Piano Lessons in Smithville, MO

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have more than 20 years of experience teaching music, beginning after I obtained my Bachelors degree. In addition to teaching music performance, I can also teach music history and theory, solfeggio, ear training, and rhythmic training. While attending conservatory I was invited to join the Novosibirsk State Opera, where I sang as an opera soloist for eight years. With my opera company I travelled to Germany, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia for performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I'm following traditions of a famous Russian school. I have very strong technical training and musical abilities. “To understand, and to cause to be understood" – these words sum up the end and aim of my style.” Until we understand the music, we’ll not succeed at playing it so that others also understand it. With time, we learn more and better ways to communicate musical ideas. I expand our understanding of what is possible, and I find more of the subtle subtexts and interplay within the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners of all ages, I typically start with the fundamentals of music theory. For children, once they have grasped this, I will introduce solo repertoire and sight reading appropriate for their skill level. For adults, I try to find out what they are interested in and instruct accordingly. I like to keep practice fun and engaging for all ages and ability levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For piano students just starting out, I like Alfred’s basic piano library, and the Bastien piano basics. There are several other piano courses I’m excited to try as well. For both piano and voice students, I like to include a book of tunes with which the student is familiar: movie tunes, Disney songs, etc. For older students, I will focus a little more on the different time periods of music and help them to gain an appreciation for each. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

The method book I begin younger students on is Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber. There are 5 Level books to complete. We use the lesson book, as well as the technique book. I also supplement with solo repertoire and various materials. For the older beginner, I use Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Course, as well as supplemental solo repertoire. Music theory is essential in my studio, and I use various learning tools to teach theory. iPad apps, worksheets, games and manipulatives are a few examples. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Other experiences I have teaching include being a Mentor in Illini Mentoring Program (mentioned above), along with being a part of the UofI-Juvenile Detention Center Arts Project in spring of 2017. This coalition formed of UI students and professors helped to generate meaningful musical experiences for incarcerated youth, providing them with a possibility to be kids again in trying times, and to promote restorative justice. Since 2017, I have gotten the opportunity to teach lessons here and their to peers (college age), but I'm ready to delve into the exciting world of private teaching and help share my knowledge and passion for music with others ready to learn. Read More