Cathy Thacker Piano Studio

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 hymnplaying under Joseph Dilley, Laurence Morton (Piano Department Head), and Lance Flower.

Who I Am

I am the immediate past President of Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association, and have been an active member since joining in 2002. I have taught piano lessons for over 18 years, both at home and in private academy settings. My piano studio is located in Snellville, GA, where I teach students of all ages. I am also actively involved in the music ministry at Killian Hill Baptist Church in Lilburn, where I am a church pianist, play solos regularly, and accompany the orchestra and ensembles. In my spare time, I also enjoy accompanying band and orchestra students for GMEA Solo & Ensemble and recitals. 

       Duet Playing can be very rewarding!  

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.