Finlay Piano Studio--Kyle Texas
About
I have taught piano in my home studio for 12 years since retiring from college teaching in 2008. I also taught at Brady Music Company and in other locations when I lived near Brady, Texas. I enjoy teaching young children and others, including adults. I have played piano all of my life, have studied for around 9 years in private lessons, and have raised and help train a son who is now a professional classical pianist. I teach basic methods and theory, from beginner to intermediate, and I like to include both classical, pop, and blues music in my lessons--whatever the student likes. I sometimes will alter music to fit the level or interest of the student, and I encourage students to bring music to me that they want to learn.
I now live in Kyle and teach on a Steinway grand piano in my home studio. I just recently moved here and am eager to increase the size of my studio.
I enjoy getting to know my students and watching them grow musically. I love to find pieces that I think students will love to learn, and I spend a lot of prep time doing this. This is something they will carry throughout their lives, and it will help develop other skills like coordination, reading ability, focus, and study habits. It is a real pleasure to hear a student play a piece beautifully when they had struggled with it when they first saw it.
I had about 16 students when Covid hit, then everyone quit. I am now starting up again, after a long break--just got my first one! I hope to have a small group of students soon!
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I meet with prospective students and provide one free trial lesson or consultation to discuss options for teaching and to see what the student hopes to learn. If we agree on lessons, I still do not charge for the initial meeting.
I ask the student to bring any materials they might have used before, and/or to play something for me that they enjoy playing, if they already play or have had lessons. Based on this meeting and listening, I will order lesson books and materials for the student to use and we will schedule a time for weekly or biweekly lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I grew up in a musical family, the Finlays from Fife, Texas. My brother Kent was a well-known singer and songwriter, the founder of Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos. Another brother is a fiddler. I was immersed in music from the time I was born, and love many different styles. I have recently moved to Kyle, where I am taking advantage of the many musical opportunities in the Austin-San Marcos area, including doing a bit of performing.
I studied privately for 8-10 years and have had various lessons with award-winning teachers over the years. I helped to train my son, who is a professional classical pianist now with a doctorate in musical performance. I have played for many events over my lifetime, including weddings, funerals, church services, or just gigs. I was music director of an Episcopal church in Brady for two years, where I was the organist and pianist and choir director. I also have taught numerous students, ranging in age from 6 to 83, from beginner to intermediate level. I took four university courses in music during my career. I have also taught a college course on the social significance of music.
I would love to develop my studio here with a few more students who have a love of music and who want to learn to play.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I usually charge $25 for a half-hour lesson, $35 for 45 minutes, and $45 for an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I was often asked by people who heard me play if I would teach them. So I decided to do it. I found that I enjoyed teaching, and so I continued to accept new students when they were interested.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with beginners from age 6 to 16, and more advanced adults who studied as children but want to get back to playing. I have worked with young people who have had a couple of years of lessons but who had quit. I have worked with all ages, including an 83-year-old and a 6-year-old, and lots in-between. Some enjoy learning popular styles, others want standard lesson-books, and others are very interested in classical. I try to be flexible and teach to the interests of the student.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure and make it clear what you are after. What type of music, what your goals are (just to play for enjoyment, or perhaps to do serious study of music at a more advanced stage).
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What lesson books do you use?
for beginners, I use Piano Safari, which gets the student playing all over the keyboard from the beginning. It's a fun method. I also use Noona Starter Lesson Book and other supplementary materials as appropriate. For more advanced students, it depends on what their level is.Do you supplement lessons with things I bring to you?
I can do that.What happens if I miss a lesson?
I try to arrange a makeup.