I was under the supervision of several teachers before I met Alyse, for a period of several years. When I began taking lessons from her, I was already in my teens, stubborn and set in my ways. But Alyse turned my bad habits around, and after five years, the changes she made in my musical career are astonishing. But Alyse's reach doesn't stop at music; I've been able to discuss things with her as a friend, and someone to look up to. Now, I'm graduating from high school, and moving off to college. Had I spent those last five years with a different instructor, I doubt if I'd still be taking sheet music with me.
As an adult who is just beginning to study the instrument, I feel extremely fortunate to have found Alyse. She is a remarkable teacher and very intuitive about her students' requirements from recognizing the areas of weakness (and assisting with encouragement) to noting the strengths.
As many of the other reviews explain, Alyse does have a great way with her students. She is kind, patient, and enthusiastic. She is always complimentary so my children always come out of her lessons feeling better than when they went in. They come away with a sense of having accomplished something. She also teaches her students professionalism in performing so they always look and sound great when performing at school events or other non-studio events. And they are learning music theory as well!
My two daughters have been taking lessons from Alyse for 4 1/2 years now. Over the years, she has consistently provided a nurturing, positive and always appropriate environment for their individual growth and development, always towards the goal of "love of music." She ALWAYS encourages them to do their best, and remains ever flexible to the needs and interests of each of my children. Alyse has an amazing ability to provide guidance and support, and continues to bring fresh ideas and methods which keep their interest and enthusiasm up, which is not an easy thing to do! Alyse goes well beyond the call of duty when it comes to providing emotional and instructional support and encouragement for her students, and will make herself available as the need arises to respons to her students needs - she has even made daily calls to calm them down and provide feedback on their difficulties with a particular piece of music (over the phone) during the week leading up to the annual Certificate of Merit exam! I cannot say enough about her abilities and commitment to teachinig. I enthusiastically recommend her without reservation to anyone who is looking for a piano teacher.