About me
and my teaching philosophy
Hi! My name is Ally Hawkins and I am the sole teacher at Hawkins Piano Studio. Originally from Western North Carolina, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Music Education from Western Carolina University. During my time studying piano with Dr. Andrew Adams, I learned that I could actually get a degree in what I loved most- teaching piano!
After my undergraduate degree, I attended the University of Southern Maine, where I studied with Dr. Laura Kargul and Christine Kissack. During my time at USM I was able to pass my qualification and become a National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) as well as participate in state and local chapters of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). In the spring of 2023 I graduated from USM with my Masters in Piano Pedagogy. Now, I teach in Durham, NC!
Teaching Philosophy
Structured
Structured teaching helps students learn and discover new concepts, refine new skills, and build upon them. As the teacher, I can set goals that will intrinsically motivate students to keep learning. These goals and the concepts should be a combination of the teacher’s musical knowledge and background, as well as the student’s personal interests. Having goals and structure can create successes and boost the student’s self-confidence. When students accomplish goals, it also can provide a feeling of pride in what they have achieved.
Joyful
Joyful teaching keeps students engaged and motivated. Students often start piano lessons because they are interested in learning a new instrument, but they will stay in piano lessons if they enjoy it. In a joyful atmosphere, students will have the confidence to try new things, and be themselves. When a student enjoys learning piano they are more likely to practice, play, and keep pursuing music.
Musical
Musical teaching gives students the tools to express themselves through their music. While it may be obvious that teaching piano should be musical, often there is so much focus on note-naming, rhythm, chord, scales, theory, etc. that expressiveness is left behind. I have always felt a stronger connection to music when I can convey emotions through playing or feel the effects of emotional expression when I listen to music. I want to give this value of musical expression and emotion to my students as well so they can connect to music in a deeper way.
Personal
Personal teaching keeps the individual student in mind. As many lessons are taught one-on-one, lessons can be tailored to the learning interest of the student. On top of that, personal teaching means giving students room to be themselves, which fosters a sense of belonging in my studio.
Hawkins Piano Studio 