About
I like to think of myself as the "cool" piano teacher. Whether or not that's true, I like to treat each student as a friend. I enjoy working with beginners with little to no experience, ages 7 to adult. I will challenge those beginners to intermediates who crave more advanced techniques, and can tailor the lessons to what suits the student best.
When I teach, I feel like I am honoring my late piano teacher from when I was a child. She always said that I could be a piano teacher, which I brushed off until adulthood when I felt drained by "real jobs" that did not use my musical talents and music degree. I love feeling like I can positively shape young creative minds, and also empower and encourage adults who may feel like they are getting a late start into something they have always wished they had done.
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Jenni F.
Jamie
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My mother would drive me 14 miles into town to take piano lessons as an elementary studnet every Saturday morning. I continued through early high school and took a break when school extracurriculars took over. Music did not stop there, but flourished in every ensemble I could get into (band, choir, jazz band, show choir). I would often accompany other students in their vocal or instrumental solos at competitions or even play for weddings or other events.
In college at the University of South Dakota, I majored in Music Performance with an emphasis in clarinet. However, I picked right back up with taking private piano lessons there because it was an amazing opportunity to keep playing and learning from some amazing pianists.
I joined the South Dakota Army National Guard as a musician upon obtaining my undergraduate degree. I spent the usual 10 weeks of Basic Training, but then an additional 10 weeks at the Army School of Music in Virginia. I honed my performance skills, and came back to my unit with a wealth of knowledge. I continue to serve with the 147th Army Band out of Mitchell, SD performing on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and clarinet.
On the civilian side, my piano playing styles quickly changed from classical note-reading to contemporary when I joined cover bands. This gives me the hands-on experience in creating parts from chord sheets and/or listening to recordings.
I began teaching piano lessons in 2015 at Midwest Music Center in Norfolk, Nebraska. This was a great way to give back while gaining experience in teaching a wide variety of students.
I usually hold 20-30 lessons per week, whether it is in-person or online, and I hope to continue for many years to come!