My-Melodies | Piano Lessons
About
Here are several Google Reviews about my teaching: https://www.my-melodies.com/reviews
Every student is different and no two students should be taught the same. During our first meeting we'll discuss your goals, interests and past experiences with music. Based on that conversation we'll create a custom curriculum built around your interests and what you want to learn.
In my five years as a private and group piano instructor, I have taught all ages and skill levels. From a five-year-old to a retired microbiology professor, from beginners who have never touched a piano to students competing at the State and National levels. I feel confident teaching any age and skill level.
Most of my professional experience is in jazz piano and pop/rock music, but am confident in teaching classical music and more contemporary pieces as well as lecturing about music theory and composition.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Here are several Google Reviews about my teaching:https://www.my-melodies.com/reviews
Every student is different and no two students should be taught the same. During our first meeting we'll discuss your goals, interests and past experiences with music. Based on that conversation we'll create a custom curriculum built around your interests and what you want to learn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Hey there, I'm Brock! Here's a little more about me:
I'm an active composer and professional jazz pianist in the Lawrence/Kansas City area and have been a private piano instructor for over six years. Recently I finished my graduate program at the University of Kansas and have a Master's Degree in Music Composition where I specialized in jazz, film music, and writing for piano education.
During my time at KU, I was awarded two Student Music Awards in DownBeat magazine for composition in jazz writing categories in both large ensemble writing, and small group writing. I was also named as an honorable mention in the 2017 New York Youth Symphony First Music Commissions for his piece, "Down to the Wire.", and has arranged large jazz ensemble pieces for Kneebody, Walter Smith Jr. III, Sons of Brasil, and Alaturka. Brock was also named 2nd Place in the Kansas Choral Composition Prize for his SATB piece from Christina Rossetti’s poem, “Echo.”
Last year I composed original music for the Museum of Modern Art’s short film series, “How To See” which was listed in the British Film Institute’s list of the Best Video Essays of 2019. I've also worked with American Filmmaker, Brandon Daley's short films "Savasana" which was premiered at the 2016 Slamdance film festival in Utah, "Chicken Tuesdays”, and “Technology Lake” which was one of twelve films selected to compete at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
My work recently has been focused on writing original educational piano literature. In the middle of June 2020 I'll be publishing two piano books of recital solos written for late beginners through early intermediate students called: Five-Finger Jazz! Books 1 and 2.
As a performer, I've played jazz piano professionally for several years and was the pianist for KU's top Jazz ensemble when they were awarded "Best Collegiate Large Jazz Ensemble" - Graduate Category in Downbeat Magazine in 2017. I've also played with KU Jazz Ensemble I twice at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and twice at the Jazz à Vienne in Vienne, France.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
20 Minutes for $20: A shorter lesson that is great for younger students. Lessons can take place at your house or online. Time is spent building a strong musical foundation with note-reading games, rhythm exercises and learning fun songs that you want to play.
30 Minutes for $25: A standard 30-minute lesson that can take place at your home or online. Our time will be spent honing techniques and skills that you want to learn while working on material that you want to play.
45 Minutes for $35: A longer one-on-one lesson for students that are looking for more time to dive deeper into our sessions and work on additional skills, material or topics like music theory, ear training exercises and composition lessons.
60 Minutes for $50: A 60-minute private piano lesson that is great for more serious students. Time is spent working on technique, skills and material that you want to learn along with one-on-one talks on music theory, ear training exercises and composition. Lessons can take place at your home or online
What types of students have you worked with?
In my five years as a private and group piano instructor, I have taught all ages and skill levels. From a five-year-old to a retired microbiology professor, from beginners who have never touched a piano to students competing at the State and National levels. I feel confident teaching any age and skill level.
I've also worked with several students that are special needs.