Piano Lessons in East Alton, IL

Instruments: Piano

I am an experienced classically trained Pianist who has been playing since the 3rd grade. I enjoy all styles of music and love sharing that enjoyment with my students. I have certification from the State of Missouri that I am proficient in educating beginning Piano students and have continued to expand my knowledge through my participation with local musicians’ groups. I am also working on expanding my instrumental abilities through perfecting my percussion skills and learning guitar. At this time, I do work a morning part time job but am looking to expand my teaching schedule so this is no longer necessary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. I will have you have an assignment notebook where I write what your "sticker song" will be for the following week; this way it's clear what your assignment is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with note naming and sound. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. My goal in my method is to get my students fluent in playing the piano and knowing the methods of piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I do not use any textbooks or piano method books in my teaching. I am almost completely self taught, but have had success with my own methods of teaching piano. I have my own musical examples written out, which I can easily print or email for students. For beginners, I generally focus on basic technique and practice routine. Once the student has mastered some fundamentals (scales, chords, etc.), I introduce beginning level repetoire and start with basic sight-reading techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar

My teaching style may vary depending upon the student. I have several books and other teaching material available for my students. These include: Berkley Music Theory I and II, several Hal Leonard, and Fischer books and more! Lesson material will mostly depend upon the student's goals and current skill-set. EVERY lesson will consist of: assessing and tracking the student's skill-set, solidifying the student's goals along with my goals for the student, and creating a plan of action to follow in order to reach these goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have had great success in continually trying to adapt my methods to what works best for each student. This makes the lesson very personal for the student as well as very fresh and exciting for me. I have had 8 different piano teachers, varoius band directors, college professors, personal private flamenco and jazz lessons. I have played with some of the best players in St. Louis- many of which were also university professors or symphonic performers. Read More