About
I make sure your piano lesson is the most interesting and fun thing you do all week. And your daily practice is an exercise in self-discipline. You reap rewards to the extent that you participate. You get out of piano what you put into it. It will change, deepen, the experience of music for you forever.
Piano demands mental agility and physical coordination. The rewards are both artistic and logical; emotional and mathematical. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. You must commit to practicing every day. Luckily, the songs we learn are beautiful!
Specialties
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Student can read music, Student cannot read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Student has instrument
Students who have a piano, Students who have a keyboard
Interested musical styles
Classical, Jazz, Pop, I can make recommendations
Photos and videos
Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
AF
Amy F.
He is Great!
October 12, 2021
CS
Carol S.
Mark is the best piano teacher ever. I hadnt played the piano in over 40 years but was anxious to take it up again when I retired. Mark started me out at a level that was challenging but not over whelming and I quickly progressed. He is patient and pays close attention during your lesson and never misses a thing. He introduced me to jazz and pop piano which I really enjoy as I only played classical as a youngster. Mark makes taking lessons fun and for us seniors it is good hand and eye coordination and keeps your mind active. If you have been thinking about piano lessons again or are a newbie I say go for it and give Mark a try. You will be happy you did.
August 27, 2021
MU
Marilyn U.
Mark was my piano teacher for over 10 years in Las Vegas, NV. Classical is my favorite...but Mark also introduced me to Jazz, and Pop. He makes lessons fun, no stress, and he is an excellent teacher and pianist. The valuable information I learned from Mark will benefit me for the rest of my life as a pianist. You cant go wrong with Mark!
August 24, 2021
R
Ross
Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable. He helped me correct old bad habits, and build fundamental techniques for good playing.
August 24, 2021
YC
Yvonne C.
Mark is extraordinary. I came wanting to relearn piano, and explore all of the genres- particularly being comfortable with sight-reading in multiple genres. Mark has a gift for breaking down the music so that it doesnt seem as overwhelming. His knowledge in music is so vast, and it is always incredible to discuss and learn other elements in music (i.e. the eras of music, the types of instruments like harpsichord vs. piano, the evolution of classical and jazz music, etc).
Another great thing about learning with Mark is that the pressure to play is nonexistent. He is so patient, he listens to the goals you want to achieve, and he helps you get there, but its up to you to do the work! Hes not rigid and boring like a lot of music teachers can be, and his encouragement on the progress you achieve is what drives you to work hard for yourself and to make him proud! Ive learned so much from him, and he has been my favorite piano teacher by a long-shot!
August 23, 2021
JH
Joanne H.
Mark Thomas was my piano instructor in Henderson, Nevada for 4 years. I was an older student who had always wished to learn piano for the sheer pleasure of it. He was patient and encouraging and found music to help me not only learn the basic skills, but was geared toward my tastes. I highly recommend him to anyone who is eager to learn piano.
August 21, 2021
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We learn (or review) music reading and counting using the Alfred Older Beginner course, then branch out to the style(s) you like: Jazz, pop, or classical.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Master of Music Education, Florida State University, Tallahassee
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Hour lessons $60
45-minute lessons $50
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching has always come naturally to me. I started showing people things about piano in middle school. I have a bachelor's and a master's in music education, and have also taught other subject at the master's and the undergraduate levels.
What types of students have you worked with?
Age 12 and up.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The answer is always the same: the last lesson I gave. I enjoy every lesson. I recently did a simplified arrangement of a difficult song that my student really wanted to play. It's too hard for him, but I'm going to let him discover that for himself.
I also recently started performing at a "piano meet-up" group, and I love playing my own compositions as well as those of the classical and jazz masters.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Take a first lesson and see how you like it! In my first lessons, I check to see what you know and what you don't know yet, and start making recommendations for one or two books to get started.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you play any other instruments? Do you read music? Do you have time to practice between lessons? Are you a good learner?
Services offered
Piano