Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
In Student Home
About Me
My goal as a teacher is to develop within the student a well-rounded understanding of and a life-long love for music. Music theory, history, sightreading, chord structure, and improvisation skills, take students well beyond the basics of note reading and piano technic. Students are encouraged to compose their own original music, which gives them the additional opportunity to learn music recording technology, and music writing / arranging.
I hold a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Webster University, and I'm an active member of SLAMTA (St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association).
My teaching / performing / directing experience spans many years, having served in St. Louis area churches as well as performing with my brothers, Ray and Tom Kennedy ((contact me); (contact me)).
I also lead and arrange music for area worship bands (guitar, drums, brass, winds), and write/perform original music.
My Musical Education Background
Master of Music: Webster University - Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Bachelor of Music: Fontbonne University -- Piano Performance and Pedagogy
St. Louis Institute of Music
Genres and Subjects Taught
My teaching approach is catered toward the goals of the student:
pop music
classical music
improvisation skills
music theory
All students have the opportunity to explore piano playing styles of their own choosing, while essential music fundamentals are learned.
I offer several performance opportunities throughout the year.
Lesson Rates
Please call regarding current lesson rates and available time slots (contact me)).
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
How old do you need to be to make music?
I've had students as young as 3 years, and students who are grandmas and grandpas. If you want to make music, guided instruction paves the way for more and more fun.
What skills are involved in learning piano?
1) Patience with yourself
2) Opening your eyes and your ears
3) Time with your instrument each day, repeating what you know. PRACTICE is what happens BETWEEN the lessons.
My Certifications and Awards
Member of SLAMTA
Recording artist (original music)
Worship Arts Director in various-sized local churches
30+ years of private teaching experience
ProTools experience
Finale experience
My Musical Influences
Chopin
Bach
Musical Theatre
The Beatles
Kennedy Music Center (our family business)
Service Area
Student Reviews
Dolores
St. Louis, MO
"Not only does Wanda instruct me in the fundamentals, she gives me various other technique pointers and "opens" my eyes to other possibilities of making music."
Circe's M
St. Louis, MO
"I heartily recommend her~ just don't take my time slot." "I am a 59 year old woman who hasn't studied music since I was eight! And I love my lessons. Wanda is instructing me in theory, improvisation, sight reading, all at the same time, and she is wonderful. I look forward to my lessons and to learning."
Jacob
St. Louis, MO
"[Wanda] makes learning the piano fun for my son and because of that we know he will want to continue with piano for a long time to come."
Laura
St. Louis, MO
"Wanda is not just any piano teacher; she is a very accomplished musician and really knows and loves what she teaches."