Piano Lessons in Bloomfield. Amazing Teachers.

All styles from classical to jazz/blues to many ethnic/world music styles

I use many of the method books. I believe there is not one method for everyone, as everyone learns differently.

Jean started taking piano lessons as a kid and by high school was accompanying the school chorus. Jean has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts from Bradford College and studied piano there with Mark Peterson. Jean is also an accomplished organist, having studied with Bruce Porter as well as recording artist and organ soloist Malcolm Halliday. Jean worked for several years as organist at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Harvard MA. Jean also holds an MBA in E-Business and is currently working on a degree in elementary education.

I can help you play by ear, as well as read music. Really, they both help each other out.

Typically lessons start with a warm-up or exercise, which usually relates to a concept in the songs or pieces we study in the lesson. Lessons can vary based on student goals and approach. For example, an advanced classical lesson might target specific spots in larger pieces, while a jazz/pop lesson might deal with hand positioning for chords and ear training. In a beginning lesson, we focus on either finding patterns on the piano that are used in most chord progressions or melodies, or music literacy, depending on the student's preference.

I have been teaching piano lessons for several years now, to students ranging from 4 to 50 years of age. In the first lesson, students can expect to learn the musical alphabet, location of middle C, the correct posture and hand position, as well as some simple musical exercises depending upon the student's age and ability. My goal in teaching is to help people gain an understanding and appreciation of the piano, as well as the workings of music as a whole. While my background is in classical piano, I enjoy working with students on any style of music that utilizes sheet music.

A teacher of mine once said if you aim for perfection, you get to be pretty darn good. I like to start with a small amount of material that the student can play very well, and use that to refine the basics. By taking a thorough approach (and playing beautiful music), the entire world of piano and music will slowly and surely open up to the pupil.

In my opinion, tone production and rhythm are the major factors that distinguish a great pianist (and make playing the most satisfying), so this is the major focus of our work. I have a very thorough understanding of proper technique and can prescribe exercises that will strengthen one's weaknesses.

I also have a unique background in that I studied jazz improvisation and classical composition, so I understand the inner workings of the music and can improvise in the styles (jazz, classical, baroque, romantic).