About
As a piano teacher I am qualified to teach a wide variety of piano students and musical styles. I hold a Master's degree in Piano and Jazz Studies from Indiana University, one of the nation's top music schools, and have taught students as young as four, elementary age children, adolescents and adults from their 20s to 80s at all levels. I offer instruction in the following musical styles: traditional and classical piano; jazz piano; popular and rock piano (including vocals). For more information and student testimonials in addition to those one thie site, please visit pianoteachers.com/mbevans.
I enjoy sharing my love of music with others, and very much enjoy working with my students. Also as professional musician I am able to serve as a real life example to students of the possibilities of their own musical potential. I emphasize to them that like them I too have to practice and continue to learn as a pianist.
I am known for my patience, musical knowledge, and enthusiastic desire to make the piano a permanent source of joy and satisfaction in the lives of students. I have a very loyal and stable studio.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Shelley J.
Michael D.
Samantha S.
Laura
Philip H.
S&M
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I invite the student (and parents) to my home studio for an initial meeting at no cost. I ask the student what has sparked their interest in piano, ask about their goals - what kind(s) of music they would like to learn, their background, and share with them the teaching materials we will use to get started.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's degree in Jazz Piano with a minor in classical piano from Indiana University, one of the nation's top schools of music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute lessons are $35; 45 minute lessons are $50
With a very flexible absence policy. This makes my price per lesson is lower than some lower quotes.
I discuss the needs and interests of the student with him or her to ascertain which option is best for the student.
I also provide adult students with the option of having lessons once a week or once every two weeks.
How did you get started teaching?
I began as a faculty member at the Music Academy in Greensboro, NC in 1998. I taught there for seven years before teaching privately at my home in 20015.
I have a Yamaha grand piano for the student to learn on.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all kinds. My youngest student was four years old (and I taught him until he graduated from high school). I have taught two students in their 80's. Abilities have ranged from beginners, both children and adults, to students who have become professional musicians attending prestigious music schools across the nation, and students with music degrees. I pride myself in being able to tailor my teaching approach to the specific, individual needs of the student.
For the vast majority of students who will not pursue music as a career, my goal as a teacher is to prepare them to ENJOY PLAYING PIANO FOR LIFE. As a result I allow students often to select pieces to learn, and if the sheet music is not available at the students level I will write out a suitable version for them to study and play.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In January 2017, I hired Nina Gordon and Louise Post, the singer songwriters of 90's band Veruca Salt, a band that appeared on Saturday Night Live in 1997, to give a private concert for friends. I had the opportunity to accompany them on piano on some of their songs, rehearse with them, and join them for lunch. Meeting and spending time with two of my favorite singer/songwriters is a highlight of my musical career.
Also, my students give a recital every June and each year the most recent recital always always has special moments as each and every student offers a unique performance expanding the awareness of the possibilities of piano, especially to the youngest students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise a student to seek a teacher who is positive and friendly as such a teacher is going to be patient and encouraging rather than critical. I also would ask the teacher if he or she has had experience teaching the kind(s) of music the student is interested in learning. It is also important for the student to get a feel if the teacher is sincerely interested in sharing his or her love of music with the student.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I would ask:
Why did you become a piano teacher? (ans: I love playing the piano more than just about anything in the world and I want to share this with you.)
When did you taking piano lessons? (ans: age 7)
How long have you been teaching piano? (ans: 21 years)
How much should I practice each week? (ans: depends on age and level - the important thing is to be consistent and to make it part of your deily routine)
Do you teach only classical music? (ans: I can teach classical music, jazz, rock/pop/R&B; I can help you reach your specific goals.)
What is your makeup policy? (ans: it is very flexible - I hand out a detailed cancellation sheet to parents/adult students. I never want to charge a student for a lesson not received and has rarely happened.)
If I ever stop taking lessons can I come back? (yes anytime)
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As a piano teacher I am open to any questions anyone may have about taking piano lessons with me. I seek to treat my students and parents the way I would wish to be treated if I were taking piano.
May I select some of the pieces we work on? (ans: I have many arrangements of songs students have requested to learn at the appropriate level for the student, and am always open to a student's request.)