About
I'm committed to progressive, cutting-edge teaching for teens and adults. I specialize in popular styles (rock, jazz, gospel) including improvisation and theory. Lessons are ONLINE ONLY at this time.
Have you always wanted to learn piano?
Maybe you took lessons as a kid, but now you want to play your music: your favorite pop song, show tunes, or jazz standards.
Maybe you'd like to play in a rock band!
Maybe you’d like to learn improvisation and jazz, getting away from note-reading to learn to read a lead sheet.
Maybe you’d like to learn to compose your own music. Or finally understand music theory.
Maybe you are seeking a relaxing, enjoyable hobby while getting good brain workout (studies show that learning piano is good for your brain!).
Now’s the time!
Relaxed, fun lessons can be geared to your pace and schedule. How about lunch-hour lessons or weekends? For adults, lessons can be every two weeks, once a month, or weekly.
I'm trained in both classical and popular styles, and an active jazz pianist, rock keyboardist, and bandleader.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Jim L.
Bill R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After a phone chat or email, we arrange an introductory meeting and free lesson at my studio.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Private studies in jazz piano with Laura Caviani, Minneapolis, MN, Sean Turner, McNally School of Music, St. Paul, and Ted Howe, Atlanta, GA. Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp, Louisville, KY, summer 2007. Graduate studies in Elementary and Intermediate Piano Pedagogy, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, 2008.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
2023-2024 RATES: Regular Weekly Lesson Rates: 45-minute lessons are $191/month 30-minute lessons are $127/month Non-weekly, but alá carte “Flex” lessons (for Age 18+): $57/45 minutes (recommended) $39/30 minutes $77/60 minutes
Inquire about duo lessons, for twice the fun!
Flex Lessons: Adults and possibly older teens, at teachers discretion, are eligible for a flexible lesson schedule. This can be a good option for busy adults. The student and instructor decide frequency and length of lessons. At the first lesson of the month, tuition is due totaling the number of lessons estimated for the month.
The studio runs on a September-July calendar. Summer tuition does not vary from the September-May rates. Summer tuition payments will be due June 1 and July 1. The eight required summer lessons can be flexibly scheduled according to your calendar as well as instructors. Lessons can be compressed into fewer but longer sessions.
How did you get started teaching?
I have taught intermittently since my high school days, in private and group settings. Pedagogy has changed much since I was coming up! I established my own studio in 2009, after years of working for other places. I'm energized and excited by the use of technology in learning, and the integration of popular styles as a powerful learning tool.
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 13 through senior adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This fall, three students, early teens, are forming a rock band! We rehearse at the studio twice monthly, currently practicing four songs, classic and current pop/rock. Chording, improvisation, and reading lead sheets. Fun!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Visit the Minnesota Music Teachers Association "Find a Teacher" database to be better assured of quality. Also, there are many inexpensive instructors out there with rates about $20, but you get what you pay for.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time daily can you commit to lessons? Progress requires a minimum of thirty minutes a day. Do you own a full 88-key piano or keyboard with fully-weighted touch?