Jeanne Marie Gerig

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

With Master's Degrees in Piano Pedagogy (Teaching Piano) & Organ Performance, a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and over 25 years of experience teaching piano, I offer an individualized approach to music. Music is selected according to a student's interest and needs to keep the learning process engaging and dynamic. Students have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of styles such as classical, boogie & blues, folk tunes, Broadway, and popular music. Some students also explore seasonal and/or religious music. Skills taught include reading all aspects of music, playing by ear, improvisation, music theory, sight reading, and playing duets. Children also learn to memorize music and play for others. Learning technical musical skills is an important part of learning to play the piano, but I also strive to help students learn problem solving, perseverance, accountability, and music appreciation. Please check out (contact me) for more info, and contact me directly through my website or the profile view of this site..

My Musical Education Background

Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy (Teaching Piano), Summa Cum Laude (4.0) ~ Eastern Michigan University
Master of Arts in Organ Performance, Summa Cum Laude (4.0) ~ Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Summa Cum Laude (3.89) ~ Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
Kindermusik Certification
Additional studies in Improvisation, Harpsichord, & Accompanying

Genres and Subjects Taught

Piano Lessons--wide variety of styles such as classical, boogie & blues, folk tunes, show tunes, popular music, and religious music if requested; improvisation & beginning composition; music theory; keyboarding skills; taught college piano lessons and class piano as Graduate Assistant

Music Theory--all aspects of the grammar and structure of music; was Undergraduate Theory Assistant for 3 yrs, taught ear training lab & tutored college music theory

Organ Lessons--classical organ skills, hymn playing, and registration for church organists or those preparing for college study

Accompanying--how to play for singers and instrumentalists, chamber music

Lesson Rates

Lessons are $30/half hour ($60/hr), which are normally billed monthly. Beginners take weekly lessons, and adults may consider every other week once they have become established students. A written policy for illness and cancellations is provided.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Beginners through advanced students are welcome, ages six through adult.

My Certifications and Awards

In addition to teaching, I am active as a professional accompanist. As Director of Music at a local church, I play and sing music professionally and direct handbells, adult choir and children's choirs.

Professional Memberships:
Music Teachers National Association & State Association
Ann Arbor Piano Teachers Guild
Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
National Federation of Music Clubs
American Guild of Music
National Pastoral Musicians

My Musical Influences

I was fortunate to learn from teachers who were skilled in the Alexander Technique and Taubman Technique, both of which emphasize using the body in ways that are the most natural and help to prevent injury. Learning to move the body efficiently helps tremendously with speed, agility, accuracy, and better control. (Doing technical exercises at the piano can actually be more harmful than good if they are not done correctly!) If beginners are taught these principles, learning is easier and bad habits are prevented, so it is exciting to help students at every level transform their playing and their comfort at the keyboard.

I have been influenced by accompanying singers, choirs, and a wide variety of instrumentalists since I was in middle school. Learning to play the piano with others is quite fun, it further develops musical skills, and it opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Service Area

D. M
Livonia, MI

I could barely read music when I started working with Jeanne Marie. In a short time I was able to write bass lines for my bass guitar. My teenaged daughter also has enjoyed piano lessons. Jeanne Marie is a patient teacher who really loves music.

Ross S
Dearborn Heights, MI

Jeanne Marie has teaching me to play the piano. She has a lot of patience with me, and she explains things "to me not at me." Jeanne Marie has helped me become more proficient at reading music. Also, she is tutoring me for my college level music theory classes and has greatly helped me understand the many concepts in music. I have received the benefit of her vast knowledge in the music field. I know I have more to learn and I am positive she will be an instrument in my goal to be a music director.