Concert Pianist Teacher David Edwards
1 hire on Lessons.com
About this pro
Concert Pianist-TeacherDavid A. Edwards, M.M. Piano Performance, University of South Carolina; recent solo piano concert tour in Paris, France; former pianist for The United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Band, Langley, Virginia; Mr. Edwards has appeared as soloist with the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Savannah Symphony Orchestras; maintains an active teaching and performing schedule in the classical and jazz fields; he also sings Tenor in a professional chamber choir that keeps a regular concert schedule and performs in such venues as Piccolo Spoleto.
David Edwards Piano StudioDavid Edwards has been performing and teaching piano lessons for more than 20 years. Because of his active involvement in the homeschool community through his sweet wife's homeschooling of their four children, his studio has become the "go to" place for those seeking a thorough grounding in the "grammar", or fundamentals, of playing the piano. Former students include those who have gone on to acquire multiple Piano Performance degrees from schools such as Furman Univ., Vanderbilt, Florida State, etc. Through Mr. Edwards' patient, personal, and joyfully disciplined approach, all students, no matter what skill level they reach, have developed performance worthy musical skills in a variety of musical genres: classical, jazz, singing & songwriting. What sets Mr. Edwards' studio apart is his passion for music, his concert-level skill at the instrument, and his desire to infuse that excitement, discipline, and love for music into his students. To help achieve this he brings in accomplished musicians to perform for his students on a regular basis during his weekly "Piano Salons". Musicians for these "salons" come primarily from the pool of talented students studying at the Univ. of South Carolina's stellar School of Music. Others come from all walks of life: from former students to local musicians pursuing other careers. In these "Piano Salons" students also have the opportunity to play and receive feedback from and ask questions of the guest musicians... an invaluable experience you will likely not find in the common neighborhood piano studio! Students can develop their confidence and general musical knowledge in a place where there's always coffee brewing, tea & cookies, hot chocolate, and lemonade when the weather's hot!Mr. Edwards also gives his students the unusual opportunity to play with professional musicians in a variety of settings: accompanying jazz musicians and classical instrumentalists. Knowing what children and young people can accomplish, Mr. Edwards sets a high standard for his students giving them goals and a well earned feeling of accomplishment once achieved. In addition to high marks from professional musicians, students through the years have garnered this common feedback from parents: "I LOVE your recitals... even the youngest students play with a beautiful touch and sound!"
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Credentials
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone verified
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David Edwards goes above and beyond to provide a wonderful learning experience for students. He patiently and innovatively works to inspire and encourage his students.
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David inspired me with the energy and enthusiasm he had for the love of the piano.
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David is an excellent piano player and teacher, and is fun to learn from. He is very knowledgeable and helpful, and the skills that he taught me have stuck with me. He was patient and kind with my rabbit trails but always got me back on track. I wish that I could have continued to take lessons with him! I would certainly recommend him as a teacher
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Because of David Edwards as her teacher, our oldest daughter majored in piano performance. She was in high school when we discovered him. She actually took piano lessons from University students as it was convenient to where we live (they turned over a lot when they graduated and moved on). When she had David as her teacher she finally found a teacher who allowed her to play the pieces she wanted to play and didn't say "No you have to wait - that is too challenging for you ... first you have to read all the music, etc." That drove her nuts. Soon she was playing difficult Mozart concertos (where he played the second part - amazing), Beethoven Sonatas and other incredibly beautiful music often at impressive recitals in auditoriums. This is when she decided to go to College and major in music. As I said, she enjoyed David as a teacher = he motivated her. She went on to get a great scholarship at Furman University in music. After that she did her Masters in piano performance at Florida State University. We have David to thank. She even met and married another music major at FL State - so this has hugely impacted her life. Today she teaches piano and helps direct piano competitions in Florida with the NMTA. A younger daughter loved David's creativity in having Jazz ensembles - this is what she liked the most. She used these skills learned In youth group at church and went on in leading worship and praise music. David is not only a teacher but a friend to the students and will take any eager student and make them the best he/she can be. Music is something that every homeschooled student should take - there are studies that say that those who take music excel in their other subjects as it gives them new ways of thinking (like learning languages). David makes the students feel comfortable and the lessons are enjoyable. The student has to do their part in daily practice - he has creative ways of keeping the student accountable to practice and that is where the success comes in. I recommend him - especially for older students who are getting very good that might not be challenged by their current teacher. That was our case.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to consider the student's age and personality on first meeting to determine how to interest them as much as possible right away. If I can find a song that they know, I'll try to start there, but even if not, I'm always mentally evaluating to see if what I'm saying is connecting with the student, and if the materials I am using are getting a positive response. This kind of approach can be difficult, so I always start lessons by praying with the student, asking our mutual Creator for wisdom and guidance as we search for the "perfect" approach.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold an MM degree in Piano Performance. Though my primary training is in classical performance. I have years of experience "gigging" as a professional musician for private parties, weddings, receptions, etc. My specialty in that field is playing and singing in the Frank Sinatra-Michael Buble tradition with a bass player and a drummer. Other experience includes a solo classical concert tour in Paris, France back in 2013 and other things like several concerts with my professional pianist-brother playing duo piano concerts.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
basic rate: $50.00/hour
How did you get started teaching?
I needed money to live on! Then I fell in love with it! Teaching piano, that is:-)
What types of students have you worked with?
very young students (5 yrs. old), almost out of high school students, very fast learners, very normal learners, some who need a lot of extra time and patience to finish a project. All students can learn and enjoy at their own level and even bring joy to others with their playing.