Teaches in Southern California

From Lomita, California

Plays and Piano

About

Marybeth Knight is a native of Redondo Beach, California, where at 4 years old she embarked on her musical journey cultivating a deep love and understanding of music through playing the piano. Her passion for the piano has been a constant in her life ever since.

With over 30 years of experience, Marybeth has a strong foundation in music theory, note reading, repertoire building, performance skills, and sight reading. Beginning formal lessons at age 8, she furthered her musical education with an intermediate piano course at El Camino College, where she honed her theoretical knowledge, performing abilities, and technique. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Studies, credits in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, graduating Summa Cum Laude at both the AA and BA levels.

Marybeth has continued to grow her skills over the decades, becoming intimately acquainted with the personal enjoyment and satisfaction that playing the piano can bring, as well as the difficulties and how to overcome them. That is why in addition to her own musical pursuits, Marybeth delights in fostering a love of piano in others, especially children. She started teaching private beginner piano lessons to friends and family in high school and her early 20s. During this time she also taught students ages 4-7 at local schools & parks as an employee of Kids Music 'N Motion academy. Marybeth’s teaching approach combines six pedagogical principles: challenge, explanation, modeling, deliberate practice, questioning, and feedback.

On a personal level, she takes comfort in the mental challenge that helps her ADHD brain focus, sometimes entering a flow state that can become almost meditative. She also appreciates the tactile aspect of playing this percussive instrument – the perfect outlet for artistic expression AND excess energy! Her favorite artists and genres span classical, romantic, and modern styles including top hits from popular music, theater, films, and TV. Anything that resonates on an emotional or aesthetic level is fair game! Composers Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Alan Silvestri, Joe Hisaishi, Patrick Doyle, Dario Marianelli, Rachel Portman, and Josh Groban are frequent go-to’s.

Marybeth believes music is a fundamental human right we can all tap into. She is committed to creating a positive and enriching learning experience for her students, and helping beginners of all ages discover the joy of music.

When Marybeth is not playing the piano, she enjoys going to the beach to ride her bike on the strand or sketch the views. You can often find Marybeth tending her succulent garden, video gaming, taking nature walks, or spending quality time with her high school sweetheart husband, their son, and three mischievous cats.