Lessons Offered
Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
In Student Home
Virtual / Online
About Me
After teaching a very traditional approach for 13 years, I discovered the Suzuki method, took my initial training, and switched to the Suzuki approach in 1981. I have never looked back!
This way of learning has impressed me profoundly with its ability to enable children to play outstanding music at an early age. But the philosophy goes far beyond that, stressing that the goal is not to create a professional musician, but a "beautiful soul". Excellence in music is just a lovely byproduct.
Parents participate with children at every lesson and are trained to work with them at home. No previous music knowledge or skill is necessary.
My Musical Education Background
B.S., MuEd, cum laude, Towson State University, Towson, Maryland, June 1980. Major instrument piano, minor instrument, voice.
Student Teaching, Vocal Music
K-6: Bear Creek Elementary School, Dundalk, Maryland.
7-9: Towsontown Junior High School, Towson, Maryland.
Piano Pedagogy III, Instructor: Tinka Knopf, Peabody Conservatory, 1980.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 1a, Instructor: Carole Bigler, George Mason University, June 1981.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 1b, Instructor: Haruko Kataoka, Louisville Suzuki Institute, Louisville KY, June 1985.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 2, Instructor: Constance Starr, Chicago Suzuki Institute, Chicago, July 1986.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 3, Instructor: Mary Craig Powell, Capital University Suzuki Institute, Columbus, Ohio, June 1987.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 4, Instructor: Mary Craig Powell, Capital University Suzuki Institute, Columbus, Ohio, June 1988.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 5, Instructor: Mary Craig Powell, Capital University Suzuki Institute, Columbus, Ohio, June 1989.
Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Level 6, Instructor: Mary Craig Powell, Capital University , Columbus, Ohio, June 1990.
Suzuki Violin Pedagogy Level 1A, Instructor: Linda Steig, Capitol University, 1991.
Suzuki Violin Pedagogy, general overview, Martha Shackford, Catholic University, 1999.
Every Child Can, Suzuki Philosophy Course, Edmund Sprunger, Peabody Conservatory, 2007.
Genres and Subjects Taught
Suzuki piano lessons:
---at my home in Idlewylde (several openings)
---at the Peabody Preparatory in Towson (currently no openings)
---St. Margaret's Church in Annapolis (one opening)
Children take a minimum of 1/2 hour private lesson weekly, and a minimum 4 group lessons during the year.
There are at least 2 recitals annually.
Lesson Rates
Tuition is an annual fee, divided into even monthly units, and covers recitals, group classes, lessons, and some other expenses.
Tuition is pro-rated for students who begin after the academic year begins in September.
For more information, please contact me.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
Most girls are able to start at age 3. Most boys are able to start at age 4.5.
I do not start beginners after the age of 9, because parent participation is too complicated at that age.
Transfer students from other Suzuki studios are always welcome. Transfers from traditional studios can work for children under the age of 9 if the parent is committed to working with the child.
Adults may take lessons if their child is also taking lessons.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Jewel
Manchester, MD
We have our children with Betsy Stocksdale in lessons since each one was five years old. She is the best teacher ever. She is committed and no nonsense. She expects the best, and our children desire to work hard and perform well.
V. N
Baltimore, MD
Ms. Betsy Stocksdale is a master piano teacher with a genuine love for her craft and for her students. For five years, Ms. Stocksdale has been teaching my children to play piano, recognize the value of hard work, and appreciate the enduring gifts of a music education. She skillfully differentiates her instruction to accentuate students’ strengths and to tap into their unique learning styles, interests, and abilities. Ms. Stocksdale holds her students accountable for their learning and progress by setting appropriately high expectations that are always coupled with her steadfast support and commitment. With talent and expertise, high standards, and a kind spirit, Ms. Stocksdale is an all-around outstanding teacher.
J. L
Baltimore, MD
Our boy started to learn under Ms. Stocksdale's guidance 2 yrs ago and we couldn't be happier to work with her. Ms. Stocksdale is very patient and affectionate with children, a virtue apparently very important when working with kids. She gives time for kids to correct mistakes and never looks frustrated when my boy repeats mistakes :-). She is very knowledgeable and passionate about music. In addition to formal lesson time, she often sent emails to share on how to motivate kids to practice, on practicing tips, and some thoughtful ideas on piano learning and general life. She recommends concerts, and organized some activities which our family really enjoyed. We can see our boy really enjoys his lesson with Ms. Stocksdale and he has improved a lot in piano since he started with her! We are very satisfied with Ms. Stocksdale and would recommend her to any parents with piano-loving kids.