Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
I started the study of piano when I was eight years old and have continued studying all of my life. My family was always musical. We sang, we played the piano or some other instrument everyday of my growing up years.
I taught piano and organ in Seattle and Renton, Washington and Metairie, Louisiana for many years. I played the organ, directed church choirs, worked with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, directed choirs for scouting events. In Metairie, I taught general music and singing to Pre-K thru 5th grades in the public schools for 17 years.
I have been in Oak Ridge since September 1, 2005 and have had a small studio here since then.
My Musical Education Background
I have a B.A. in music and an M.A. in piano pedagogy. I regularly attend seminars and workshops to help me learn more about the art of teaching others to play the piano. Through the years I have frequently taken piano lessons from the best teachers I can find. There is always something new to learn and it helps me remember what it is like to be a piano student.
Genres and Subjects Taught
I teach music reading by intervals and use a variety of methods because students learn in many different ways. I try to include some music history and always include music theory, sight reading, interpretation and rhythm study in my lessons.
My students may be using spinets, consoles, upright pianos or electronic keyboards but, when they come for lessons, they play on my Steinway grand piano.
Lesson Rates
I charge $90 per month in advance for one half hour per week. Most months have 4 weeks, a few have 5 weeks and some have only 3 due to holidays such as Christmas and other major holidays.
I bill through PayPal and you can send your payment online from the emailed invoice or send your check by snail mail.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I have taught students as young as 4 years old and as old as 87 years and I have taught beginners to advanced music students.
I prefer young beginners. The first year of lessons establishes the foundation on which future progress is made. I also enjoy teaching retired students who may have had lessons when young but didn't keep it up. I thoroughly enjoy teaching. I am very patient and try to provide a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere for my students. Piano lessons are supposed to be fun!...but that doesn't mean you don't have to practice.
My Certifications and Awards
I have belonged to the National Federation of Music Clubs, Tennessee Federation of Music Clubs, Knoxville Music Teachers, and am a Past president Metairie Music Club, Past District Director Metairie District LFMC. At one time I belonged to several other music teacher organizations but now do not drive and so cannot get to meetings..
My Musical Influences
As I said, at the beginning, I came from a musical family. Both my parents also came from musical families. My mother was a church soloist, my father's sisters all played the piano. My Aunt Margaret was my first teacher. She was a fine musician, graduate of the Chicago Conservatory of Music (one of the best schools at that time). She was the director of music, organist and choir director for most of her adult life. Both my grandfather's played the banjo and the mandolin. One grandmother was a singer.
When we were very small we were held at the piano while the family sang. When we were old enough to stand we were pushed up close to the piano and told to sing. A friend once told me that she couldn't sing. Grandma would have told her what she told any of us. "Of course you can sing, anybody can sing."
I have had several very fine teachers over the years who were major influences, but I would have to say that my family was the greatest musical influence in my life.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Rhiannon H
Oliver Springs, TN
The best music teacher I ever knew.