About
My service as a piano and organ teacher stands out because of the personal relationship I develop with each music student. I value each one as a valuable person who can learn, grow in knowledge and skills, and achieve their goals.
I am gifted at helping students to be positive about themselves and what they are doing. I teach them to say, not just play, what will help them in their journey to become happy and accomplished musicians.
Music is fun! Teaching music is my passion! It is fun to laugh and learn together!
My credentials include teaching for 22 years, studying piano under a Julliard-graduated doctor of music for two terms to learn the brain science of piano performance, and decades of experience accompanying choirs, soloists, and church congregations on piano and organ. I also sing and have performed solos and sung in choirs. I certified in Level 1 and Level 2 organ from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Beginning piano students of all ages, 4-99, are my greatest interest! I love helping them learn music, and have fun games and activities to accommodate all learning types.
Intermediate level pianists learn to use the metronome and other techniques to polish their performances. It is fun to help them shine! They learn to recognize key signatures, to transpose simple pieces, and to fence and fix for stellar performances.
Helping intermediate or advanced pianists transition to organ playing is another great passion. Learning correct pedal techniques, coordinating hands and feet, and learning how to set stops for gorgeous organ registration delights both performer and listener.
I love to see my pupils' progress! Our reward is a great Recital, showcasing their achievements!
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Heidi B.
Adams
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first sit down with them (and their parent if applicable) to discuss the student's goals in taking piano lessons. I find out what they know and what they want to learn. This way we can incorporate their interests into their lessons. I find out their hobbies and other skills as well. This helps me teach in a style they relate to. For example, my students who play soccer relate to the hard work and practice it takes to play well. Those teens who idolize a singer are often motivated to learn one of their songs. Students who love animals relate to stories and songs about animals. Smart kids in school often enjoy puzzles and questions. Students with a great sense of humor like jokes. I learn what motivates each student and gear the teaching around their interests.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taught piano for 22 years, giving me a broad experience teaching many students. My students have participated and won top honors in Federation Festivals.
My music background includes playing piano and organ many years for choirs and church, school, and community events. I play viola and violin in local orchestras. I sing in choirs as well as solos and ensembles. I completed BYU Organ Levels 1 and 2.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $15 per 30-minute lesson, prepaid as a term of 8 weeks ($120), good for ten weeks. I require 24-hour notice for excused absences unless severe sickness or accident occurs.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching when young people approached me and asked me to teach them. I love playing and found teaching just as rewarding. I love sharing the joy I find in creating beautiful music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach children as young as four if they are precocious and interested. Usually my students start when they can read, about ages 7-9 or older. I've taught teens, young adults, and adults of varying ages, even to their sixties. As long as the student is interested and will practice, they can make progress, regardless of age.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I greatly enjoyed our last Spring Recital. It was so fun seeing the children dress up and perform for their parents, family menbers and friends. The students felt such a sense of accomplishment and pride in all their hard work as they showed what they could do. It was a joy to hear them.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that your teacher relates to you and that you are comfortable having them teach you. Hire a teacher who knows how to teach what you want to learn. It does not help as much if they are accomplished musicians if they don't know how to relate to their students. Some teachers teach jazz, playing by ear, chords methods, or classical methods. I teach classical music reading to play piano. Find a teacher who matches your talent and intetests and knows how to help you learn that.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask themselves if they are committed to putting in the time to master learning to read and play music. Will they practice daily? How proficient do they want to be? If they want to become concert pianists, they will choose a different teacher and put in more hours practicing than if their top goal is to play hymns for their church congregation. Why does the student (or parent) want (their child) to learn piano? Is it so they can learn to read music before beginning another instrument, such as guitar or violin? Do they want to play piano for their own enjoyment or more to share with others? What kinds of music do they want to learn?