Overture Music Lessons
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Susan Petcher, B.S. Elementary Education

 
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Teaching:

Susan attended TCU in Fort Worth, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in Elementary Education in 2002 and completed over 40 hours of credits in music performance, theory, and education.

Susan's teaching experience includes 3 years as an instructor in standardized test preparation, 3 years as a certified elementary educator in Texas, 4 years as a certified elementary educator in Missouri, and over 20 years of experience as a private music instructor.

Flute:

Susan studied flute under the flute instructor Claire Johnson in the late 90's and later studied at TCU under Karen Adrian of the Fort Worth Symphony and Helen Blackburn of the Dallas Opera Orchestra.

Susan performed with the TCU Wind Ensemble as a flutist and solo piccoloist, with the TCU Marching Band as a flutist, and with the TCU Symphony Orchestra as principal flutist.

Piano:

Beginning piano lessons at the age of 8, Susan has played for over three decades. She continued her piano studies informally at TCU, home of PianoTexas, with a focus on Baroque and Classical studies.

These days, Susan accompanies for the Billerica elementary school music programs in her spare time and always has some Chopin or a musical theater score on her music stand.

My Teaching Philosophy:

My love for music began three decades ago when my grandparents shipped their upright piano down to Texas and I began lessons with Mrs. Washington, my first piano teacher. Her passion and love for music were contagious, and as a child I was convinced she had the best job in the world. Now, many years later, after 30 years playing piano, 25 years playing flute, and over 20 years as a private music teacher myself, I can tell you without reservation that I was right; it really is the best job in the world.

Music is all around us; in movies and in commercial jingles, on our phones and radio stations, in nursery rhymes and in the songs parents sing to their children at bedtime. And yet, it can seem like a complicated, mysterious language reserved for only the most talented performers. I teach music because I believe that it should be accessible to everyone. By demystifying the language and systems that make music possible, I get to share my passion for music with others and empower them to understand it in a way that will stay with them for life.

Studying music develops much more than just musical ability. It develops confidence, discipline, organizational skills, and artistic expression. Because no two people learn the same way, I believe instruction should responsive and should adapt to each student’s learning style. Playing music should be engaging and fun, so I employ teaching methods such as rote learning, music games, and studio challenges to help keep students motivated. Overture Music Lessons is a community of musicians of all ages who have decided to make music a part of their lives and I feel lucky every day to be trusted to be their guide.

Whether your child will go on to a long career in music or they will simply enjoy music throughout their lives and maybe even sing to their own children at bedtime, I look forward to getting to know your family and working with your child to find their own musical passion.

 
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