Ellen O
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, Gospel, Showtunes, Spirituals, New Age
Ellen O
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, Gospel, Showtunes, Spirituals, New Age
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
Associate Degree: Macomb Community College
I am a piano teacher with 17 years of teaching experience and a lifelong love of music and people. I work with students of all ages, from as young as 3 years old through adults and seniors, including students in their 70s. I previously performed and played in church settings and have always enjoyed sharing music in ways that bring people together. I currently teach in my in-home studio in Marine City, Michigan, which is a colorful, relaxed, and welcoming space designed to help students feel comfortable and at ease. My studio is also very cat-friendly and home to two sweet, gentle cats who often help students feel relaxed and at home. I believe music lessons should be enjoyable, encouraging, and tailored to each individual, creating a positive experience for both children and adults.
I have been teaching piano for 17 years and have worked with a wide variety of students across many age groups and ability levels. My experience includes teaching young beginners, school-age children, teens, adult beginners, and older adults returning to music later in life. I have taught students with different learning styles, attention spans, and goals, adapting my approach to meet each student’s needs. In addition to teaching, I have experience performing and playing in church environments, which helped shape my understanding of music as both a personal and shared experience. Over the years, I have taught classical foundations, popular music, improvisation, and vocal integration, always focusing on building confidence, comfort, and enjoyment alongside technical skill development.
My teaching methods are flexible and student-centered. I believe there is no single “right” way to learn piano, so I adapt lessons to each student’s age, personality, learning style, and goals. I combine traditional piano fundamentals with creative exploration to keep lessons engaging and accessible. Students may learn through reading music, listening, playing by ear, improvising, singing, or a combination of all of these. I enjoy incorporating familiar and motivating material such as Disney music, Star Wars themes, and popular songs when appropriate. I move at each student’s own pace, making sure they feel comfortable and supported rather than rushed or pressured, which helps build long-term confidence and enjoyment.
My teaching style is warm, patient, and encouraging. I focus on creating a relaxed, low-pressure environment where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and grow. I value building positive relationships with my students and believe that trust and comfort are essential for effective learning. Lessons are structured but flexible, allowing room for creativity, curiosity, and fun. I enjoy laughing, singing, and exploring music alongside my students while still maintaining clear guidance and direction. I work at a pace that feels right for each individual, whether that means moving slowly and steadily or exploring more creatively. My goal is for students to feel confident, capable, and genuinely happy making music.
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