Piano Lessons in Valley Park, MO

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 Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been a full-time private music teacher since 1995. One of my lifes greatest pleasures has been motivating my students to succeed and helping them to see how much fun they can have in the process. I use my training and 30+ years of performance to teach to the students personal interests, strengths, and learning styles that fit them best. My in-home studio is conveniently located in Crestwood Missouri and contains 2 pianos, full-sized marimba, 16 acoustic electric stringed instruments, amplifiers, double-bass, drums and various world percussion. Read More

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 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 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 Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

For young beginner students (Ages 3-7) I typically start them with the Music for Little Mozart Series (4 books total). I pair that with fun music games, rhythm practice, listening activities and other misc. activities. At this age it is difficult for them to sit at the piano bench for the whole lesson so we only spend about half the lesson (but split up) at the piano and the other half learning basic music concepts through games. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my recent careers -- including positions in the public relations, marketing, writing and editing fields -- THE most rewarding has been teaching and performing piano. Some former students are enrolled at prestigious colleges, conservatories and universities. Others are pursuing degrees in medicine and higher education. Read More