| 510-735-1796
Berkeley, CA 94702
reading and writing music, beginning to intermediate theory, non-idiomatic improvisation, classical piano, Taubman Approach to mechanics of playing, Balance method for posture, rhythm/percussion, singing, music and sound therapy, somatic techniques for greater presence and relaxation at the piano, creative explorations of music with art and movement
Learn to play the piano and express the music that is already inside you!
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 About Me
I offer a unique approach, a refreshing alternative to the traditional or standard classical piano lessons, where what is emphasized is often the level of performance, and students are often under great pressure to be perfect.
KEY DISCOVERY with Amy Valentine is where skills and study meet play and joy.
I will guide you as we explore our imaginations, discovering by-the-way keys to unlocking vast sources of our own inner joy, self-expression, beauty, and healing.
I offer a safe space for the process of self-discovery. A session may include a range of possibilities, suited to your needs:
+ instruction in the technical skills for making music (reading, writing, theory)
+ coaching in artistry and musicality
+ assistance with ergonomic needs for playing pain-free and help for those with RSI
+ aural learning and non-idiomatic improvisation games
+ healing work with music, sound, breath, and movement
Specializing in Beginning/Intermediate levels. All ages are welcome.
 Lesson Details
Sessions will be organized and designed to suit each individual's needs, and the emphasis may be on technique and simply learning to play (or improving) for some, and on the healing capacity of music and sound for others.
Lessons may involve any of the following:
+Training in basics of the mechanics of playing, such as rotation and shaping
+Attention to proper height at the piano and posture
+Chakra toning
+Sight-reading pieces you like
+Call-and-response (aural) learning
+Improvisation games
+Focus on learning to play composed pieces you like, from any genre but specializing in classical
+Lessons in music history and how it relates to the music you are playing
+Take-home assignments
+Ear-training
+Dictation
+Rhythm games
+Movement/dance games
 Specialties
I specialize in ergonomics at the keyboard, and also in facilitating the discovery by each student of her or his own unique, creative expression.
 Education
I studied classical piano for 18 years and completed a Western Art Music Minor in classical piano performance at UC Santa Cruz. I have extensive training in the Taubman Approach and Balance posture technique, and incorporate these into my teaching to allow for the greatest possible ergonomic comfort and efficiency at the keyboard.
In 1989 I was selected to play in the prestigious Junior Bach Festival, and completed the Advanced level of the MTAC’s Certificate of Merit in 1995. I began composing and notating my own compositions when I was eight years old, winning awards seven different years in the MTAC Composers Today State Contest. Two of my compositions were selected to be performed for the State Convention Symposium.
I have sung in choirs much of my life and studied voice over the past two years. In addition, I played the keyboards and electronic drums in Not For Long (based in NYC), and currently play the drums. I hold a B.Sc. from UCSC in Marine Biology and Master's of Applied Environmental Science from the Univeristy of Sydney.
 Subjects Taught
reading and writing music, beginning to intermediate theory, non-idiomatic improvisation, classical piano, Taubman Approach to mechanics of playing, Balance method for posture, rhythm/percussion, singing, music and sound therapy, somatic techniques for greater presence and relaxation at the piano, creative explorations of music with art and movement
 Locations
Berkeley, CA
 Member Since
May 2009
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