ABOUT ME
"My Name is Stefanos Maragkakis and I am a Pianist/ Composer/ Teacher
I grew up in Athens, Greece, in musically rich environment. My mother plays the accordion and dad is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. My Sister and I begun studying classical music at a young age.
In 2012 my family and I migrated to Australia. I had a bit of a break from having traditional one on one lessons, but never quit music. In the next two years I begun exploring all sorts of music genres, including Jazz and Greek folk music. Having the freedom of choosing my own repertoire proved to be the cornerstone of me developing a strong musical Identity, something that I endeavor to pass one to my students. Though I was a pretty good sight-reader, many of the pieces/songs I wanted to learn did not have sheet music, or if they did, they were too simple for my liking. such 'inconveniences' allowed to me to develop my aural abilities, and got me into improvising, arranging and composing.
After my two year gap, I got a classically trained Piano teacher that helped me develop my technique both as a performer and a composer. I finished my Grade 8 (HD), CmusA (H) and AmusA (HD) and begun teaching Piano myself. In 2015, I started my own tutoring business 'Reverie' and have been teaching ever since.
I am currently studying music Education at the Conservatorium of Sydney majoring in Composition. I am hoping to adapt my teaching style to that of a larger classroom. I am also currently involved with the Australian Hellenic Choir (AHC) of Sydney, as a Pianist.
TEACHING STYLE
I specialize in classical music but also teach jazz and contemporary. I put a great emphasis on correct technique and playing with emotion. And I make sure my students understand what they are playing both from a compositional and cultural point of view. My main goal is to instill in my students a passion for music, whether it is for performing, arranging or writing music. I endeavor to work together with parents, so as to successfully shape a unique musical identity for each of my students."
INFLUENCES AND APPROACHES
OT
In my education degree I was taught the Orff approach to teaching. Car Orff was a German composer an educator whose teaching method primarily focused on rhythms and body percussion. When I first started the course, I was sceptical as to how Orff's approach fits with my teaching style. I soon discovered that his style has a lot in common with my background as a teacher and musician. A great emphasis is placed on composition and improvisation. The Orff approach allows students to play around with rhythms and create their own. Simple pentatonic motifs, ostinati and borduns can be developed to the student's liking, developing both their musical and creative side in the process. The Orff approach can be also quite helpful in teaching students instrumental pieces; whether it is complex rhythmic sections or irregular time signatures. Using words and body percussion can help students better understand the rhythmic sections of a piece as well as remember them for longer. The Orff approach is definitely a tool every teacher should have in their toolbox.