About
Learning music at the piano is fun and rewarding. I teach practice technique with a foundation in understanding all scales, chords, transposition, keyboard literacy, note reading and expressive style. I offer two recitals per year as an option, not a requirement. Learning piano isn't just about piano, it is about setting and reaching goals, developing self confidence, learning a skill that a person will have for the rest of his or her life, it is about commitment and it's called "playing" for a reason: it's fun and relaxing. I teach ages 6 - adult, beginner through advanced. I have been teaching since 2007.
I love being part of the student's progress. Especially rewarding is when we find a way to help work through a particularily difficult or challenging learning situation. I enjoy the variety of music, learning styles and develoing a relaxed and happy rapport with my student. I have been a student of the piano since I was nine years old. There is always something new to learn!
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
suzana G.
Jennifer E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When a new students begins lesson, it depends on if he or she has any previous experience at the piano. For beginners, I teach a method called Mrs. Stewarts piano method. For those who have previous experience, I ask them to bring music that they know well to the first lesson and what their goals are. I enjoy getting to know my students and developing a supportive, nurturing environment in my studio.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching piano since 2007. I have been a student of the piano since I was nine years old. I homeschooled all four of my now adult children through high school.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute weekly lessons in my home: $80/month
30 minute weekly lessons in student's home: $160/month
I offer other options, please ask.
How did you get started teaching?
Deb Klaman, owner of the Piano Loft, Cedarburg WI asked me to teach in her studio. I went out on my own in 2010.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught many different learning styles and ages and levels of accomplishment at the piano. One young student was partially blind and did very well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When my student is working on what I call a "project piece" and he/she accomplishes it to a point where I can say: "look how far you have come! Great work!" and the student knows it and feels it. Another wonderful moment is when there is a difficult aspect or passage and together we find a way that works for the student to 'get it'! When a student proclaims "this is easy!" When a student falls in love with the music he or she is playing.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learning music at the piano is a commitment. It's worth the investment because it will stay with you all of your life: long after soccer, hockey or other sports. I have listened to parents lament that they regret not staying with their own piano studies, or that they always wanted to learn but never did or that they pulled their child out too soon. Find a teacher that you are comfortable with and trust. I feel that it is a privledge to teach piano and the trust my students and/or parent give me reflects on how much I believe in my students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time will they have to practice between lessons? I have had students who didn't practice, but loved their lessons. Practice helps progress faster and gives the feeling of setting goals and reaching them with less discouragement or frustration. Know that without practice between lessons, that your progress will be slower and as you advance, progress will be slower. Learning piano teaches patience with a process, but the rewards of accomplishment feel really, reallly good.