Paula Thomas-Lee has been teaching piano for 10 years. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in piano and voice and Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Music Education at the University of Georgia. She has studied with several piano teachers including Alan Chow, Suzanne Guy, Patti Jackson, Jane Abbott-Kirk, and Ivan Frazier. She is currently an active member of several music teacher organizations such as Music Teacher's National Association, National Federation of Music Clubs, and Music Educators National Conference. She was recently the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award at the University of Georgia and also received the Gene M. Simons Award of Excellence for Research in Early Childhood Music Education.
Paula's goal of teaching is to provide the student with a positive experience in music education which will nurture a love for music and the piano. The study of piano is a gift which enhances and enriches not only the student's life but also many surrounding individuals.
She believes that it is her responsibility (as the teacher) to praise and acknowledge the student's hard work and efforts as well as encourage and challenge the student in weaker areas. She also believes that parents play a crucial role in their child's musical success. Therefore, she encourages parents to assist the student in setting up a daily practice routine, praising his/her musical achievements, and attending the student's public piano performances.
Individual weekly lessons consist of reviewing and improving a variety of styles of pieces in the student's repertoire. Other activities during lesson time may include sight reading, ear training, technique work, composition, and music theory.
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