Betsy Johnston

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I have been teaching piano for 40 years. It is a delight to see young students develop into young musicians. It is also a pleasure to work with adults who have varying goals for themselves and see them accomplish them. I had the priviledge of studying with some wonderful teachers. We moved to Columbia when I was a teen and I studied at Columbia College until I left to attend Campbell College (now, University)as a music major. After college, I married into the Army and spent the next 20 years traveling between the US and Germany.I was priviledged to study with Herr Poeflinger in Ansbach, Germany. Living in Europe also afforded me many cultural opportunities I might not otherwise have had. As we moved around, I always seemed to walk into situations where I was needed as an accompanist and soon after developed a following of piano students. Since retiring, I have worked in military chapels as music director/accompanist and in local churches in Columbia. I play for weddings, funerals, dramatic productions, parties and community functions.

My Musical Education Background

I began music study at age 7 and studied with several good teachers before college.

I studied at Columbia College, Campbell University, University of South Carolina and Western Carolina University.

I fell in love with piano under Nina Campbell. Continued with Ramona Mabus at Columbia College. I studied briefly with Madame Gertrude Baker at USC. Studied piano with Artist-in-Residence, Geraldine Matthews and Organ with Susan Horton at Campbell University. I took voice from Dr Paul Yoder. I also Studied with Herr Poeflinger in Ansbach, Germany.

I've been inspired by many of the choral and orchestral directors I've worked under through my years of accompanying. I began playing for church at age 12. My parents were professional singers and were grooming me as an accompanist long before I left for college.

Genres and Subjects Taught

My main area of teaching is piano. I studied organ and voice in college and have done vocal coaching, but I do not choose to teach organ and voice. I teach an ''eclectic'' method. In other words, I try to adapt piano study to the student's needs. I have a classical and church music and music theater background and lean that way. I do not teach people to ''play by ear''. My emphasis is on sight reading, rhythm and technique. Once those areas are mastered, the student may learn to play any genre of interest. I have tried many ''modern'' methods through the years and always revert back to a basic ''middle-c'' method for beginners. I believe in developing both hands equally. Thus, my choice of traditional tried and true literature at first.

Lesson Rates

I charge by the month: Rates remain the same regardless of absences or holidays and have been calculated with this in mind.

Fee of $70.00 for a half-hour lesson per week is due at the first lesson of the month in advance. I do not pro-rate. The only exception is if the student begins at mid-month, then fees are accepted at mid-month.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I do not accept pre-schoolers. For them, I recommend ''Kindermusik of Columbia''. It a good preparation for music study. I prefer students have finished first grade and have commensurate reading skills. I will determine the maturity level of a child at an initial parent-teacher conference. I take adult students of any age. (Retirement is NOT too late!) I warn my adult students that their impatience to progress is their worst enemy. Piano study takes time and effort. I am infinitly patient.

My Certifications and Awards

South Carolina All-State Chorus

Presented in Senior Recital by Columbia College Pre-college Studios

Awarded two piano scholarships for college

Honor Roll Teacher in National Guild of Piano Teachers

Former member of Music Teacher's National Association

North American Music Teachers Association

Member Music Friends

My Musical Influences

I began music study at age 7 and studied with several good teachers before college. I studied at Columbia College, Campbell University, University of South Carolina and Western Carolina University. I fell in love with piano under Nina Campbell. Continued with Ramona Mabus at Columbia College. I studied for a brief time with Madame Gertrude Baker at USC. Studied piano with Artist-in-Residence, Geraldine Matthews and Organ with Susan Horton at Campbell University. I also Studied with Herr Poeflinger in Ansbach, Germany. I've been inspired by many of the choral and orchestral directors I've worked under through my years of accompanying. I began playing for church at age 12. My parents were professional singers and were grooming me as an accompanist long before I left for college.

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