About
Thank you for your interest in lessons! I am a passionate teacher with over a decade of experience and proven results. My students have placed in national and international competitions. They have passed up to Grade 8 of ABRSM and Level 10 of the MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. I also tutor AP Music Theory, and my students have received up to a 5 on the exam, giving them college credit.
I offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour online lessons over Zoom to students ages 7 and up. I teach all levels of voice, piano, composition, and theory. You might think online lessons would take away the joy of in-person learning, but I have had a full teaching studio of over 20 lessons a week since 2020. While the experience is slightly different, I have a wonderful remote setup with multiple devices and a quality microphone that allow for a seamless lesson experience. My students enjoy learning an instrument in the comfort of their home, not having to commute, and having the convenience of online learning in their busy lives.
I have a passion for teaching neurodivergent populations, particularly those with autism. These students are often naturally gifted in music, frequently possessing perfect pitch and a photographic memory. They are often exceptional candidates for training in composition.
I have also taught composition at the college level. As a composer, I teach theory, composition, orchestration, and arranging. I have written extensively for both orchestra and wind ensemble. I have had performances of my works in over 10 US states.
I currently have a large studio, and I have some availability in my schedule. If you are interested in studying with me, please be in touch.
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Kasey R.
Heeral S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically start lessons with new students by testing their knowledge of music. I always try to have students learn a piece during the trial. For beginners, I work in the Faber Piano Adventures books, Basic of Keyboard Theory books, and Keith Snell technique books. Based on a student's progress, I introduce them to short Classical piano pieces. For students interested in popular music, I ensure they have a foundation in music theory before learning to improvise. Fundamentally, I teach music from a musical AND mechanical perspective. I provide detailed fingerings for students that are indispensable.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.M. University of Montana
M.M. Manhattan School of Music
D.M.A. University of Colorado at Boulder
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano full-time in California in 2016. Most of my students have opted to continue studying with me remotely throughout the pandemic. Many of them have been my students for 4-6 years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am equally well-versed in teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students from ages 4 to 60+. My youngest students started when they were 4 years old, and have continued as my students for over 4 years. Many of my students are now advanced and capable of playing difficult repertoire, which includes Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, and Liszt's La Campanella.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had two students play the Fantasie Impromptu and La Campanella from memory in consecutive lessons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learn about music from multiple perspectives. If I said, "I can write and speak English, but I cannot read it", I would not be considered an educated person. The same is true with music, you should be able to read, write, and speak the language in order to be considered fluent.