Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
A native of Columbia, I attended Columbia public schools and was always actively involved in music programs there and in my church. I started taking piano lessons in second grade, after "playing" the kitchen table for a while. I've enjoyed a fulfilling career as an accompanist, church musician, and music educator in public schools in Missouri and Kansas. I currently maintain an active studio in my home, in addition to the privilege of serving as Choir and Worship Director/Coordinator and Pianist at Calvary Baptist Church.
My Musical Education Background
I received both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri. I addition to those degrees, I have done extensive post-graduate study at various universities in the United States and abroad.
Genres and Subjects Taught
My focus is on creating literate musicians, who are equipped with the skills to play whatever they want to play. One of my greatest frustrations as an educator is encountering a student who has learned to play a piece, but does not have the knowledge base to explore new music on their own. I love getting beginners started with a good foundation, as well as enabling advancing students to dig deeper into the music they are playing, to see the beauty of the art they are creating.
My absolute JOY in teaching lies with adults who are finally able to explore the benefits of piano playing when they haven't had the opportunity before. My goal is to provide a nurturing, friendly, and inspiring atmosphere where music making and learning can happen and be enjoyed by my students and myself.
Lesson Rates
Tuition is a flat fee of $70.00 per month for a weekly 30 minute lesson, or $100.00 per month for a weekly 45 minute lesson. Payment is due at the first scheduled lesson of each month.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
Instruction is provided for students age 4-???
My Certifications and Awards
I hold a Lifetime Teaching Certificate from the State of Missouri (they don't even do this anymore!) and am a member of Music Teachers' National Association and the American Choral Directors' Association.
I have had the privilege of seeing many of my students receive high honors in competitions and have had many who went on to become music educators themselves. I consider that my greatest reward as a teacher.
My Musical Influences
My greatest musical influences as a child were the musicians in my church and the excellent music instruction and encouragement I received at school. My junior high Vocal Music teacher, Mrs. Abbott, introduced me to the joy of accompanying, and the skills I acquired through that have been the basis for my career. Since then, I have been influenced by my colleagues and the wonderful musicians I have been able to work with, regardless of the style of music we were making.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Twin B
Columbia, MO
"Thank you for many years of your patience in teaching (my sons) piano lessons. It helped them tremendously with focus, body/hand coordination, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. We have continued to recommend you to all our friends, hoping they will contact you."--Parent of two Special Needs children (name withheld)
Joanna Z
Ashland, MO
" When I was young, I started taking piano lessons in China; however, political changes in my native country made it impossible for me to continue. Now I am retired and live in the USA so I am able to pursue my long-held ambition to study piano. I was lucky to find Becky Buckler’s website on the internet and became her student. I found Becky to be an experienced teacher who knows when I am ready to advance to the next step or when I need to continue with the current lesson for a little longer. She has been patiently explaining the Western music theory to someone from a different culture. She has been particularly helpful in teaching me how to count the various rhythms like 4/4, 2/2, 6/8, and syncopation. In every class, I have felt that her lessons are geared to my personal musical needs. Every lesson has been interesting and enjoyable. So far, I have studied piano with Becky Buckler for almost one year. I am very satisfied with my progress and looking forward to future improvements. I believe Becky Buckler is a very good piano teacher. Hopefully, if you take lessons from Becky Buckler it will enrich your life as it has mine."--Joanna Zhou
Regina K
Kansas City, MO
"I talk about you quite often when one of my students asks me how old I was when I started taking piano lessons. It's hard to imagine my life without piano, and I'm really glad you gave me lessons!!!!!!!"--Regina Grannemann Kellogg (started lessons at age 4)
Patti D
Oswego, KS
" I am blessed to have been able to be one of your students ..... I cannot be too far from my piano - its my "go to" friend when I need a breather!! Thank you!!!"--Patti Dickerson Taylor