Piano Lessons in Valley Park, MO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

Each lesson starts with technical exercises, follwed by repertoire. Each student does theory during the lesson with twenty questions at the end. During this time, I do all review theory material. Difficult passages are marked with a "P" chart. They have to play the difficult part four times and get a "P" for each perfect playing. Every fifth time they have to repeat from the beginning to integrate the difficult part with the rest of the song. 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 Organ Keyboard

For intermediate and advanced students, I like to figure out what kind of popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop) that they would like to play and learn more about, and then learn repetoire or basic techniques in that particular genre. Again, I specialize mainly in popular styles, and am not much of a classical player. My hope is to give intermediate and advanced classically trained students a good foundation in popular styles, and once the foundation is there, start working on repetoire. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I come from a family of musicians- I was encouraged to play piano as soon as I could sit up. I had formal private piano lessons for 12 years, played in the school orchestra and picked up guitar and drums in local bands. I continued to study music at Mizzou while I performed in restaurants, bars, wineries, and private parties. After graduating I got into social work with foster care and senior centers during the day while i taught private lessons and played in bands at night. Read More

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 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