Piano Lessons in Smithville, MO

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I believe that an understanding of music theory and learning to read music is the foundation of success for both my piano and voice students which is why I typically require my voice students to be taking piano simultaneously with voice. For beginning piano students, I will typically begin with the James Bastien Primer/Level 1 Series with the focus split equally between theory and technique. I require students to fill out a practice log monthly to ensure that they are maintaining the knowledge and skills they learn in lessons and so that parents can be involved in their progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

45 years of teaching experience 2010-2015 Assistant Professor at WSU, Wichita, KS 2009-present  Director, St. Petersburg International Music Academy 2006 Senior Coach, Tucson Junior Strings,Tucson, AZ 2005 Faculty, Musica Mundi Summer Festival, Belgium 1989-2004  Faculty,Musicorda  Summer  Festival   1997-2003 Faculty, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, OH, Private instruction and chamber music 1987-1999 St. Petersburg Conservatory, St. Petersburg, Professor of violin 1991-1999 Special Music College for gifted children under Rimsky-Korsakov name Professor 1999-2004 St. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

She had experiences to collaborate with choreographers and dancers. Additionally, Natalie has experiences in composing for drama; she was the music director and composer of “Hang out with HEART” in 2016, which was a drama organized by Hong Kong Children & Youth Services. Natalie is also active in participating in music festivals. She participated in the Thailand International Composition Festival (TICF) 2017 and her composition was performed in the Exchange of Midwest Collegiate Composers (EMCC) 2018. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Fiddle

I am a professional and passionate violinist, pipa performer, composer, music theorist, and Chinese music scholar who loves teaching and performing. In 2018, I graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with both a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition and a Master of Music degree in Music Theory. Besides performing as a soloist, I love collaborating with professional musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. I also enjoy collaborating with visual artists, dancers, and actors. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

It is important to me that each of my students learns to love their instrument. But, even more than the love of their instrument, is the importance of knowing and understanding one's instrument. I offer positive reinforcement, encouraging my student in realistic goals. I acknowledge accomplishments that help fuel mystudent's desires to progress. However, I do not hide from the fact that pursuing music is a discipline. A well structured and commited practice time offers the best benefits. Read More