From an early age Roy Empens, or "Roy" as he prefers to be called, developed a passion for the piano but it was not until the age of 14 that he developed his passion for teaching piano & organ to others and has been doing so ever since. Roy enjoys being able to pass his knowledge and expertise to his students and finds joy in receiving so much in return from them through their developed performance, expression and the enjoyment they have for music that will follow them forever. Q: Roy what would you say is a common goal that you look to have with all your students irregardless of age? A: "The common goal is to nurture the interest that they walked in with when they decided to study piano or organ. I believe the way to do that is to find out WHY he or she wants to learn to play. Once that is clear, we can BOTH work towards achieving the realistic goal that is set." Q: Do your teaching methods vary with each student or do you teach them all the same? Most instructors teach the same without realizing that everyone learns differently and you need to cater to the way they learn in order to get the best results. A good teacher is one who can teach the same material 3 or more different ways. Roy recalls a life changing conversation that he had as a boy of 14 with his own music teacher. He expressed interest to her on perhaps being able to teach someone else to play the piano. "It's one thing to learn to play the piano.. but it's another to learn how to teach someone to play the piano. If you are interested in that, I'd be more than happy to help you learn how." Roy smiled and knew he had found what he wanted to do. It's because of this that he never gets tired of teaching and never gets bored. He also kept the last 47 years teaching in the Pasadena area fun & interesting by accepting students ages 6 and above. The broad range keeps him on his toes and finding ways to acclimate his teaching methods to each diverse student from beginning cords to improvisation. Q: What will a new interested student expect when coming in for his or her Interview & FREE trial lesson? A: "I ask two different questions when we first meet. One is for children and the other for an adult. To the child I ask 'Do YOU want to learn to play piano or organ OR are your parents asking you to do it?' and to an adult I'll ask 'Have you studied piano or organ in the past? And WHY do you want to study piano or organ? These are the most important questions towards finding out their true interest. Adults have a vested interested because they are paying and they have to make and dedicate time in their life for this, unlike a child who usually does not, it's already a part of their schedule. Once I know this, then it's my job to help the adult or child feel comfortable by building rapport and learning from them as we begin. A child is usually scared because this is all new to them; a new room, big piano, new teacher, so it takes time for them to feel comfortable and trust me. As for an adult they are more comfortable and ready to learn, but they are also quicker to evaluate you and test you. So these first steps are key to the success of a student and even myself as a teacher." Q: What levels can a student expect to reach by taking lessons piano or organ lessons from you? A: "A student learns to build their skill level gradually. Their will come a moment when they reach a skill level at which they are either satisfied or they desire to reach an advanced or even professional level. The most important part is recognizing it and knowing when to plant the seed for that development and what seed to plant. Time is of the essence. Because if a student desires to reach a professional level and be successful at it, I need to prepare them as soon as possible for what lies ahead, including having the right mindset and discipline." Q: I always hear that kids learn faster than adults and seniors and that might not attract someone older with an intrest in piano or organ. Is AGE an issue? A: "It is true that kids do learn faster than adults and seniors, but they also forget faster! Adults and Seniors might learn at a slower pace than a child but they retain more of what they learn. So age is not an issue. With patience and dedication any age group can learn to play the piano or organ at the skill level they desire." Q: How long would you say someone should practice if they want to be a good piano or organ player? A: "It's not how long you practice, it's actually how often you practice. The reason being is that the average adult can only take in new information up to approximately 40 minutes before loose focus and begin to struggle retaining everything they are learning. So a student that practices about 45 minutes per day for 5 days a week, can become a good piano player as they desired better than someone who practices for 5 hours one day a week." Roy's studio is conveniently located in Pasadena serving the Greater San Gabriel Valley area for over 47 years. He has been part of many musical groups, local bands as well as being member of organizations such as the American Theater Organ Society (ATOS), Musicians Union Local 47, The Rotary and many others. He has played at Wedding Chapels and Private Events and has many collaborations with various performers including accompaniment. His knowledge of the piano and organ has surpassed the test of time and would be an asset to anyone who desires to learn from him. His students have learned well and taken with them an appreciation for the piano or organ as well as for music in general that will bring them a lifetime of enjoyment, which as Roy says.."Was the orignal purpose from the moment the first key was ever laid."
