About
Excellent, personalized music coaching that fits your needs, and not the needs of the teacher. Full, well-rounded knowledge of technique, theory and performance in a fun, positive atmosphere. You learn how to accompany choirs or soloists - which is a big thing that the majority of pianists end up doing. Sight-reading is emphasized and note-reading starts from day one.
I have been playing since 1970, and received my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1988, and working on my Master's in Music Ed currently. I have been teaching privately for 40 years. I have taught choir, band, music appreciation and theory in public schools. I accompany, music direct and orchestrate community theater. I accompany less-known celebrities when they come to town alone without a backup band or pianist.
Feel free to watch some of my piano playing on my YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-RSkZrzhl7xRXmRpHoXq-w?view_as=subscriber
For more information about my Studio, feel free to find me and message me here:
https://www.facebook.com/BrendasStudioOfMusic/
I love to see the joy on a student's face when I can see that they understand a musical concept. When they perform, they receive the rewards of accomplishment.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Lisa R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Get to know them, find out their musical likes and dislikes, what their goals are, ask them to play something they like - if they have experience. Do an informal verbal assessment of their skills and abilities. Assign a couple easy things to do for the first week that make them feel they can do this.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education - Secondary Endorsement.
Master of Music Education - in process (almost finished)
40 years+ teaching private music lessons; piano, voice, basic guitar, various instruments (clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, violin, cello, flute, tuba, etc.)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30/half hour
$50/hour
How did you get started teaching?
I played the piano before my mom realized that I should get lessons. I moved quickly, and then immediately started teaching my sisters what I learned, which turned into their friends wanting to learn, too. I quickly became a notable "pro" in the neighborhood and school, and others quickly decided that I should teach them. I made money in junior high and high school just by teaching my friends and neighbors. When I grew up and got married and had kids, I just never stopped teaching. Never had to search for students.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, all levels, all types of students - who want just religious lessons, or just pop, or just classical. Any concept can be taught, with almost any type of song - if you are intuitive enough. There's no music that is better than any other. It's all about what the student wants to learn and play. I add in other styles periodically, to give them a taste for other styles. But to keep a student happy, I give them the things they like to listen to, and play.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had two grandbabies born, which makes numbers 8 and 9. That brings me joy.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find the teacher that you can get along with and that is willing to teach you what you want to learn. I can teach any area of expertise. I can help someone learn how to work an electronic keyboard, and how to have fun with it, how to record and layer. I can help someone learn to use a writing program on the computer and write their own music. I can help people set up their keyboards to the computer so they can work more efficiently.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Do you have a piano that you can practice on every time you want to practice?
2. Do you have self discipline to keep practicing, even when it gets hard - or worse - boring.
3. What music do you like?
4. What is your ultimate goal, musically? Concert pianist? Broadway pit orchestra? Play in Church? Play at home for fun?