Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
In Student Home
About Me
Debbie Dunnick has over 29 years of teaching experience, with all ages and levels. She began playing piano at the age of eight with inspiration from her parents and teachers at St. Frances of Rome, later she studied with Lydia Smutny Sterba a concert pianist in the Chicagoland area. Debbie earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the prestigious DePaul University School of Music in Chicago under the tutelage of Melody Lord and Mary Sauer. She has played for many different organizations in the Chicago and St. Louis areas and has previously won numerous state and national piano competitions. Debbie is originally a native of Chicago, and has lived in Sarasota since 1999. She moved to the southwest coast of Florida to attend the Ringling School of Art, where she met her husband, Regan Dunnick, an illustrator and faculty member at the school. They are both huge Cub fans and actually got married in front of Wrigley Field! Her parents and family still live in Chicago and she has strong ties to the community there as well.
My Musical Education Background
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Piano and Music Theory from the DePaul University School of Music in Chicago, IL.
I also studied art at the Chicago Art Institute and Ringling College of Art and Design. I was a graphic artist for 17 years.
Genres and Subjects Taught
Individual piano lessons are offered for one-on-one instruction with the piano teacher. I offer a wonderful environment for optimum concentration and teaching conditions on a high quality grand piano.
I have worked with students of all ages and levels, from very young children just beginning piano lessons to adults of all ages.
Lessons are generally once a week in 1/2 hour or 1 hour blocks. If you prefer, lessons may be given more than once per week.
My teaching emphasis is on technique and playing music expressively. It
Lesson Rates
Lessons are $25 for a 30 minute lesson.
If you are interested in an hour lesson we will discuss the fee at that time.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I have taught All Ages and Skill Levels. From 5 years old to 86 years old. Beginner to Advanced.
My Certifications and Awards
I am a Member of the National Music Teachers Association and the North American Music Teachers Association. I have previously won numerous national piano competitions and one international piano competition.
My Musical Influences
I Love all genres of music: classical, broadway, pop, blues and jazz.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Ryan A
Bradenton, FL
Debbie has been teaching our two boys for 3 years. A skilled teacher and wonderful person the boys like very much and have continually progressed in their abilities. They are always engaged and eager to perform.
Angie C
Sarasota, FL
My daughter Aubrey (age 7) started taking lessons from Miss Debbie when she was 5 years old. In that time she has done 3 recitals and gone from playing a very slow Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to a very upbeat Rudolph. Aubrey looks forward to her weekly lesson and so do I. Miss Debbie is not only a very gifted musician she is also a very patient teacher. She is flexible, understanding and always has a smile on her face. I would recommend Miss Debbie for any age and level. -Angie Chatfield
Sarah A
Venice, FL
Debbie is a wonderful piano teacher. My children love her and look forward to their lessons each week. Their skill has really blossomed over the past year under her tutelage. She is very kind and patient. She makes the work both fun and challenging. -Julie Shaw
Siara A
Venice, FL
After several interviews, Miss Debbie was undoubtably the best choice for a piano teacher. She is an excellent teacher for both young children and adults. If you are looking for an talented, knowledgable pianist who is kind, caring and willing to work with you towards your own goals...look no further...Miss Debbie is the teacher for you. Traci Brennan Miss Debbie is the #1 teacher. She is helping me learn alot. I love taking lessons with her. Siara Brennan
Barbara
Gahry, FL
I took lessons as a child and stopped playing piano for many years. About 2 years ago, I decided to get back to playing... one of the best decisions I have made! I found Debbie on-line quite by accident. When I bought my piano, I was given a list of piano teachers in the area and quickly misplaced it. Anxious to get started, I went on-line to see if I could find someone and there she was! I feel lucky to have found what I needed most in a teacher....patience, understanding and flexibility. Her ability to encourage and motivate her students is phenomenal, especially for someone like myself, who would never play in front of others. I am building my confidence, learning new techniques and having more fun in the process. I would highly recommend Debbie (as I did to my neighbor, Dave Swanson, who gave another testimonial) to anyone wanting to learn to play the piano or to enhance existing skills. -Barb Gahry
Mia A
Sarasota, FL
Where do I begin? Not only has Ms Debbie taught me how to play the bass and piano, but she has taught my 5 year old daughter to play piano as well. For her to take both of us on...both being beginners, never have played an instrument, two completely different generations and attention spans...Ms Debbie is fantastic!! She's patient, courteous, super generous (my daughter loves her stickers and prizes she receives when she plays well) and reliable. I have and will continue to recommend Ms Debbie to friends who want to learn how to play the piano. She's SUPER!!! -Sonja
Isabel
Sarasota, FL
My name is Isabel, I am 12 years old. Miss Debbie has been visiting my house and teaching me piano for just 4 months. Every week I look forward to her visiting and teaching me the piano. My old teacher was very serious and we would constantly do theory. Debbie makes it fun, we learn songs that are modern and I can choose what we practice and she never gets angry when I make mistakes. I am also going to do my first recital next week, I am a little nervious but I will do my best to make Miss Debbie proud of me. She is a great teacher.
Charlene M
Sarasota, FL
I have been taking piano lessons on and off for 18 years - got a late start. Having taught school for 30 years, I can recognize quality teaching. Debbie is intelligent, articulate, patient, a great communicator, and keeps it all fun at the same time.I practice more than ever and look forward to my lessons with her. She is the very best!!!From Charlene Moeckel, North Venice, Florida