Welcome!
I am Cathy Thacker, a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano. I received my B.S. in Education, cum laude, from Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC, where I studied classical piano and hymn-playing under Joseph Dilley, Lance Flower, and Laurence Morton (Piano Department Head).
Who I Am
I am the past President of Georgia Music Teachers Association and Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association, and have been an active member of both since joining in 2002. I have taught piano lessons for over 30 years, both in my private studio and in academy settings. My piano studio is located in Snellville, Georgia, where I teach students of all ages. I enjoy accompanying choir at church.
It was my privilege to receive the Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year Award in May, 2018. Here is the link to the GCMTA website with the information!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Regular Practice is ESSENTIAL to a student’s success!
Just how much should you practice?
- Practice 4-6 times a week.
- Most beginners should spend 10-15 minutes a day in practice.
- Intermediate level students need about 30 minutes a day.
- Advanced students should put in 45-60 (or more) minutes a day in practice.
Some quick tips to successful practice!
- Try practicing hands separately, then hands together.
- Do things in layers: hands separately, then together SLOWLY, then up to tempo, then add pedal.
- COUNT OUT LOUD!!!
- Practice with a metronome.
- Practice troublesome measures separately first about 5-10 times, and then incorporate them into the whole piece of music.
Cathy Thacker Piano Studio 