About
At McLelland Piano Studio, we emphasize a unique learning program for each student using exceptional grand pianos, computer technology, a wide and diverse range of music styles, exciting and motivational teaching methods, and an ever-evolving range of instructional venues. We are Nationally Certified through the Music Teachers National Association, the Golandsky Piano Institute and, with over 30 years of inspiring artistry and nurturing talent, teaching in private studios, colleges, and fine art schools, we know how to help students meet their goals and fulfill their dreams.
As a teacher I am continually excited about playing and teaching piano and my goal is to share this excitement and to use my knowledge to help instill a love of music in my students. When both the student and the teacher give their best, you can expect to see some wonderful musical milestones. Ultimately, a student will have the most fun in music study when they see improvement and can feel a true sense of accomplishment in all areas of musicianship -- from note reading, performance, creative interpretations, composition, to the development of a healthy and virtuosic technic.
I love learning from my students as well. In my years of teaching in colleges, fine arts schools, and my private studio, I am fascinated that no 2 students are alike. I love the challenge of creating unique lesson plans and objectives for each student to match their individual strengths, learning styles, musical tastes, personalities. It is a never ending process and it delights me that the world of music can accommodate so many different students and pianists! While no two students are alike, I believe there is one common factor: students of all ages and personality types learn best when they are in a happy, motivated and calm emotional state.
Reviews
Sebastian P.
Adult s.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor and Master degrees in piano performance, National Certification through Music Teachers National Association since 1990, Certification through Golandsky Piano Institute 2011, post-graduate studies in New York City with Edna Golandsky and John Bloomfield in Taubman Approach 1996-present, attendance at MTNA and AMTA and MMTA conferences and International Piano Pedagogy workshops.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Tuition is based upon a term and includes all private instruction, materials, music, special events and recitals, computer lab, music reference library and lending library.
How did you get started teaching?
My mother was a K-3 music teacher and a wonderful pianist. We all grew up in a musical family and both my sisters, (eventually a doctor and lawyer), studied piano growing up. We had an amazing piano teacher who I am still in touch with today. She inspired us all to excel and do our best and to love music. Piano teaching was a natural fit for me and I also enjoy continuing to perform and play piano.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages and levels of advancement. Beginning pre-college students, adults, advanced concert pianists, college students, fine arts piano majors, and everything in between. I love starting out students from the beginning as it is easier to start with a healthy, solid foundation and build from there rather than have to retrain and fill in gaps that might be missing with transfers. I also prefer the freedom in the private studio setting to choose appropriate literature and curriculum for students versus the college or institution setting.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A performance in February at the IPC Fine Arts Festival of Loiellet B Minor Sonata for piano trio. It was such a privelege to play this piece, on the beautiful Steinway piano, in the beautiful live acoustic hall, with the exceptional husband/wife cellist and violinist. We will be performing again in June, adding Piazolla Libertango, Mendelssohn piano trio and more. My most recent pedagogical thrill was helping an advanced pianist (college professor) get out of pain and recover from a performance-related injury by applying principles of the healthy, Taubman Approach to piano playing.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My article "4 steps to the Perfect Match" which was featured (and commissioned by) the Birmingham News newspaper a few years ago. https://www.mclellandpiano.com/how-to-choose-a-music-teacher.html
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your objectives? Do you want to learn lots of styles or just classical or jazz or pop? Do you want to perform and participate in special group events? Do you prefer playing on grand pianos or upright pianos? What sort of teacher and personality type do you work best with -- strict? stern? easy-going? positive? demanding? Decide what you want and see if a teacher will be willing to help you meet these goals. Be open to new goals as you will be meeting some wonderful, experienced people in the music field who will probably all have something very valuable to share with you!