Piano Lessons in Valley Park, MO

Instruments: Piano

I am a funny, down-to-earth person and am always considerate of my students' feelings.  My tone is never critical, as my main goal is to inspire the same sort of passion for music that I have aquired throughout my own musical education.  I have caring teaching practices which generate self-motivated practice, a skill which translates well to all other areas of achievement.  Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, and progress is dependant on level of interest and commitment; "you only get what you give."  This is true for everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar

I have found that every student has their own learning style and that it is my duty as an instructor to adapt to their particular learning style. Some students thrive on reward, some thrive on competition and some students thrive on praise etc.I have several books and other teaching material available for my students. Theseinclude:Berkley Music Theory I and II, several Hal Leonard, and Fischer books and more! 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

Looking back over my professional career -- which includes several public relations, marketing and advertising positions -- my favorite and most rewarding activities have centered around music. Whenever possible, I use my own method, which includespromoting spatial relationships and patterns. Although composition is not my specialty, I certainly can do the basics and then point them to a more accomplished musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

I've been giving lessons since I was in high school, but I was able to expand the instruments I'm able to teach from my college training. I have been teaching with Webster's Community Music School for the past year and a half and I have had great success with teaching young beginners, although I have started older kids and even adults with great success (I just use a different curriculum with older students). Read More

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

From upper elementary on, musicology is added. For a student that plans to keep learning, musicology is the history and the composer's impetus for composing the way he does. Why did Chopin compose so differently from Schumann, and what does the student need to learn to play each composer as he intended? It's very interesting, and separates my students from others that are playing just notes. They may be playing with feeling, but whose feeling? Read More