Jacob A  
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk

My teaching experience began 10 years ago when I had the opportunity to teach group piano classes at a local elementary school. My first piano pedagogy classes were at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2005-2006, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity for practice teaching not only at the Cleveland Institute of Music but also at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, MN. I taught 20 weekly students during my time at the University of Illinois and upon moving back to Minneapolis, MN, began teaching for Schmitt Music locations as well as agencies that give in-home lessons. I teach students of all ages and ability levels and greatly enjoy the unique challenges and joys of each one. 

It is often difficult to choose just the right method book for each student. I most often choose the Alfred series for both beginner's and adults, as I like how in that series the student not only develops the necessary skills but also learns about how music works. I also like very much the Piano Town series and have used it with success. For more intermediate and advanced students, I strive to get a sense of the type of music and pieces the student enjoys the most and try to assign their repertoire accordingly. I believe that students of all ages learn the best when they are playing, or are planning to play, the music that they particularly enjoy.