About
I am “Ms. Renée,” an artistic piano and voice teacher who loves to see the “lightbulbs” go on in her students! I love to think “outside the box” and be creative in my teaching; therefore, I like to incorporate theory and composition in my teaching to awaken the creative tendencies in my students. I teach to both sides of the brain allowing the synapses to fire, thereby creating new musical experiences for my students, no matter their age. My goal is to help you accomplish your goals in your lessons, so I do teach various styles of music. I am serious about your developing artistry, but really do like to have fun along the way!! 😊🎶 One thing you must realize is that you only get out of something what you pour into it, so much of your success will be up to you and in your own motivation. If you actually do what I ask, you WILL succeed!! 😊 I have some interesting positive ways to help motivate you if you need help with that! 😉
My Yerger “Awesome Airwaves!” Music Studio is a fun place with instruments from all over the world! I am not your typical teacher, so pianists will not always be on the bench all the time, and vocalists may be asked to do some weird things to accomplish a particular sound or voice. It’s actually fun stuff!! Yes, I have a wonderful 100 year old floor drum that all my students get to play, at least usually on the first lesson!! So you will have to come and check all this out!!
Training
I was classically trained in high school by Dr. Richard Van Auken on piano, who was a student of world-renowned concert pianist, Susan Star. I was trained vocally by Dr. Richard Stanislaw in high school as well, and went on to major in Music Education at Indiana University of PA where I received my B.S. in Music Education. I have taken many graduate courses at various colleges and universities, including Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. I have
I have sung solos, in choirs and ensembles as well as opera theater, musical theater and one act plays in college. I’ve also done much training as well as several online webinars with MYC (Music for Yoing CHildren). I am a member of MTNA (Music Ieacher’s National Association), as well as the local chapters.
Experience:
I have had 51 years of teaching some form of music education from ages 2 to 75. I enjoy teaching all ages. I have taught in public schools, Christian schools, and in my Yerger “AwesomeAirwaves!” Music Studio through the years. I am presently teaching privately only.
I love, love seeing the “lightbulbs” go on!!!
Please see my LinkedIn page or Google “piano teachers near me.”
I have a BS in Music Education and several post grad credits. Online webinars keep me up to date and state of the art. With the COVID-19 pandemic, I had been teaching virtually with either FaceTime or Zoom, and we had a very successful Virtual Recital on May 29,2020! I was so proud of all my students!! 🎶🎹😊.
Since the pandemic I have had “in house” recitals on my wonderful Kawai G-C1 baby grand piano. My clientele is now out-growing in studio recitals, and I will look towards having my recitals at a local piano store with the fine grand pianos they have available there.
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to meet first at my studio to see if it is a good fit for both of us. I may hear them play or sing and give them opportunity to ask me any questions they may have. If it seems like a good fit for both, we will proceed with filling out paperwork on information and then set up a schedule for lessons. At the first lesson and following, I will continue to evaluate and give recommendations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I esrned a BS in Music Education with a major in voice and a minir in piano. I also earned a PA Teaching Certificate. Then I went on to take various choral chourses at Westminster Choir College with Robert Shaw, Joseph Flummerfelt, Alice Page, and Dr. Thomas Cleveland. While in High School, I took a Fred Waring Choral Workshop more than once. Fred Waring invited me to tour with the Pennsylvanians, but I had just gotten my teaching degree and was primed and ready to start my teaching career.
I have taken 10 hours of professional developement with Early Childhood Music & Movement.
Post-grad, I have trained extensively with Music for Young Children (MYC) for giving group piano lessons and teaching composition to children of all ages. From this training, I have had the priviledge of having 4 students ages 7-11 win US honorable mention in the MYC International Composition Contest!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Please call me at 610-630-8559 for this information.
How did you get started teaching?
The very first time I had the opportunity to "teach" was in 5th grade, when my teacher assigned me to help a struggling student in my class. I enjoyed helping him. In Jr. High I absolutely knew that I wanted to be a music teacher, because we had so much fun in Band, and I loved singing. When I got to HS, I took the Music Major course, and continued on from there!! I was in every music organization possible, including in my church. Then of course I matriculated into IUP to become a music teacher for a living.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with ages 2 (music readiness) to 76 with wonderful success! I have had students come who just wanted to have fun with either singing or playing piano to more serious students who have won scholarships and have gone on to actually be music teachers or performers themselves, some internationally!
My most unique teaching experience was when a woman brought me her dog to learn how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb! We used my floor keyboard, and she had her dog wear little booties, and we commenced to have the dog play each note of the song by prompting with treats. This was a service dog that would go into nursing homes.
I am open to try teaching almost anyone, except autistic, or asbergers students, I do not have a music therapy degree. and do not have specific training for it.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently I have taken the students who were available over the holidays to play for residents at a local nursing home. We all dressed up in cheery outfits, and played my keyboard with various timbres (organ, harpsichord, vibraphone, grand piano, etc.) The residents loved it and asked if we would please come back again!!! I try to take my students to perform for them once or twice a year, if possible.