Piano Lessons in Whiteland, IN

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber's Piano Adventures, or the All-In-One Alfred Series. Younger children often succeed with more game-oriented lessons, every student is different. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire from my wide collection appropriate to their taste. 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. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teach Wunderkeys to pre-schoolers ages 4 5. This method gives them a head-start in math as well as patterning. I start beginner piano students (ages 6 and up) with Faber's Piano Adventures. I introduce intermediate students to Alfred's Premier Piano Course as this method starts them on solo repertoire. I find out what adult students are interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep them engaged. If my students are not having fun, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

For piano, I typically use the Faber Piano Adventures Series; however, I am open to other method books as well. The Faber series has theory, technique, lesson, and performance books, each with different skills and techniques to learn. I find that those books offer the most comprehensive learning. In addition to the Faber books, I also utilize online worksheets for supplemental learning. For guitar, I typically use online worksheets and chord sheets, and from there, I encourage students to purchase specific guitar books they are interested in (for example, Disney books, classic rock books, Beatles books, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I generally stick with the Faber Method books, as I enjoy their unity of music theory and practical application more than other method series. It is my goal to remove students from methods as soon as possible- somewhere around early intermediate skill level, so that we may engage with more meaningful repertoire from the 'greats', as well as give the students the tools to take agency over their own repertoire choices, including transcriptions of popular media. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

When I think of teaching, I think of how rewarding it is to get to know each student and their families. I encourage parents to stay in the lesson (not required). There is so much to learn and see. My students each have a plan each week outlining not just WHAT to practice but HOW to practice. I often say if you practice HOW I am asking you to practice, you will learn a lot and progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Age-friendly materials are my favorite to use. For very young pianists I often buy books with lots of color and large print like Kjos's Piano Party. Kjos and Alfred are two of my favorite publishers, but I am willing to work with materials your family may already own. Flashcards are an important tool for many children to become fluent at naming/reading notes. I also like to have students complete written theory assignments, and, to help students from getting bored, I often "reward" them with single pieces of fun sheet music that can be performed for recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Some methods I would like to include in my teaching are introduction/development of IPA, which is International Phonetic Alphabet. The International Phonetic Alphabet is crucial for knowing how to sing correctly in a variety of langauges. I have experience singing in English, German, Latin, French, Italian and Spanish. Using IPA, it can give you the correct pronunciation of words in other languages. I have found IPA extremely helpful in my experience as a vocalist. Read More