Alison Barr has been an independent teacher of piano for almost 46 years. She thrives on the variety, autonomy and unpredictability that being self-employed and deeply connected to the piano and her students bring. In this episode, Alison shares her beginnings in music, the path that led her to independent piano teaching, and the remarkable work she does with students every day.
0:27 Introductions
1:42 Alison shares her very beginnings in music.
2:40 Alison shares her memories of those early piano lessons.
4:12 Alison reflects on the transition to lessons at the New England Conservatory prep school.
6:20 Alison shares what music meant to her childhood.
8:26 Alison tells us the story of how she decided on a career in music.
10:50 Alison shares her career path through school that led to her independent studio.
13:15 How Alison puts the "I" in "independent."
16:09 Alison reflects on how she first became involved with MTNA.
18:12 Alison discusses what she loves most about teaching the piano.
21:20 Alison shares a powerful teaching story.
24:49 Alison explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her teaching and her students.
For more on how music education is changing lives, visit us at https://southshorepianoschool.com!