Marcy Davis Piano Studio - Piano Lessons For Adults
About
Student-Centered
Piano Instruction for Adults
Tailored to individual goals and needs
Personalized lesson plan
Do you want to:
Read printed music?
Use a traditional method book to develop reading skills. Supplement with written music in various styles. Reinforce learning with flashcards and drills.
Study the Classics?
Learn healthy piano technique and playing habits while exploring the literature of the great composers. Play original compositions as well as familiar orchestral works arranged for piano.
Play by chords and by ear?
Learn like a guitarist - chords first. Many popular songs can be played with only three or four basic chords. Learn these chords in the simplest keys first. Explore the theory behind chords & harmony, scales & melody.
Play your favorite tunes?
By ear, using lead/chord sheets or reading notes, you'll soon be playing the tunes you love. Lead carols at Christmastime. Wow a loved-one with their favorite song. Accompany yourself while singing, or play duets with friends.
Play in a band?
Create keyboard parts from chord sheets. Learn to function as part of the rhythm section by learning keyboard patterns in various styles. Develop the listening and rhythm skills to cooperate in a musical group.
Play for enjoyment?
This is your workshop. You name the goals - as your teacher I'll provide the tools and guidance to help you reach them.
My Story
I graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Music degree (with a piano pedagogy emphasis) from Western Oregon University. I’ve taught private and group lessons for over 20 years. I have 20 years’ experience as a church pianist/keyboardist in traditional, contemporary, and postmodern worship styles.
Though my degree is in Classical music, I find beauty and value in all forms of music. I'm always eager to explore something new, and I love helping students learn to play in their favorite styles.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Prospective students typically chat with me on the phone or through email. Interested students may then come to the studio for a free mini-lesson and mutual interview where they can get a feel for my teaching style and ask more questions. Adult students have varied interests and goals for taking piano lessons. I listen and try to determine the best set of tools to help each student meet their goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music from WOU, as well as 20 years of experience teaching and performing in area churches and venues. I take lessons myself (at the moment I'm studying online with a Jazz teacher) to develop my skills, but also to keep the student experience fresh in my mind, so that I can better understand my own students' experiences.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Choose the lesson plans that works best for you.
All plans include a Collabra account (requires Internet access) with access to videos and feedback between lessons.
Weekly Plan
4 in-person lessons per month (once a week). $125
2 in-person lessons per month (every other week) $95
1 in-person lesson per month. $75
Online-only lessons using Google Hangouts. Same rates. Inquire for details.
How did you get started teaching?
In highschool I started teaching the children of family friends. I found I really enjoyed sharing the gift of music and helping others along their musical path.
What types of students have you worked with?
In the past my studio has included Kindermusik classes and small group piano classes for young children. Over time I came to specialize in intermediate students of middle school and high school age. In addition to the basics like note-reading, scales, and technique, lessons included ensemble playing (2-6 players at once) and exploring various styles such as Jazz, Rock & World Music. Students also utilized a computer music lab for theory, ear-training, and sight-reading drills.
Currently I specialize in Adult Learners. I enjoy the varied goals and life experiences each of my adult students brings to their lessons, whether it's a thirst for the classics, a desire to play their favorite Coldplay or Billy Joel, or simply learn some Blues.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be clear about your own goals and aspirations for piano. Do the teacher's expectations match your own goals? Does the teacher have requirements for participating in recitals or adjudications? Minimum practice requirements? Is the curriculum flexible or fixed? Will you be able to study the styles/types of music that interest you?