult, and started lessons with Carol after retiring in 2019. Her patient yet persistent manner, and emphasis on technique and theory has added a level of music appreciation and and understanding that I did not have before. I wish I had started sooner!! Thanks to Carol I have developed a new passion for learning and growing that has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. She is a gifted teacher who is passionate about bringing out the best in her students. I highly recommend her as a teacher for students of all levels and ages.
Haimeng Z
Colfax, NC
Our daughter has been studying piano under Mrs Fifield for more than two years and it has been a wonderful experience. Mrs. Fifield’s approach to teaching piano is holistic; she integrates theory into music performance. She emphasizes technique and musical expression in performing individual pieces and frames the piece with background information on music history and each composer’s style. We appreciate the additional time Mrs. Fifield puts in to help prepare and give feedback for recitals and competitions.
Jin S
Oak Ridge, NC
Mrs. Fifield is an amazing piano teacher. My daughter Anya has been learning piano lessons with Mrs. Fifield since summer 2017. She enjoys her learning and playing piano very much. She has learned not only piano playing techniques, but also a lot of music theories and fun music stories. Most important, Anya has learned the value of hard work and everyday practice. I can clearly see the big improvements she has achieved under Mrs. Fifield's guidance. Mrs. Fifield is strict and disciplined in teaching; however, she is very understanding and caring. She encourages Anya to ask questions and appreciates Anya's curiosity and creativity. As parents, we are grateful to have Mrs. Fifield as Anya's piano teacher. We appreciate the way how she teaches classical music in such a great way that inspires Anya to enjoy the joy of piano learning. We appreciate her high standard and her continuous encouragement to Anya, which means a lot to Anya. We are fortunate to have this piano learning opportunity with Mrs. Fifield. Her talented piano playing techniques, her rich musical knowledge, her professional teaching styles, and her love of music really inspires Anya and us as well. Mrs. Fifield is the best!
Brenda P
Greensboro, NC
Carol Fifield is the most outstanding piano instructor I have known in over 50 years of piano study. Having experienced many teachers throughout the years, I was privileged to discover Carol and study under her for several years. Although it has been ten years since that time, we continue to keep in touch. I will always employ her exceptional professional techniques in my everyday practice and performance of the piano. A brilliant, talented concert pianist and instructor, yet so kind and caring, she goes above and beyond any measures to impart her musical knowledge and training to her students. There is considerable value added to her keyboard instruction as she incorporates dancing, clapping, singing, etc. to relay this teaching. Carol is very strict and disciplined, yet comfortable and nurturing with exceptional teaching skills for all levels of students from beginner to professional. The greatest compliment I receive is when someone tells me they can see Carol Fifield in my performances – whether it is playing, practicing, breathing, posture – even my respect in approaching the piano. I highly recommend Gateway Piano Studio and all its attributes. Brenda Peeden