Goldsmith, IN Piano Lessons

a lot. I just believe if it starts to not be fun, what's the point? Music isn't just about perfect theory and note placement it's about enjoyment. That's why I tailor make every lesson specifically based on my student's goals. I have students that like a more traditional approach so I use standard method books with them. I also have students that want to learn how to play by ear so we use a less traditional method and I teach them chord structures and how to move around easily on their instrument. My favorite thing to teach is vocal lessons but I love teaching piano and guitar also.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught on an upright piano or acoustic/electric guitar. Student should bring own guitar. No pets. Waiting room out front for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I've performed at Carnegie Hall and I've had the opportunity to work with world renowned vocal coaches. I offer that as well as techniques that I've developed to help you reach your goals quickly and with great skill !

As a student taking lessons with me, I will always put your desires as a musician first, and consider them to be the most important factor in guiding the progress of your lessons. While I will make basic assignments for you to practice for your next lesson, I am always open to including music that you would like to learn. If there is a particular style of music that you would like to study, or even a particular piece of music that you want to learn, please feel free to mention that to me, and I will do my best to find that music to add to your lessons. If at any time you have questions, requests, or comments, please either mention them to me at the lessons, or contact me by phone, text, or email.
I look forward to meeting you, talking with you about your desires and aspirations as a musician, and to guiding you and helping you to reach your goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
I will work with you to find the most convenient time for your lessons. Lessons are given in my home studio. While there will be basic material you will need to learn proficiently, you will be free to select the style of music you wish to study. I always tailor the lessons to suit the student's desires and aspirations as a musician.

*** Studio Equipment ***
office/studio space for lessons; spinet piano; electronic equipment available to play cassettes, CDs, videos, and DVDs either from my own library or yours to assist and/or augment the lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
My piano students are expected to own either a 3-4 octave keyboard, or an acoustic piano. I can give you guidance regarding specific details you need to look for when you purchase an acoustic piano or a keyboard. I do not recommend specific manufacturer names. You will also be required to purchase any necessary materials (books, flashcards, etc.). I provide supplemental materials (teaching games, etc.).

*** Specialties ***
I use a variety of methods, mostly based on the goals of the students. For piano students, I prefer the Bastien Piano Basics method books. For voice students, I use a combination of methods developed by several different voice instructors.

sic and how emotion and spirit play a huge part in memorable music.

I don't believe in brow-beating, but I also don't want to pass over things. I don't believe practice makes perfect, but I do believe practice increases awareness!

I really try hard to help students move beyond the notes on the page. We may listen to music and describe how it makes us feel, or paint pictures both physical and mental of what the music is showing us. That is where I see the soul stepping in.

My Education

As stated before, I started on a little Magnus Organ. My grandmother told me years later that I would listen to television jingles and then try to play them on the organ!

Once we settled in our permanent home, my parents brought home a piano and I began working first with Robert Warnick, a local music teacher in the schools. He taught scales and chords. Then, Midge Bishop took me through John Thompson Grade 3, but then had to move away. Finally, I studied under Victoria Hope, lasting 13 years until I went on to college. She taught me the fine art of piano by continually challenging me to approach each piece as an artwork. She had me use the music to paint the picture. Naturally, the element of the soul came through as I put color to music.

My Experience

Throughout my elementary through high school days, I immersed myself in band, choir and drama. I played piano at church starting very young. I then began trombone in the band during 4th grade. Upon entering high school, I joined choir and participated in marching band, concert band, pep band and jazz band. During those years, I picked up the rest of the brass instruments as needed by my band director. In choir, I excelled both in voice and on piano through accompaniment. Later in high school, I joined up with the drama department where we ultimately had the opportunity to write our own musical. By the time I entered college, I had mastered all the brass instruments, piano and snare drum.

During college, I participated in the marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band, pep band, trombone choir, several pit orchestras, and the symphony orchestra. I also participated in the choir.

Since that time, I have mastered the woodwinds, organ, drum set guitar and bass guitar and a little violin. I have over 25 years experience teaching lessons. They occurred off and on throughout my younger days.

Subjects Taught

Private lessons on all instruments and voices, Music Theory, Music History, Art History, Architectural History, Acting, set building, lighting and sound.

Specialties

Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Voice, alto and tenor saxophone, percussion

Formal Education

1984-89 Bachelor of Science in K-12 Music Education
(Choral, Instrumental and General)
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

1991-95 Master of Divinity in Theology and Ministry
Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana

Ages Taught

5 through 114 (I haven't seen anyone older, have you?) I believe it is a good idea that a child can read the written word. Reading music occurs in similar ways.

*** Lesson Details ***
I ask lots of questions so I can get to know you better. This is also an opportunity for you ask questions of me. At the beginning, I encourage parents to attend so they can see what these lessons entail. I give you assignments to work with and then you play them for me to receive praise and constructive suggestions. I also try to challenge my students to move beyond the normal curriculum to play other things that interest them.

Depending on the instrument and the experience you have helps me determine what curriculum I want to use. Again, I cater my lessons to the needs you have and by how you like to learn!

After 3 to 6 mos, I hope you have a good working knowledge of how music works and are now moving into intermediate level work. However, each student is different and work a different speeds. My main goal is for you to feel successful whenever you leave my studio!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Baby Grand Piano, electronic Keyboard, Drum Set, Snare Drum

lly Middle School and Paige's Music. Through the years I have learned to adjust my teaching technique to match each individual, whether it be the music difficulty, learning pace, or musical genre preference. I have taught trumpet students of all ages and abilities, as well as beginning and intermediate piano and french horn. I look forward to helping you make beautiful music on your instrument!

My teaching philosophy

Private lessons are a one on one experience that give students guidance on their specific musical needs. Rather than only working on pieces for un upcoming audition or competition, I emphasize working on a variety of repertoire that will improve all aspects of one’s musicianship. Lessons are not a weekly practice or coaching session, but rather a time for me to help students with what they have already been practicing. More specifically, I help with embouchure formation, tone production, note reading, practice technique, musical phrasing, breathing, performance anxiety, rhythm, music theory, bad habits, or anything that will help the student make better music in the long term. I also frequently provide musical examples and inspiration by playing for my students.

Lesson Policies

Students are required to practice a minimum of fifteen to forty-five minutes per day (depending on the student’s age), six days per week.

Students are responsible for purchasing their own lesson materials, such as books, valve oil, metronome, etc. Piano students must also have a well maintained piano to practice on. High quality electric keyboards with 88 keys, weighted and touch sensitive, are acceptable.

I have a 24-hour lesson rescheduling policy. If a student fails to provide notice via phone, text or email at least 24 hours prior to the starting time of the lesson, or misses a lesson unannounced, they will be charged for the full lesson cost. If adequate notification is given, the lesson will be made up at a later date. Lessons MAY NOT BE MISSED WITHOUT MAKEUP. I do, however, allow students to miss lessons without makeup during the months of November (up to one lesson), December and August (up to two lessons each month) and July (no limit), and one lesson for spring break.

With rare exception, all of my students take weekly lessons. Students who keep a regular, weekly schedule improve at a far better pace than those who miss frequently.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Baldwin upright piano
Clavinova keyboard with weighted keys

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide no equipment

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical, jazz, and commercial, having experience in all three areas. I teach a lot of ear training and music theory regardless of the instrument.

rtist I frequently take trips to Nashville for co-writing, recording, and meeting with record labels. I have written with well-known writers like Mia Fieldes from Hillsong, Tony Wood from Provident Label Group, Stu G from Delirious?, and Jon Steingard from Hawk Nelson. I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic songwriters.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!