I took piano lessons with Palina and was incredibly impressed with her ability to teach me, someone with no prior music knowledge, the basics quickly, effectively, and in a fun way!

Mattison, beginner piano student

Palina has tutored students from beginner to intermediate levels, from ages 12 to 23, in piano, trombone, guitar, and music theory. She draws on her ten years of piano education with Sharon MacDermid using the Pace method when teaching. This method stresses the importance of finding effective practice techniques, playing music from a wide range of genres and styles, and laying down the basics of music theory that make learning that much easier. Since her musical strength is improvisation, she strives to get her students comfortable enough with their instruments to be able to improvise.

Palina provided direction and achievable goals via exercises that taught the basics without being tedious. Sustained interest has been a personal barrier of mine when learning new things, but I wanted to keep practicing and working with her.

Charlie, beginner guitar student