Piano Lessons in Barnhart, MO

Instruments: Piano

I use Piano Adventures as the basic course guide. I have found it the most productive and enjoyable for my students. I use a minimum of the Lesson and Theory book for my younger students with either the basic course or Accelerated course depending on their age and maturity. Adults begin with the All In one adult book. I add the other books that accompany each level based on the particular students needs and interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with note naming and sound. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. My goal in my method is to get my students fluent in playing the piano and knowing the methods of piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

After teaching myself theory at the age of 4, I received my first musical instruction in 6th grade. At that time I learned to play the flute. This is where my musicianship began to blossom and opportunities were sent my way. Thanks to my love and dedication, I was one of a few placed in special bands. Auditioning & being selected for choruses during this time increased as well. As a result of my hard work, I was offered & accepted the positions at section leader and Drum Majorette in my high school's concert and marching bands & after joining choir my junior year I became lead soloist of the choir. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I started performing in my high school orchestra as the pianist, and had friends that wanted to learn to play. That was my first experience at teaching. I taught for the next eight years part time in Texas while I was majoring in Piano Performance and Theory. For the next 25 years, while I was working at my professional job, I kept teaching piano part time just because I loved the joy it brought to me and my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

My teaching experience began at the age of thirteen. I gave lessons out of my home in Webster Groves, Missouri. I have been teaching students out of my home for thirty plus years. I will also go to the home. I like to encourage students to practice daily. Each student has a practice log which they have to fill out on a weekly basis. My job is to provide structure and consistency within a framework that is also fun for each students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching during pedagogy classes at the University of Illinois. I've continued to teach piano whenever possible during other careers. (I also have a degree in journalism and communications, so I've worked as a writer, editor, public relations director and related fields). It's important that students have fun while learning, and I attempt to engage them as much as I can in endeavors they enjoy. I love seeing laughter and joywhen someone masters amusicproblem which with they previously struggled. Read More