Barbara Shelton Piano Lessons
About
Barbara Shelton has been involved with music most of her life. Finally, she made her interest in music official when she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado. Presently and for the past five years she has been teaching music classes and private piano lessons at Salt Lake Community College while continuing to maintain a private studio in West Jordan.
Previous to Salt Lake Community College she was involved in private piano teaching. Her students have been involved in piano evaluations and competitions; such as, UMTA Piano Competitions and Evaluations, UFMC Festival evaluations, Joy Robin Piano Competition, Utah State Fair Salute to Youth, Sterling Scholar, as well as regular studio recitals and UMTA chapter recitals, master classes, Monster Concerts, Clavinova Festivals, etc. Her students have consistently received superior ratings in the evaluations and two music Sterling Scholar awards.
She has been a member for many years of UFMC, UMTA, and MTNA with a NCTM certification. She has served as a board member and presenter for UMTA; specifically, as 1st Vice President, Secretary, Programs Coordinator, Recitals Chairman, Certification Chairman, Outreach Liaison, etc. She has accompanied for many people and performed at recitals, for music programs and organizations, as well as taught community education classes in music theory. She has also developed several tools for learning music and the piano.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to schedule an introductory lesson in which I meet the student and parent(s). I explain the policies of my studio and then have the student perform for me and I critique their performance so that they would know the direction their training would go from there. For a beginner who has not learned to play, we have an introductory lesson learning good hand position exercises and beginning note reading exercises.
At regular weekly lessons (when notes are thoroughly learned), the students practice an ear training song each week, technical exercises, sightreading, short theory exercises, and then they practice literature.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Piano Pedagogy/Performance. I am a member of U.F.M.C. and MTNA/UMTA. I have held offices in the UMTA, and I have entered my students in competitions and evaluations sponsored by both of those organizations.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Four weekly 30-minute lessons per month: $70
Four weekly 45-minute lessons per month: $100
Four weekly 60-minute lessons per month: $135
How did you get started teaching?
I grew up learning to play the piano and gave a few lessons along the way. Then, I studied music and piano in college, and learned how to teach. I taught all the while that I was in college.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught students from ages 4-80, beginning through advanced. I've taught a few that have had disabilities, including a man who is blind. I don't believe I've every turned anyone down. Everyone can learn.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently went to the cabin owned by my extended family. All of my children were there, something that hasn't happened since 2008. We had more fun than I could remember for a long time.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Take note of the students they teach. How do the students play who have been under their tutelage.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Questions regarding:
tuition, teacher/student goals, practice requirements, lesson structure, group/master classes, performance opportunities.