Learn Piano your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Wendy H. - Colorado Springs Piano Teacher

My name is Wendy. I have lived in Colorado Springs for over 30 years, and I’ve been teaching piano, voice, and guitar lessons here for much of that time. I also achieved my Bachelor’s degree in music and set up my own local music studio. If you're interested in taking piano lessons in Colorado Springs, here are a few tips to help you get started!

Participate in School Talent Shows and Music Competitions

As a piano teacher, I like to make sure that my students are grounded in the foundations of playing and reading music with proper technique. To help them achieve this, there are many music activities that I encourage my students to participate in while taking piano lessons. For example, many schools - from elementary to high school - offer talent shows and music competitions. I prepare my students for these activities by asking them which song they want to play. After they have learned the song well, we then stylize it with lots of expression and originality.

Additionally, junior and high schools compete in city-wide music competitions. The music or band teacher can set students up to be involved in these competitions, which are usually done in April or May.

Compete in the Annual El Paso County Fair

The El Paso County Fair has a yearly piano talent competition in the summer. If a student wins or places at the county level, this leads them to the State Fair competition in Pueblo, Co in August.

Play Gigs

For my older students, I suggest they try playing gigs at coffee shops, restaurants, local bars and dance halls. They can play piano for church, their school or community choirs. I also encourage my students to play for weddings and special occasions.

Enjoy Concerts

I am a big proponent of exposing my students to all types of music, both during our lessons and as an extracurricular activity. In the summer, many local parks have free concerts with all types of music. You can go and listen to everything from big band to jazz, Christian to rock, and classical to hip hop. Many churches have free concerts, as well. By checking out some local websites or listening to local radio stations, you can find out about many free and interesting music activities.

Paul Ferrin hosts a hymn sing a couple of times a year at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs. He brings in some amazing piano players. It is spectacular to watch them play up and down the keyboard - truly inspiring. Churches in this area have some amazing piano players, especially some of the larger ones. This is also an excellent way to go and see some fantastic playing.

Additionally, local concert venues, such as the Air Force Academy and the Fine Arts Center, offer many different types of music for your entertainment. There are many popular bands that come here to play, and you can see everything from classical to Broadway, to country and pop rock. There is a lot of variety for this ever-growing and changing city.

If you’re interested in taking piano lessons in Colorado Springs and being a part of this exciting and growing music community, go to my TakeLessons profile, and find me in the teacher’s list to read more about my point of view on music and book some lessons with me!