Patricia B. Darnell

7755 Kings Point Drive
Cumming, GA 30041

770 887 8477

Piano4@bellsouth.net

EDUCATION:
Graduate of Converse College School Of Music in Spartanburg, S.C., with Bachelor Of Music Degree. Majored in piano and voice under the direction of John McCrea. Minor degree in Music Education, and held the position of Music Supervisor for several Atlanta schools.

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
While in New York performed Off Broadway, singing and acting in "Carousel", "Oklahoma", "Pirates Of Penzance", "New Moon", "110 In The Shade". Also was soloist with The Huntington Chorale on Long Island. Formed an entertainment group including my 3 musical sons, in which we performed at social, reunions, retreats, etc. Currently singing with the choir at First Redeemer Baptist church

Charter member in Forsyth County Little Theater. Performed in such productions as "Oliver", "Sound Of Music", "Music Man", "The Odd Couple", "Night Of January 16th", singing and acting.

Our studio is located in a quiet house on Lake Lanier, and comes alive with arpeggios and scales on a Kawai grand piano. The rich tones of this wonderful instrument rise to the vaulted ceiling of the room where synthesizers and an organ stand ready for the same chance in the spotlight.

Who can learn Piano?
Ages 6-7 are the best years to introduce a youngster to music, but piano can be learned and enjoyed at any age.  You are never too old to learn to play the piano. I have a student entourage of about 35 ranging in age from 6-76.

A young child must be able to count to 20, know the ABCs. and have an attention span of at least a half an hour. Otherwise. the piano would be another toy.   You can play as long as your hands will let you play. If you have arthritis, playing the piano is sometimes the best thing for it.

Why Piano?
When I was seven years old, I .wanted to take piano and ballet, both. My parents said that we couldn't afford both. My mother sat me down and explained. She told me I could take ballet but I would not be able to dance forever. Your body will not let you, she said. That's hard for a seven-year-old to understand. However with piano there are doors open in many fields. You can do this all your life until your fingers won't let you anymore. I am not going to retire until my fingers will not let me teach any more.

How much do you learn?
Piano is a skill much like reading.  Students learn discipline through the many hours of practice that the piano requires, but the rewards are limitless.  The appreciation the child learns will be apparent when a child listens to someone else play because the child will understand the work that goes into playing the piano.

Just because you can play the piano doesn't mean that you can teach it. Through my education and years of experience, I have learned procedures and progressive methods of teaching the piano. I do not allow my students to progress to a more difficult level until they have mastered the less difficult material,"

Teaching piano lessons is Patricia Darnell's contribution to youth, and her ability to teach is noteworthy.

In addition to extensive experience teaching piano, Patricia is constantly on on the lookout for new methods of instruction. I currently apply  the Bastien Series and the Alfred Series because they are colorful and well illustrated.  I have incorporated the use of special audio tapes in teaching rhythm and music as well as music history and theory. Students learn from lesson books, theory, technique, ear training, flashcards, Solo, Recital Books, Duets, Hymn, Classical, Popular, and CD tapes. 

Patricia Darnell believes that it is her responsibility (as a 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.

Patricia'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 students life but also many surrounding individuals.

We have a great time learning Piano.  I have contests, recitals and parties for  students, encouraging them to practice and motivating them to succeed.