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Lisa Maher, M.Ed.

I began teaching piano in 2003 and specialize in teaching children ages 4 and older. Through the years, I have developed my own curriculum (combined with Alfred's Piano Library) that provides students with a strong foundation of technique and theory, along with knowledge and appreciation for great pianists and influential composers from all musical time periods.

One of the most important and valuable things I do is motivate my students. I work hard to keep them interested in piano because this best supports learning. We carefully select music that the student wants to play, and together we set goals every month. Lessons are fun and highly interactive, and I use several approaches to teaching and learning. One of my top goals is to create lessons that students to want to come to. I want them to enjoy their time with me while they're developing their musical talent. I believe that music is art, and the musical environment must be upbeat, not intimidating, or unnecessarily strict. I want my students to bloom!   

I am a piano teacher at Hill Country Christian School Music Conservatory, and I also teach Music & Movement at the lower school. I have a master's degree in education from Concordia University (specialization in literacy), and studied piano most recently under Dr. Saida Kafarova. I am an EC-6th Texas Board of Education Certified Teacher and have passed the Texas Education Agnecy's Reading Specialist Exam. I have a special interest in dyslexia and I have developed differentiated teaching strategies especially for dyslexic students. There are parallels between reading text and reading music and I plan to pursue a PhD in this area. I am currently completeing a music certificate from Austin Community College, and I hold undergraduate bachelor of science degrees in journalism, business administration, and marketing.

My husband Mike and I have been married for 13 years and we have two children, and a dog named Petunia. We have lived in Texas for 11 years and are originally from the St. Louis area.      

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron.

 Horace Mann

Lisa's teaching philosophy:

The most effective learning occurs when the right balance is struck between environment, motivation and instruction.  With the right combination of these components, learning can be enjoyable and can prepare a student for the challenges, opportunities and possibilities of the future.

The learning environment should be a place where there is freedom for students to explore and investigate, and where mistakes can be made without fear of ridicule. Within this environment, opportunities must be created for student ability to be developed, practiced and honed.

Developing intrinsic motivation in students supports the most effective learning.  When a student understands why something should be learned, the knowledge and skills acquired are more deeply understood, more easily recalled, and therefore readily accessible when needed.

Instruction must go well beyond following a prescribed curriculum or course of study. It must be based upon the individual needs of the learner. Through the use of assessment and clear goals, and with an understanding of optimal learning styles and differentiation techniques, the teacher can identify the most effective means to facilitate learning.

Effective instruction must also be based upon solid, recent research, with the teacher taking part in active research whenever possible. Research plays a critical role in the process of continuous improvement and in meeting the needs of all learners. Instruction that is research based helps a teacher address issues, find answers that positively enhance the education process, and aids in implementing creative methods that fully engage students.

The ultimate goal of teaching is to facilitate the creation of self-sufficiency and independence in the student. During the learning process, the students should not only be instructed and given access to information, but they should be instructed on how to obtain information and how to put knowledge to work.

Who We Are

2009 Recital group photo

Lisa Maher's Certifications:

Texas State Board of Education Certified EC-6th Grade Teacher

Texas State Board of Education's Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC–6th

TExES Reading Specialist 151 

Texas Educator required finger printing completed September 2009 by L-1 Enrollment Services. On file with RRISD. 

Criminal Background Check completed and on file with Round Rock Independent School District - 2010-11, Hill Country Christian School of Austin, 2011-12 school year.  

Lisa Maher is a member of:

Music Teachers National Association

Bluebonnet District Music Teachers Association

Austin District Music Teachers Association

Concordia University Alumni Association

Southern Illinois University Alumni

Round Rock Community Choir

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Girl Scouts of America

PTA,PTF

First United Methodist Church of Round Rock

Facebook

LinkedIn

Lisa Maher's former positions:

Young Audience Development Committee Chair, Opera Theater of St. Louis, 1997

Public Relations and Marketing Chair, Round Rock Community Choir, 2007

Board of Directors, Round Rock Community Choir, 2007-2008

Editor, News From The Ridge, 2003-2006

Editor, Lake Forest News, 2007-2008