About
Imagine your child, or you, sitting at the piano and playing easily from the heart.
Feel the delight of seeing your child discover the self-confidence that comes from working hard and then succeeding.
Experience the joy of playing the music you've always wanted to play but weren't able to because of technique problems.
As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music with Music Teachers National Association and a Master of Music in Performance (Piano) from UMKC, I will make the learning experience fascinating as you or your child learn to play the piano.
I have over 30 years experience teaching children through adults in my home studio in Independence, MO. I have taught at Music Arts Institute in Independence, Soundworks Teaching and Recording Studio in Blue Springs, and Dramatic Truth School of the Arts in Kansas City, MO.
Graduates of my studio have gone on to universites, majoring in the following areas: Piano Performance, Music Theory, and Music Technology, as well as others minoring in Piano or continuing their piano study while majoring in other fields.
I am a member of Kansas City Music Teachers Association (KCMTA) and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. I am passionate about continuing to grow as a teacher by attending workshops and continuing my own piano study with Nancy Reese of effortlessplaying.com
I find it exciting and deeply satisfying to be able to earn my living working everyday with people and music.
Highlights
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Dr. S.
Carol R.
Lindsay T.
Tara H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With young beginners I use the Suzuki Method. Students learn by ear and we work on developing beautiful tone and relaxed technique. I rotate between on the bench and off the bench activities to keep the young beginner engaged. Parents/Guardians learn along with their child through Book One. We begin formal music reading once the basics of tone and technique are achieved.
Older beginners learn at a faster rate and are more independant from their parents, although parents still sit in on the lessons.
Transfer students and adults can choose to learn by the Suzuki method or through adult method books and supplementary music or advanced pieces.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master in Performance (Piano), with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from UMKC.
I am Nationally Certified as a Teacher of Music with Music Teachers National Association.
I received my Suzuki training with Dr. Haruko Kataoka, the co-founder of the Suzuki Piano Method.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I teach 38 weeks of lessons from the middle of August through the first week of June. I prorate tuition over eleven months from August through June.
Students take one lesson per week. Tuition is: $70/month for 30 minute lessons, $105/month for 45 minute lessons, and $140/month for 60 minute lessons.
Students can also sign up for a summer session held during the second half of June through July.
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of the students I work with and have worked with started taking lessons because their parents wanted them to. They all have discovered the joy of piano and some have gone on to major or minor in music or piano at universities.
I have worked with students who are shy, who are outgoing, who have difficulty sitting still, who are perfectionists, who are on the autism spectrum, and some who are all of the above. All are unique and wonderful.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite events is the Multi-Piano Concert sponsored by KCMTA. It is held at the MidAmerica Nazarene University in the Bell Center. We have 14 grand pianos on stage with two people to a piano simultaneously performing duets led by a conductor. I have performed with various students, some of my students have performed with one of their parents, and some have performed with siblings. It is an amazing community experience performing with so many people on the same piece of music.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask your prospective teacher if you can observe some of the teacher's lessons.This will help you better understand if you will feel comfortable working with this teacher.
Ask if the teacher does prospective student interviews, and then come with some questions to ask that will help you determine if this teacher is open to helping you with your goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Have some pieces in mind, or a style of music that you want to learn, then ask the teacher if they are willing to work with you on that music.
If your goal is to go on in piano performance at a university, ask the teacher if they have experience preparing students for auditions, and how they would help you prepare.