Piano Lessons in Granite City, IL

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching during pedagogy classes at the University of Illinois. I've continued to teach piano whenever possible during other careers. (I also have a degree in journalism and communications, so I've worked as a writer, editor, public relations director and related fields). It's important that students have fun while learning, and I attempt to engage them as much as I can in endeavors they enjoy. I love seeing laughter and joywhen someone masters amusicproblem which with they previously struggled. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I am very, very laid back as a teacher and as a person. I know that everyone learns at their own pace, and not everyone can give themselves an hour a day to practice. It's really about finding out every student's individual needs and style. I am not strict whatsoever, but I do expect my students to make progress every week. Again, I am not a classical pianist whatsoever, so I'm not the type of teacher to stand over you and hit your hand with a ruler every time you hit a "wrong" note. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have taught students for over 30 years and have seen many changes in both student’s preferences and the style of Music and instruments preferred. I am comfortable with both traditional pianos and organs and modern electronic keyboards. I have given lessons in my home, my students’ home and retail studios.I currently have 20 students on my roster. 6 of whom are adults. I have also begun a regular schedule of concert/recital opportunities for all of my students. 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 Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

Each lesson starts with technical exercises, follwed by repertoire. Each student does theory during the lesson with twenty questions at the end. During this time, I do all review theory material. Difficult passages are marked with a "P" chart. They have to play the difficult part four times and get a "P" for each perfect playing. Every fifth time they have to repeat from the beginning to integrate the difficult part with the rest of the song. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I attended full time from age 6 until I went to college at 18. I attended Texas Christian University. At that time, the piano faculty was one of the finest in the country. As a student, I began offering piano lessons to elementary aged students, and that got me hooked of teaching. I was fortunate that many of my first students were bright, motivated, and learned very quickly. I taught for 8 years, and then was offered a position with an investment firm. 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