Rhoda Gravador, Piano & Voice Teacher
Musical Bio
(C) Eugene Chan
Music became a part of Ms. Gravador's life at the age of 5, where piano lessons began as soon as a brand new upright piano was delivered to her family's home. She studied piano continuously until she took her first singing lesson at the age of 16 from Marion Kasper, a voice teacher who whose life and legacy continues to inspire her to this day. During her senior year at Lowell High School in San Francisco, Ms. Gravador auditioned for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was accepted to the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance program. She also passed the piano proficiency test before starting the program.
Ms. Gravador began teaching music during her college days at SFCM. Shortly after receiving her degree, she attended Notre Dame de Namur University and received her Single Teaching Credential in Music Education. Currently, her teaching focus is beginning to intermediate piano for all ages. Prior teaching experience includes K-8 music education, choral conducting, a Capella intensives, and singing for actors.
Why do I teach music?
Every so often, I will read the latest study on how music education increases brain activity and helps our children's brain's evolve at a level where most activities do not. I'm sure that these studies are correct and am glad that this topic is continuously researched. For me however, I only know what music has done for my own life. I know that I can pick up a piece of music (well, maybe not a Chopin Polanaisse, but certainly a Prelude!), new or old, and if I put enough time and effort, I would be able to play the piece for my own enjoyment. I also know that in my 9-5 job as an accountant (remember, I am a music major. Music and numbers? Yes, I am living proof!), music education has given me intangible problem solving skills, tenacity, discipline. Most importantly, I love teaching music. When a student learns a new note and remembers it 5 minutes later, 1 week later, 3 months later. When a student struggles and wants to give up but they finally overcome their struggle. When they are petrified to play in front of an audience and get through a recital and are so proud of their performance. All these moments are why I love to teach music.
Ms. Gravador began teaching music during her college days at SFCM. Shortly after receiving her degree, she attended Notre Dame de Namur University and received her Single Teaching Credential in Music Education. Currently, her teaching focus is beginning to intermediate piano for all ages. Prior teaching experience includes K-8 music education, choral conducting, a Capella intensives, and singing for actors.
Why do I teach music?
Every so often, I will read the latest study on how music education increases brain activity and helps our children's brain's evolve at a level where most activities do not. I'm sure that these studies are correct and am glad that this topic is continuously researched. For me however, I only know what music has done for my own life. I know that I can pick up a piece of music (well, maybe not a Chopin Polanaisse, but certainly a Prelude!), new or old, and if I put enough time and effort, I would be able to play the piece for my own enjoyment. I also know that in my 9-5 job as an accountant (remember, I am a music major. Music and numbers? Yes, I am living proof!), music education has given me intangible problem solving skills, tenacity, discipline. Most importantly, I love teaching music. When a student learns a new note and remembers it 5 minutes later, 1 week later, 3 months later. When a student struggles and wants to give up but they finally overcome their struggle. When they are petrified to play in front of an audience and get through a recital and are so proud of their performance. All these moments are why I love to teach music.