Lessons Offered
Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
Piano has always been a love of mine, so I decided to start teaching in 2003, deciding I could do a much better job teaching my own two children piano than the other teachers available at the time. My love of the piano progressed to the point of desiring to learn much more, so I went back to college for a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, which I graduated Cum Laude in 2013 (please see my education below). Married to Gary for over 31 years, I'm the mother of two adult children.
My Musical Education Background
Teaching piano out of my home studio since 2003, I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance degree from Metro State University of Denver, in May 2013, studying private piano with Hsing-ay Hsu and Dr. Tamara Goldstein. I also studied collaborative piano with Dr. Tamara Goldstein and organ (2nd performance area) with Dr. Joyce Kull. I have enjoyed performing in master classes with Robert Durso, Jeremy Denk and Aldo Ragone. My collaborative experience at Metro State includes various Chamber Ensembles; Duo Piano and Duet performances; Wind Symphony; Accompanying Class Voice; Early Music Ensembles (harpsichord). I also received valuable experience performing in two piano concerto competitions, the last of which I was given an honorable mention (alternate). Continuing education includes some occasional private piano lessons, attending Master Classes, concerts, recitals, competitions; and participating in and being a member of Aurora Music Teachers Association, Colorado State Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association.
Genres and Subjects Taught
I teach classical-based piano, starting beginners with well-known method books including lesson, theory and various classic music arrangements. Intermediate through advanced students learn full length teaching pieces covering the four main musical eras in which theory, technique, music history, interpretation and performance considerations are incorporated into each piece. Appropriate student favorites, such as annotated jazz, movie, seasonal, patriotic, folk, Broadway, etc. are valuable for learning styles, sightreading, etc. Each lesson includes technique, composition concepts, theory, music history/composer background and artistry.
Lesson Rates
Lesson rates for 5-week cycles of one lesson each week is $150 for 45-minute lessons or $200 for 60-minute lessons. A once yearly fee of $30 is due in addition to tuition at the first lesson to cover appropriate borrow books, recital, computer lab, materials and other expenses.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I currently teach ages 7 through adult, beginner through advanced.
My Certifications and Awards
I served as President of Aurora Music Teachers Association from 2010-2012 (AMTA is affiliated with Colorado Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association). I was a winner in the 2006 Adult Amateur division, and the 2008 Professional devision of the U.S. International Duo Piano Competition, performing the Mozart Sonata in D Major, K. 448, I. Allegro con spirito and III. Allegro molto with Tyler Hudish and Darren Wirth, respectively. For three years at MSU-Denver, I was fortunate to be one of the recipients of the Talented Music Scholar Award. I was chosen to be alternate/honorable mention in the 2012 Metro State Concerto Competition with the 2nd movement of the Chopin Concerto no. 1, Op. 11, II. Romance.
My Musical Influences
My musical influences include great composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Rachmaninoff and Debussy, just to name a few, as well as the countless concert pianists, present and past, that have devoted their lives to the art of performing these masterpieces. My teachers (see education-above) have also heavily influenced the technique, interpretation and artistry involved in my performing, teaching, and enjoying any and all musical scores.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Tommy
Aurora, CO
Ms. Vanderslice is always patient and encouraging. She makes piano fun for young students, but also teaches intermediate and advanced songs as you develop your skill. I have been going to her lessons for 7 years.
Tom A
Englewood, CO
Mary strikes the balance between giving me too much piano homework (thus discouraging me) and not giving me enough (making me bored). I've had a ton of fun with Mary, and as an adult who came to piano later in life, she keeps the lessons moving along at a nice pace. Great teacher!
Mom O
Centennial, CO
" Its been almost 3 months since Leif started taking lessons with you and he is in heaven. He loves playing the piano and feels he is really progressing." "Leif is just so happy with piano. I have yet to say one word to him about practicing. He has such fun with all the music you give him."