Piano Lessons in Valley Park, MO

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

I use both classics and popular songs to teach reading, theory, ear-training, and improvisation. I teach all of my lessons differently- custom tailoring each one to the students (and parent's) wants, needs, and personal learning style. My success in teaching has come from helping the student to see the joy and pride that comes from attaining goals they might not have believed possible. Playing music should also be fun- the more a student enjoys what they are doing the more they will play- resulting in a higher level of achievement. 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

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

Instruments: Piano

I am an experienced classically trained Pianist who has been playing since the 3rd grade. I enjoy all styles of music and love sharing that enjoyment with my students. I have certification from the State of Missouri that I am proficient in educating beginning Piano students and have continued to expand my knowledge through my participation with local musicians’ groups. I am also working on expanding my instrumental abilities through perfecting my percussion skills and learning guitar. At this time, I do work a morning part time job but am looking to expand my teaching schedule so this is no longer necessary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

My teaching experience goes back to college when I would help out non-piano playing music students for their piano class. (Yes, if you go to school for music, you have to learn some piano, no matter what!). I've also taught students as young as 7, and I was a piano and band instructor at Columbia College Chicago's Blues Camp, which is for students ages 6-18. I was also a keyboard instructor at School Of Rock before having to leave due to touring with Nick Moss. 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 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