Vilija Naujokaitis
What do you teach at the Prep Center?
Piano.
Why did you begin taking music lessons?
I was born into a musical family. My father was a conductor/music educator, and my older sister is a pianist/composer, so it was natural that I started to play piano at home at a very early age.
How old were you when you started music lessons?
I started piano lessons at the local music school when I was six years old.
Did you always like to practice when you were a child?
Of course not! My grandmother, who always was at home, was in charge to make sure that I practiced constantly every day, and my father coached me once in a while, emphasizing the musical side of the practicing, trying to make the routine more creative than tedious.
How do you vary your approach when you teach at different ages and levels?
Whatever level or age of students I teach, my approach is generally the same: to make them understand that playing piano is a pleasure — physical, mental, and emotional. Practicing is an intriguing process rather than tedious work, and playing an instrument can bring a lifetime of satisfaction and joy.
What is your most important goal for your students?
To reach the top level of playing the piano and understand the music, considering each student's abilities.
What are the most important recommendations that you give to parents whose children study music?
To create an environment for their children in which they could practice the piano constantly, that it could become a daily and enjoyable routine, but at the same time not to over push or to make it undesirable routine. Appreciate the music!
