Judy S. says, "I am an adult student of John O’Keefe. I have studied with him for the past nine years. I knew how to read music when I started studying with him and was only playing what had already been written. My primary focus was to learn how to play standard tunes by reading chord progressions. John’s teaching has taken me through the formation of chords, explanation of what makes them different (7th’s, 9th’s, 11th’s, 13th’s) and the best way to play them (voicings) so as to bring so much color to the music. I love learning music theory, the “how to” and “why” of the music. He teaches and explains in a manner which is easily understood.
My weakness has been timing but we have incorporated exercises focused on different time signatures. John’s suggestions how to practice these exercises have been invaluable and I can hear an improvement.
He is very knowledgeable about music, is committed to his students and is very encouraging to the student through the learning process and taking you to the next level. The studio is a very neat and organized environment. There is a choice for having lessons on a digital piano or an acoustic piano (my personal choice). The studio is high tech so I was able to have one of the songs I learned recorded.
I highly recommend John O’Keefe whether you are a beginner, someone who has been on hiatus for many years and looking to get back to studying piano again or looking for a teacher to help you advance in your studies." Read more