John O'Keefe Music
About
As a piano instructor for 40 years, John instructs by creating tailored lesson plans to fit each individual’s learning style to allow the student meet their musical goals.
In a fun, laid back environment, John helps you or your child develop a love of music that is sure to last a lifetime!
Learning the Piano is a wonderful experience that you'll enjoy. I do enjoy teaching the young students as they experience music for the first time. Also love working with adults as many of them wish they had learned as a child.... but, it's never too late to start. I've had students in their 80's. Also worked with many students that are coming back to piano after a break. the best way to start is to meet the teacher and have a conversation and or a trial lesson.
The keys to happiness:piano lessons!
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
5 – 10 years old, 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%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.
JA
jonathan A.
John is one of the kindest, most knowledgeable people I have ever come across. 10/10 man. His experience is truly impressive. I highly recommend his services.
December 08, 2025
•Hired on Lessons.com
MN
mary N.
I’ve been taking piano lessons with John for about a year, returning to the instrument after more than 50 years away. From the start, John has been professional, patient, and highly skilled. He is a stickler for technical correctness, which I truly appreciate, as it’s helping me build a solid foundation and improve steadily. Even though I’m not aiming to be a concert pianist, John treats me with the same respect and commitment he would give any serious student.
He’s always on time, provides clear and constructive feedback, and helps me understand exactly what to focus on during my own practice. The pace of the lessons feels just right, and his expectations are both realistic and motivating. I’ve learned so much under his guidance and would highly recommend him to anyone—whether you’re a beginner or returning to the piano after many years.
November 06, 2025
SB
samantha B.
I started taking lessons from John about 3 years ago. John really knows what he is talking about and gives great feedback. I had taken lessons previously as a child/teen so was pretty rusty when I started lessons again. I had also developed some bad habits from a place I was taking lessons at before finding John. He really helped me work through those issues and my technique and ability has improved significantly since starting lessons with him.
January 11, 2024
JS
judy S.
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.
November 29, 2023
Benjamin P T.
Big help! Gives advice and assists in improving. Was understanding when missing lessons due to other commitments.
November 29, 2023
•Hired on Lessons.com
DP
Donna P.
He works great with kids, My kids started lesson with him when they were 7 & 9, and 2 years after they are still John’s student. Learning new music and techniques. He is patient and knows how to communicate well with children. Every year students will have their chance to showcase what they learn through Recitals. Its fun and im very proud to see my kids progress in their lessons.
March 06, 2019
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have to get through the first 2-3 lessons to learn a little about the student, finding out how they are responding to what I'm teaching and discuss the practice methods needed to progress efficiently.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've studied with many great instructors from the age of 7 through 30. From the basics to advanced music including Jazz improvisation and music theory. College level courses in Theory, Harmony, Composition and Ear Training. I have worked with several music directors at several churches over the past 37 years. Now have been a co Music director for the past 23 years at a Catholic church.
Also put in many hours performing for the public at 2 Restaurants over the period of 12 years and performing in groups and as a soloist on many private engagements.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute lessons as of 2023 are $30
45 minutes lessons as of 2023 are $45
60 minutes lessons as of 2023 are $60
How did you get started teaching?
I starting teaching while in High School and working for the local church as music minister. I was approached by Bob Halter a gentleman that was running a business in selling organs through schools and was looking for teachers to go to client's homes to teach them. In addition to this people from my church asked me if I taught because they were interested in having their children learn organ and piano.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students I've worked with would be ages from 6 years old through adults young and older. Also senior students in their 70s and 80s. Beginners students to students with previous experience.
I have had some students that learned by ear now wanting to be able to read. Students interested in learning liturgical music that are interested in playing in church.
Also people that have interest in music theory and want to learn how to improvise. Reading from lead sheets (fake books) and learn jazz improvisation.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A student that has progressed a long ways over 9 years with me and that is ready for college now... has recorded a number of songs in my recording studio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would say have a conversation (on the phone ) with the teacher, find out if they offer a 1 trial lesson instead of signing up for a month or quarter to meet in person and see how well you connect. OR perhaps have a consultation, I offer this and most people appreciate this approach.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about an instrument , a Piano or electric piano before starting lessons so they can practice everyday starting the day of the first lesson. I will not start a student until he or she has an instrument.
They can think about what types of music they like and mention this to the teacher. This does not mean they can be learning Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey or Sinatra songs from day one. Everyone needs to learn the basics. We can't say I want to run a business or fly an airplane for a major airline without the proper education and training and you can't get that training without the basic education from schooling, High school -college etc....
There are no short cuts to learning the piano however the best news on this point is you can learn at your own pace with one on one lessons, the harder you work the further you'll go, plus the teacher and student are much happier with the progress.
Services offered
Piano