Deborah Marcus is an experienced piano teacher who employs music of varied genres in addition to classical music in lessons with students. This diversity is an integral part of her approach to teaching, which significantly helps to engage students as enthusiastic learners. No matter what style of music is explored in lessons; whether classical, jazz or a variety of popular music, the focus is always on the essential elements of music. Young children as well as mature adults learn to listen, understand, and appreciate the music they are studying in addition to acquiring the skills to experience the joy of playing the piano. Teaching fundamental skills and the elements of musical expression is not enough; the shaping of a musical phrase and creating contrasts in mood through varying the volume of sound are among the many nuanced techniques that make playing music so exciting. In order to successfully engage a student, it is very important that the teacher understand individual differences in learning styles and personality, utilizing that understanding in creative, empathic ways. Those qualities are intrinsic strengths of Deborah's approach to musical education.