Testimonials
John Fitzgerald Cabra, parent:
Quite frankly I was mesmerized by the talent that was showcased at your recital. I found myself closing my eyes to take in the music. It was that good.
Seeing my Anna successfully play the piano with you was just pure joy. I was impressed by how far she has come in such a short period of time. What I found as striking is her confidence. She could not wait to perform in front of an audience.
In short, you build more than musical talent, you build self-confidence and you teach your students how to play an instrument while collaborating (wonderful attributes to have in real world).
Maria Peterson, parent:
My now 8 year old daughter has been a student of Pam Szalay for approximately three years. When Laura initially showed an interest in taking piano lessons at six years old I was a bit hesitant as I was not confident I would find an instructor who could successfully teach piano to such a young child. I have continually had my expectations exceeded with Pam’s instruction level for Laura. In the beginning Laura came home with age appropriate music as well as activities for a new young learner.
Pam’s enthusiasm and interest in music show in her communication to the kids and parents alike. My daughter has maintained a true interest in her lessons as well as practicing at home. I believe this is a testament to Pam’s ability to engage a young learner and not only teach a skill but instill a passion for music due to Pam’s natural love for it! Her enthusiasm is a bit contagious which has directly impacted my daughter’s interest! Pam has truly been a positive influence in the area of music for Laura.
I always look forward to recital time as we get to see not only our own children’s progress but the progress of a variety of kids, some 8 some 18, it is nice to see the diverse ability and skill levels. Pam is always sure to highlight the individual strengths of her students during the recitals. There is never a dull moment as everyone is encouraged to participate (parents and siblings as well)! Pam has the ability to pull together a group of diverse group of people at various skill levels and have them perform individually and together at times always in an engaging and very entertaining fashion.
Barbara Murray, parent:
Your teacher style, Pam, is both creative and contemporary. From giving kids little rings in the beginning to help mark fingers/notes to CDs that encourage a new, fun way of playing.... listening and then understanding how the notes are suppose to sound. All very different from when I studied briefly 30 years ago.
I appreciate that you realize each family has different goals. Before starting lessons for the kids, I was a bit hesitant because I desperately wanted to be the family with the kids the clearly practiced everyday and were on a ultra-committed path. I knew that wasn't reasonable for us and decided to focus on the simple goal of "bringing music back into our lives." And, the reality is, when the kids are healthy, we are able to practice 3 - 4 times a week. And everyone feels really good about it (me included!)
Other parents said...
My kids are blossoming as musical people and that will shape their lives!
-Sharon Lenherd
Pam successfully engages my child week after week.
-Carolyn Bates, mother of a four year old
I value the confidence my son has gained by playing in recitals
–Sharon Hawkins
I’m very impressed with the skill my daughter is showing in the relatively short amount of time she’s been with your program
-Jerry DiGiacomo
You suggest things to try at home or in the lesson that foster creativity.
Absolutely "safe" environment. You strike the perfect balance of encouraging and correcting
Quite frankly I was mesmerized by the talent that was showcased at your recital. I found myself closing my eyes to take in the music. It was that good.
Seeing my Anna successfully play the piano with you was just pure joy. I was impressed by how far she has come in such a short period of time. What I found as striking is her confidence. She could not wait to perform in front of an audience.
In short, you build more than musical talent, you build self-confidence and you teach your students how to play an instrument while collaborating (wonderful attributes to have in real world).
Maria Peterson, parent:
My now 8 year old daughter has been a student of Pam Szalay for approximately three years. When Laura initially showed an interest in taking piano lessons at six years old I was a bit hesitant as I was not confident I would find an instructor who could successfully teach piano to such a young child. I have continually had my expectations exceeded with Pam’s instruction level for Laura. In the beginning Laura came home with age appropriate music as well as activities for a new young learner.
Pam’s enthusiasm and interest in music show in her communication to the kids and parents alike. My daughter has maintained a true interest in her lessons as well as practicing at home. I believe this is a testament to Pam’s ability to engage a young learner and not only teach a skill but instill a passion for music due to Pam’s natural love for it! Her enthusiasm is a bit contagious which has directly impacted my daughter’s interest! Pam has truly been a positive influence in the area of music for Laura.
I always look forward to recital time as we get to see not only our own children’s progress but the progress of a variety of kids, some 8 some 18, it is nice to see the diverse ability and skill levels. Pam is always sure to highlight the individual strengths of her students during the recitals. There is never a dull moment as everyone is encouraged to participate (parents and siblings as well)! Pam has the ability to pull together a group of diverse group of people at various skill levels and have them perform individually and together at times always in an engaging and very entertaining fashion.
Barbara Murray, parent:
Your teacher style, Pam, is both creative and contemporary. From giving kids little rings in the beginning to help mark fingers/notes to CDs that encourage a new, fun way of playing.... listening and then understanding how the notes are suppose to sound. All very different from when I studied briefly 30 years ago.
I appreciate that you realize each family has different goals. Before starting lessons for the kids, I was a bit hesitant because I desperately wanted to be the family with the kids the clearly practiced everyday and were on a ultra-committed path. I knew that wasn't reasonable for us and decided to focus on the simple goal of "bringing music back into our lives." And, the reality is, when the kids are healthy, we are able to practice 3 - 4 times a week. And everyone feels really good about it (me included!)
Other parents said...
My kids are blossoming as musical people and that will shape their lives!
-Sharon Lenherd
Pam successfully engages my child week after week.
-Carolyn Bates, mother of a four year old
I value the confidence my son has gained by playing in recitals
–Sharon Hawkins
I’m very impressed with the skill my daughter is showing in the relatively short amount of time she’s been with your program
-Jerry DiGiacomo
You suggest things to try at home or in the lesson that foster creativity.
Absolutely "safe" environment. You strike the perfect balance of encouraging and correcting