William W
Instruments: Piano, Organ
Styles: Classical, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Avant-garde
William W
Instruments: Piano, Organ
Styles:
Classical, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Performance at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC, 2012.
Performance at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, 2014., 20
Performance at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, NYC, 2012.
Performance at Trinity Church in the City of Boston, Boston, MA, 2012.
Performance at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, 2013.
Greetings! My name is Bill Wisnom, and I have been a musician for the vast majority of my life. I began studying piano at the age of 11, and was later accepted into the Peabody Preparatory at the age of 14. I spent my teenage years devoted to a life of practice and performance with the intention of entering university as a piano major. At the age of 17, I began studying organ, and was later accepted into the undergraduate program at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. I later transferred to the Peabody Conservatory where I earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in performance. I have performed at numerous venues across the country, and have been active as a teacher since 2000. I look forward to working with you to reach your musical goals!
I began teaching in 2000. I was very fortunate to have had very qualified teachers throughout my career. When I was in college, I asked my professor, "How do you teach?" And his response was, "Teach as you have been taught." My teachers have included Donald Sutherland, Dame Gillian Weir, David Higgs, Corey McVicar, Carol Prochazka, and more. A few of my teachers trace their lineage from Leon Fleisher, to Schnabel, to Leschetizky, to Czerny, and finally to Beethoven! My teaching focuses on building skills that can then be applied to subsequent pieces--skills that build upon one another and skills that serve one well for the long haul.
Every student is different, and every student has a different level of ability, interests, etc. I find it's important to be mindful of what each student needs at any given moment in their musical journey. Part of this involves asking vital questions and assessing each student's innate musicality before proceeding with materials. Some kids are very precocious are best suited for materials intended for adult beginners. Sometimes students who are seniors feel very fulfilled by learning fundamental skills with simplified showtune melodies. Nothing is set in stone!
The foundation of my teaching is based on listening, which sounds simple. But, it's not always easy! The awareness needed to listen mindfully will set the foundation to enable students to make informed musical decisions on their own. Additionally, practicing is an art form in and of itself, and it's much more than playing pieces over and over again. Practicing efficiently requires listening, of course, and problems solving skills. In addition to presenting the fundamental skills of music making, I address the aspects needed to make informed decisions. Students will feel empowered when they achieve a goal. These skills will also carry over into other areas of their lives. Above all, beautiful music will take shape. And in that beauty, student and listener alike will find a connection to something which transcends the mundane world. Hearts, minds, and souls will be enriched.
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