Piano with Jessica F.

I'm an experienced and highly referred piano teacher looking for new students in the Grand Haven area. Previously I had over 30 loyal students for 6 years in Chicago, and was one of the most in-demand teachers at “Piano Lessons In Your Home” (a national company with chapters across the US). I like to provide lessons that are highly educational while still being fun, to fit all methods of learning. My preferred method of teaching is a combination of traditional method book (progress-based, with classical influences – leading into classical piano), AND pop/rock/songwriting/chord-based music theory. Most students make great progress long-term with me and stick with piano through all kinds road bumps using this approach. I think this is basically because I'm not willing to be a “mean” teacher for the sake of results – I will work with a child’s resistance rather than battle against it, aka 100% non-shaming during periods of less-than-ideal practicing (we all go through those!)… so those looking for a competitive, fast-tracking set approach might prefer someone else! My ultimate goal is to generate a personal love of music in students (a sense that piano playing is "their thing" not something they have to do for me or others), and teach musical literacy while developing a cool skill! I LOVE adapting to each student, and finding out what makes them love music, and what their hidden talents and interests are. Here's a few of my favorite "success stories" (though they all are!): one of my students went from never practicing her assigned songs, feeling totally stifled by the traditional approach, to sharing her love of songwriting with me, to me helping her write on her own, to recording and releasing an album on iTunes and is now studying Music Business at NYU, and working with producers in Chicago and NYC (this is all in the span of 8 years!). Another non-practicer was so resistant, that we tried composition for awhile, until we discovered he loved Ben Folds, and was only motivated to practice if it was a Ben Folds song. They were way beyond his level, so I tried to simply them a bit, meanwhile he rose to the occasion and started practicing hours each day! Within less than 2 years of that inspiration, he ended up as a piano major at Interlochen High School. He now plays many genres and styles. In other words, through analyzing someone's resistance to practice, I find that a persons individual strengths and preferences can be used in their favor most of the time! Additional qualifications: Music director and pianist for dozens of musicals in NYC and Chicago, and current accompanist and private teacher in the area. Solo albums of original songs on iTunes and Bandcamp. $30/30-minute lesson, Wednesday evenings in your home. I'll only be able to take about 5 new students with my current schedule, so contact me today!