Steves Piano World
3 hires on Lessons.com
1 employee
17 years in business
About this pro
My business stands out as the most inclusive that a student could want. Since I've been a professional for over 45 years, I have performed in the Classical and Jazz idioms. I teach Classical pieces, but I also teach keyboard harmony, essential for anyone interested in Jazz, or Pop music. There are few teachers who can do both well.
I've written a book "Essentials of Jazz and Contemporary Piano". It was published in 2011, and is available online (Amazon or Barnes and Noble). How many teachers took the time to write a book outlining a 16 lesson course they are about to take? I've never met one.
Would you rather not become pro but are a weekend or part-time musician? Most of my students have been just that. Maybe you play in a band on weekends? Bring your music and I'll help with your parts.
I've been teaching privately since 2006 when I started in LA. Once somebody asked me where they could find a good teacher without having to go to a college etc and pay large tuitions. That was my epiphany, as I knew I could enter that (your?) market.
My lessons are informal, stressing the love of music, and the joy of playing. I'm a student of music also. I've just been studhying it longer than you! Students will be surprised how hard I'll work for them once I know they're practicing regularly.
For an in depth view of my career, please refer to my website: stevelockwoodmusic.com
Let's share our love of music together! Thank you for your consideration.
Steve Lockwood
Read more about this pro
Credentials
Denver, CO 80014
Email verified
Phone verified
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Steve has infinite patience while explaining the intricacies of Jazz piano. He makes each lesson exciting and inspiring. I highly recommend students to use his services to grow their skills
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Steve is great. He works with students at whichever level they are at. He's great at teaching Jazz, Classical, Contemporary, and other styles. He's attentive to the student's needs and addresses all types of problems that a student may come across while playing piano. I have taken lessons with Steve now for awhile and would recommend him. He makes sure the student is engaged and interested in the music they are learning.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Assess their experience and knowledge by having them prepare a piece of their choice for the first lesson. It could be anything. Perhaps an improv of any sort, a song they may have written, or a set piece. Then, I would ask them questions about what they played, to see how good they are at expressing themselves about music. By the way, I don't teach beginning students. My pre-requisits: 1) Desire, 2) an instrument, 3) time to practice every day and 4) the ability to read music.
Also, I would ask them to tell me their goals and what they would like to achieve with our time together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied music at Memphis State Univ. (now Memphis City College), and at the University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory of music on an accompanying scholarhip.
I was already playing professional "gigs" and playing in the Jazz Workshop band at UMKC as well. My playing had matured at that young age, so I decided to pursue a career playing and writing in the music business. The seminal engagement was certainly the performance at the Kansas City Jazz Festival with Los Angeles saxophonist and film composer Gil Melle in 1971.
I felt I had the education and experience to teach when I started (2006). I knew that I didn't want to teach until I "had something to teach about". So, after over 40 years of experience, I realized I had just that. So, I wrote a book, "Essentials of Jazz and Contemporary Music" which sumarized exactly what the student would need.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
All lessons last 1 hour. Students younger than high school age can arrange for less. I typically charge $60/hour. Bi-monthly lessons are available for the same hourly price.
I don't have group rates. Especially when it comes to improvising, it's difficult to find students who are at the same level of experience who would appreciate a group situation.
How did you get started teaching?
As I stated earlier, I felt I had something to teach. If I'd wanted to teach sooner, I'd be teaching a different method taught to me previously. I trusted myself and students to grasp my original approach in terms of the book I wrote explaining it.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly adults male and female. The entire age range is included from high school to retired individuals. Some are professionals who want more keyboard training, some are "weekend warriors" who take music seriously, but also have families and are amateurs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The original epiphany for me occured at a concert where I heard Thelonius Monk and his quartet perform. A life changer for sure. I know this is not recent, but I've only been in Denver for a few years!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone with some kind of proven record of performance as well as training. Pedagogy classes (classes that teach one how to teach), are not really necessary.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
All questions concerning the seriousness of their own efforts. I know that I most appreciate a student who is willing to practice regularly. Make sure you can set aside even 30-45 minutes a day to practice, and also make sure you have an instrument to practice on. If you don't, most teachers would think that you're not ready to commit.