Rachel B
Instruments: Piano, Organ, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Rachel B
Instruments: Piano, Organ, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-18
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Houghton College, with a Minor in Keyboard Studies.
2014 - Houghton College Performance Scholorship. (this renewed each year through 2018)
I'm a classical pianist and organist who has been studying music for 19 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Houghton College in 2018, which included a minor in Keyboard Studies and a Senior Recital played on the Organ. I've been an active Church Musician for the last 10 years, and am currently employed as the Organist and Choir Director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. I have experience playing both Contemporary and Traditional Church Services for several different denominations, as well as experience as an accompanist for vocalists and choral groups and school choirs. My background also includes playing the keyboard in a number of different bands, playing the piano for an Orchestra at the collegiate level, in addition to accompanying small jazz ensembles and performing as a solo pianist. I'm very excited to share my experience and expertise with students!
I began teaching lessons several years ago, and have continued to teach in various forms. Currently my primary teaching role is that of Choir Director, where I teach group members how to read rhythms correctly, follow melodic phrasing and even learn the names of the notes. I have taught individuals of various ages and skill levels, from children who are just beginning to learn to adults with knowledge based largely on ear training but who lack the technical knowledge of music theory. I always enjoy putting together studio recitals, and encouraging students to share their growing skills with those around them.
For pianist lessons, I like to use the Piano Adventures book series for beginner students of any age. These are the books I used when I began taking lessons at the age of six, and I have found that they are a very productive tool in teaching students with a a variety of different backgrounds. For organ lessons, I like to use Hal Leonards First Organ Book, as it contains many pieces of music that target work on specific techniques from legato fingerings to proper pedal techniques. It also includes more advanced pieces of music that can be played for recitals or other events.
I believe the most important component of music lessons is finding music the student loves to play. If a teacher can foster a genuine love of music in a student, that student is, generally speaking, guaranteed to put forth a generous effort toward learning complete pieces. If a student does not enjoy playing the music that is put in front of them, they are unlikely to put forward the effort necessary to progress as a musician. I also feel it's important to tailor my teaching style with a students' specific needs in mind.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.