Lessons Offered
Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
website: (contact me)
Ms. Theresa has earned an outstanding reputation for music education in New York, North Carolina and Maryland. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she successfully guides students in expressing their own unique voices at the piano with patience, communicative warmth and sincere involvement.
Ms. Theresa has worked with over 100 students from ages 4 to 76. She is passionate about guiding beginners as she is with those who wish to pursue a career in music.
Ms. Theresa is an active solo pianist, chamber musician and accompanist. She performs Classical, Jazz, Broadway, Soft Rock, Praise Music, and accompanies Choirs, Choruses and for auditions. She also performs at private special events.
My Musical Education Background
Theresa received her music education from: Skidmore College, Molloy College and Queens College in New York. She has studied with Lawrence Schubert and Dr. Richard Hihn in New York. She continues to pursue her passion for music education and piano performance with Dr. Ivo Kaltchev, Music Chair of Catholic University of America, Artist Director of the Bulgarian Embassy Music Series, and Co-Chair of the Washington International Piano Festival in Washington D.C.
Genres and Subjects Taught
SUBJECTS: Hobbyists, Beginners, and Intermediate Students
STYLES: Elementary and Intermediate Classical Music ~ Jazz-Style Method Books ~ Soft Rock ~ Oldies ~ Broadway ~ Nursery Rhymes ~ Method Books ~ Praise Music ~ Hymns
I have worked with students from various backgounds, and they have taught me that the best way to guide them is through finding what works for each individual. Some students are naturally more active and need variation and change-of-pace during lessons. Some thrive on step-by-step guidance and need that type of stability before feeling comfortable enough to explore other options.
I use various methods in my studio including: games, visual and hands-on learning aids. These material help to reinforce learning-methods and develop new ones.
Adult students often need a bit more time in gaining confidence at the piano since their expectations of themselves are higher. They have a busier schedule, so we set realistic goals and find enjoyable pieces of music so that lessons do not become another "pressured" activity, rather, a time that is gratifying in discovering potential and gifts in a relaxing and encouraging environment.
Anxiety is commonly experienced during lessons and practice sessions. Being realistic and not allowing mistakes to be impediments are necessary. During the beginning stages of learning, students may be particularly sensitive to critiques, thus gentle guidance and praise for efforts help build confidence. Parents play a key role in this process. We work together to help students overcome obstacles and gain confidence as lessons progress.
Lesson Rates
I offer Weekly Lessons. My rates are reasonable.
Potential students meet with me for a "FREE EVALUATION" to see if students are ready for lessons, and if we would be a good teacher-student match.
Please go to my website to learn more about the evaluation and my lesson rates: (contact me)
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
Kids ages 5 on and adults.
My Certifications and Awards
National Guild Music Teachers
Music Teachers National Association
Maryland State Music Teachers Association (former)
Montgomery County Music Teachers Association (former)
New York State School Music Association
Service Area
Student Reviews
Lorraine
Silver Spring, MD
"As an adult piano student, I appreciate Theresa's professionlism, experience, patience, and gentle guidance. She is adept at working with individual learning styles and suggesting appropriate music and exercises. Lessons are both instructive and enjoyable."
Helen
Fayetteville, NC
“I've had about 4 piano teachers in my life, and Mrs. Petkoff was the first one who ever taught me anything. I have always wanted to take my piano playing to the next level, and she helped me to do that by introducing me to Classical Music. I was still playing in the Beginner Children's Book when I first came to her. I could not play a soft note to save my life! Now, after only 2 years with Mrs. Petkoff, I've progressed to the point where I can play with ease such pieces as Mozart Sonata in C Major. I owe every successfully played (and dynamically-imbued) piece to her superb instruction.”
Chelsea M
Fayetteville, NC
“I like Mrs. Petkoff because she saw a talent in me, and through music, let everyone else see that talent. She knows what style is just right for you. She expects you to come and be prepared, to work hard and to have fun. She is a great teacher.”
Lawrence S
Centerport, NY
"In my long association with Theresa, I have found her to be an extremely gifted pianist of great accomplishment, understanding and sensitivity. She is an exceptional teacher as well, thanks to her communicative warmth, sense of humor, and sincere involvement in the progress of her students."
Kathryn &
Fayetteville, NC
"The progress each of our four boys made under Theresa's instruction was tremendous!"
Mary M
Fayetteville, NC
"The thing I like the best about you teaching me the piano is that you take the time to explain things to me."