Paul Lorenz

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Native of Chicago
Tucson-area resident since 1980; Vail resident since 1996
Piano-teaching since 1973
Teach at all levels, beginning thru advanced

Prerequisites for studying with this teacher: Please inquire ONLY if you are ready to begin taking lessons. PLEASE READ BEFORE INQUIRING:
1) DO NOT INQUIRE IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PIANO. Must have piano: either a) acoustical instrument in good playing condition, or b) a digital piano with full 88 weighted keys and pedals, and capability to do dynamics. (Daily practice will be expected.)
2) Not currently studying with another respected teacher.
3) Time availability for at least a half-hour, preferably an hour's daily practice, and at least two possible days on which to schedule the lesson.
4) Equal priority given to the lessons as to school and other activities.
5) Intent to participate in recitals and/or other performing activities (adults exempt).
6) Stable residency status: MUST BE A FULL-YEAR LOCAL RESIDENT, not currently looking for work out of town or due for a job transfer/change that will entail relocation in near future.

AVAILABILITY: Since the Tucson metro area is so spread out, AND I typically travel to the students' homes for the lesson appointments, I cannot be available to the entire area. The following are the area zip codes grouped according to my availability status.
In the following zip codes, I am REGULARLY available: 85641, 85708, 85710, 85711, 85712, 85715, 85716, 85718, 85730, 85747, 85748, 85749, and 85750.
In the following zip codes, I am available on a LIMITED BASIS (check for current availability): 85629, 85701, 85704, 85705, 85713, 85714, and 85719.
In the following zip codes, I am NEVER available (do not inquire to this teacher if you live in any of these and you don't plan to travel to the lessons): 85614, 85619, 85706, 85708, 85735, 85736, 85737, 85739, 85741, 85742, 85743, 85745, 85746, 85752, and 85753.
PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN SAHUARITA.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY: INQUIRE TO THIS TEACHER ONLY IF YOU MEET THE ABOVE PREREQUISITES AND YOU HAVE MADE A FIRM COMMITMENT TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS. If you are "on the bubble" about taking, you are not ready to inquire. Also, first review your life circumstances: time availability (as practicing will NOT be an option), health, finances, and yes, residency status (if you have your house up for sale, this is not the time to start lessons). And finally, discuss it and confirm with all involved- husband, wife, and not least of all, the prospective student BEFORE inquiring to a teacher.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ADULTS: I am accepting adults only on a limited basis, and only if you are sure your life circumstances will support your musical development and not frequently interrupt the lessons. The above prerequisites will apply. In addition, if you are facing any turmoil in your life, this is not the time to start lessons. Also, if you qualify for frequent-flyer miles with some airline, you will not qualify for piano lessons with this teacher! Also, if you work more than 50 hours per week, this likely will not be a good activity for you. It is imperative when making this choice you use common sense and be realistic about your circumstances. Piano lessons may seem an exciting proposition for you, but you have to be sure they will fit your lifestyle. You will need to use good judgement if this is a good time to begin lessons.

SPECIAL NOTICE TO HIGH-SCHOOL CANDIDATES: If the prospective student is already in high school when inquiring, you will be expected to continue your lessons until graduation. Keep in mind the time horizon for study is already limited without cutting it even shorter.

My Musical Education Background

Began lessons at age 7
Bachelor of Music (BM) Degree in Piano Performance, 1974,
Roosevelt University/Chicago Musical College
Master of Music (MM) Degree in Piano Performance, 1976,
Roosevelt University/Chicago Musical College

Mentors:
Peter Felix Ganz (1922-1990)
Robert McDowell (ca.1922-2015)

Genres and Subjects Taught

Private piano lessons, general piano curriculum at beginning levels

Classical piano literature my specialty
Popular music taught on request
Jazz taught on a limited basis

Teaching approach based on good practicing skills and habits, which are emphasized heavily in the lessons. Approach is step-by-step, one-thing-at-a-time. Aim is to get the most done in the least possible amount of time. Reading skills are an integral part of my teaching approach. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY ONLY BY EAR, DO NOT INQUIRE TO THIS TEACHER.

Lesson Rates

Payments in four-lesson or one-month blocks: $25/1/2-hr. lesson (minimum 40 lessons annually)
Lessons paid for individually: $28.00/1/2-hr. lesson (minimum 30 lessons annually)
Fewer than 30 lessons annually: $30.00/1/2-hr. lesson

Discounts available for two or more students taking lessons consecutively at same location.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

5 thru ~80. Limits may vary depending upon the student's level of mental, emotional, and physical development. All levels taught, beginning thru advanced.

My Certifications and Awards

Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), certified by Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

My Musical Influences

I came from a very musical household. My parents could be called aborted musicians. My father had limited training on the violin as a child, and my mother received voice lessons in high school, and could have been a great singer had her parents supported her vocation. But they didn't. But they both came away great music appreciators, and passed it on to their offspring. I was exposed to great symphonies and art-song literature practically from birth. After a somewhat rocky start on piano lessons at age 7, it became firm four years later this was what I wanted to do for a career. And I have never lost that aspiration.

Service Area

Lea
Tucson, AZ

Paul is a very serious and good teacher. He knows his trade and has high expectations of his students. If you put in your time and practice you WILL grow and learn from him! I would highly recommend him and would trust him with my family!