About
Have you ever wished you had stuck with piano lessons when you were a child? Or do you wish that you had started lessons in the first place? Or maybe you or your child (or grandchild) is looking for something new to try or to pick up a new skill during this time of social distancing. If any of these scenarios interests you, I'm expanding my piano studio, and I'd love for you to come and see what I have to offer! I've played the piano for over 55 years myself, and I have nearly 40 years of experience as a private teacher and accompanist. I studied with Linda Lamb Hirt, Tella DeBose and Julian Dawson at Illinois State University, and was fortunate enough to participate in a master class with John Wustman, who was the accompanist for the great Luciano Pavarotti. All ages and experience levels are welcome - you're never too old to start or to brush up on what you already know. While I do emphasize basic skills, theory & musicianship, I'm a firm believer in learning music that interests you. You can learn to read music by playing pop, or show tunes, or Disney favorites as well as you can playing classical music. I think it makes practicing and learning more enjoyable when you're learning music that actually interests you.
I love being able to share my love of music with others, and it's fun for me when I see my students get excited about learning and mastering something new.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Katherine P.
bernice H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically, I will do a free trial lesson for a prospective student to make sure that we're a good "fit". During that lesson, we'll talk about what experience the student has. If any, what type of music they enjoy, and what they hope to get out of taking lessons. If the student decides to continue, I will let them know what lesson and/or theory book(s) they need to purchase, and then let them know what pages to begin working on. I also will send a link so they can sign up on the student portal of my website to get their assignments for the next week and to log their practice time.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Studied with Edna Purnell Brand in Danville, Illinois, from age 8-12
Studied with Margaret Ruth Kemna in Danville, Illinois, age 13
Studied with Dorothy Berg in Danville, Illinois, age 14-20
Illinois State University - majored in piano with emphasis on piano accompanying, Studied with Julian Dawson, Linda Lamb Hirt and Tella Marie DeBose
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard rate is $35/half hour lesson, $55/45-minute lesson, and $70/hour lesson.