Jacquelyn Jones Murphy Piano Studio

I am a lifelong musician, having started improvising and playing by ear before I started formal piano lessons. I studied classical, pop, rock, gospel and Broadway piano. In high school I played for the choir, the musical and in a gospel group. I earned bachelor's and masters degrees with distinction in piano performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where I also taught sophomore level music theory as a graduate assistant. I am a studio musician and have performed in thousands of recordings on piano and vocals since 1991. I have performed as a soloist and in chamber groups on piano and have sung in various choral ensembles in Indianapolis and Bloomington.

I am an active member of 5 music teachers organizations, which provide enrichment for teachers and performing and competitive opportunities for students. I have had student winners at state, regional, and national competitions. I am a frequent judge at competitions in Indiana and am director of adjudication for Greater Indianapolis Music Teachers Association's Acheivement in Music Festival. I also am chair of the Indiana Piano Teachers Guild Annual Scholarship Auditions.

I am a permanent professional Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through the Music Teachers National Association.

I have been teaching full time since 1983, maintaining an enrollment of 35-50 students. I love teaching, and seeing the incredible changes music makes in the lives of students! Almost all of the students I have taught that have stayed with me for many years-through high school- have become advanced pianists and top students academically as well. Several have been accepted into top music schools as piano or music majors.

My home studio has a Kawai grand piano and a waiting area for siblings and parents. It is in a secluded area of the house, so there are no interferences.

I teach ages 5- adult. Lessons include learning to read music, music theory (structure, analysis, harmonization, improvisation, ear training), technique, composition, a variety of repertoire, recital preparation and memorization. Students are involved in the selection of repertoire. I do not screen for talent and believe that all children can learn and feel good about themselves when they have made accomplishments through dedicated work. I am patient and committed to making the atmosphere relaxed, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. When students receive positive feedback, they are motivated to learn. Students up to the age of 19 are expected to participate in 2 recitals per year, and are encouraged to enter AIM (Acheivement in Music) auditions annually.

Stress and anxiety are not part of my teaching philosophy, but hard work is, because it brings great personal rewards. I am committed to developing well-rounded musicians who appreciate and enjoy music in order to enrich their lives.