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Active - Public

Piano

I am a classically-trained pianist with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and concentrations in Piano Pedagogy (a fancy word for teaching) and Arranging.  I am also a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano through MTNA.  I have been teaching piano since 2017, and I love helping my students succeed in their goals at the piano.  I teach classical piano at the beginning, intermediate, and early advanced levels; and I have advanced teaching software to make your online lessons easy-to-follow and fun!

In high school and college, my favorite subject was English - so it is no surprise that I also teach writing through TakeLessons!  I have an Associate of Arts in Education, and I enjoy helping my students learn the art and craft of writing.  Whether you are working on a school assignment or writing a book, I would love to help you organize your ideas, find your unique style, and begin writing!

Learn about the Nashville Number System in worship and how to create, read, and play from number charts.

The Nashville Number System in Worship Music

Essay Writing

Writing

Math

Classical Piano

Bible Studies

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano

Piano Instructor

Independent Piano Teacher

Music Theory Instructor

English

I was 16.  The sun streamed through the window as I opened my songbook and began to play as I had many times before.  But today was different.  As I pounded on the keys, for the first time something came alive in me.  Out of nowhere the thought entered my mind, thundering louder than the keys I was pounding: “THIS is what I want to do with my life!”  That day I discovered that music and worship were not just hobbies – they were what I was made for.

There is a verse in Jeremiah that says, "I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever" (Jer. 32:39).  Worship is the highest calling, and it is what we were created for.  We do not learn the piano to become skilled and well known; we learn the piano to find yet another way to pour our love on Jesus.

When you take lessons with me, you will learn to play with skill and sensitivity (feeling), you will grow in the heart of worship (for those specifically learning worship piano), and you will enjoy making music!  Students have said that I am patient, thorough, and engaging when I teach.  I give each student a solid foundation in theory, technique, and musicality and ensure that each lesson is meaningful and enjoyable.

The primary styles I teach are Worship and Classical, but we can also include fun pieces, holiday music, hymns/church songs, and songwriting/composing if you would like! Lessons with me are interesting and varied, and we build step by step as you learn new concepts. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy playing piano, so I do my best to make sure that the music is not too easy or too hard - and that you are playing pieces that you like!

When you sign up for online lessons with me, you can expect quality instruction, including high-quality video and audio. I use clear camera angles, a diagram to show you the exact keys I am playing, and a special program that allows me to show you my iPad screen as I write comments on your music.  Online lessons allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home, at your own instrument, on your own time.  Sign up today!

My daughter is a reluctant writer. Makayla was gentle and enthusiastic with her and everything went well. I look forward to their work together and helping my daughter improve in her writing.

It took me a while to find the worship teacher I was looking for...and then Makayla came my way.  In half a year, she made my dream happening. It's a joy to learn chord playing, accompaniment patterns, fills, ...whilst singing for the LORD, our Creator. And I also feel confident now to play hymns, in a more reflective style, at my Church.  Makayla is amazing and makes learning so easy and fun.  What a blessing she is. 

My desire to play the piano never escaped my thoughts despite many fruitful years spent in my chosen career. Hence, when I finally retired, I felt was time for me to revisit the past and take the chance to see if I can still fulfill, even just in part, what I have left unaccomplished.  I am in my seventies now and this seems to be impossible. Nonetheless, I thought there was no harm in trying, and it was at this point in time when I got in touch with Ms. Makayla.

She learned about my case and after which I was completely surprised in awe to have witnessed the most gleeful and encouraging reaction from her.  It was truly exhilarating as she rekindled my long lost dream.  Makayla is one most positive motivator par excellence. Age limit is not an issue with her. Instead, she gives much premium to enthusiasm, excitement and affection for the endeavor on hand.  Whether or not aptitude indicates you being a fast or slow learner, Makayla accords such remarkable patience in making her students persevere and be determined to learn.  Her consistently pleasant and friendly attitude towards her student makes her genuinely likable and a great delight to work and relate with. My piano sessions have been going on for several months now, and both Makayla and I are extremely happy and completely satisfied with my progress.  I couldn't ask for more!  

I would definitely vouch for and absolutely recommend her to everyone wishing to experience the joy of piano lessons. 


I've been thrilled with Makayla's work with our two boys who've improved their writing tremendously over the last few months. They look forward to their sessions and are getting in the consistent habit of writing and revising their work. Highly recommend Makayla!

I am an older student.  I wanted to learn worship songs for my own personal enrichment.  Makayla is truly the best teacher for this.  She is so patient and explains so well.  I have learned so much from her.

I am an older student and appreciate Makayla's desire to serve God.
She is a great teacher and portrays that same image  in the way she teaches. She keeps lessons fun and knows what music to give according to my ability. I highly recommend her .

My son is in 6th grade and coming into it from the elementary school, he was struggling with writing. He's beeing taking writing lessons with Ms. Makayla since summer this year and has shown a lot of progress in abiilty to express himself through writing in English. His writing grades are up! 

We are very happy with his progress and would recommend Ms. Makayla for any kids who could use help improve his/her writing skills.

My son is in 6th grade. He was struggling with writing, so we sought Ms. Makayla's help. He's been taking writing lessons with Ms. Makayla for several months now and his writing has improved a lot! His grades are up, so we are very happy with his progress.

I recommend Ms. Makayla if your child needs help with writing in English.

Makayla is an amazing teacher, she is so passionate, professional and very clear in her explanations.

Makayla is so very helpful and supportive. Knows how to introduce new concepts really well and makes sure you are progressing. My rhythm has gotten so much better since I started taking lessons with Makayla. So blessed to be taking lessons with her!

Very clear and well-organized instruction.  Her teaching tools (dual camera, piano keyboard simulator, notes) made it easy to absorb the lesson.

I am a colleague of Makayla’s from college. She was one of the most diligent teachers I have seen in our prep school. It is always said that just because you play piano doesn’t mean you know how to teach. But Makayla knows how to teach! She is able to break down concepts so any level of student receives a strong foundation and that was evidenced in all of her students that I observed.

Makayla is an very excellent teacher. She goes way above and beyond what is expected of a normal teacher. 
As we were both music majors in college, I observed her diligence in her work and her high dedication to her students and teachers! 
She is very observant to the needs around her and is a very giving person, which has transferred into whatever she does in music.

Are online lessons new for you?  In this video, discover how to set up your learning environment to achieve the best results from lessons!

How to Set Up for Online Lessons

Learn how to use the left hand 1-5-8 arpeggio.  This video will cover how to form the 1-5-8 notes, how to use proper technique, and how to apply to music.

Left Hand 1-5-8 Accompaniment Pattern

In this video, learn how to play and use suspended chords.

How to Play a Suspended (sus) Chord

Learn how to play the traditional chorus "Alleluia."

How to Play Alleluia

Learn how to play the chorus of the worship song "10,000 Reasons"!

How to Play 10,000 Reasons

Learn how to read the notes in sheet music!

 How to Read Notes in Sheet Music

Learn how to use the Octaves left hand accompaniment pattern!

Left Hand Piano Pattern: Octaves

Learn how to use the Bass Note left hand accompaniment pattern!

Left Hand Piano Pattern: Bass Note

Learn how to use end marks such as periods, question marks, and exclamation points.

How to Use End Marks

Learn the Rocking piano accompaniment pattern for the right hand!

Right Hand Piano Pattern: Rocking

Learn the Decorative piano accompaniment pattern for the right hand!

Right Hand Piano Pattern: Decorative

Learn the right hand piano accompaniment pattern, Skip Beat 3!

The Nashville Number System in Worship Music - Piano Class

About Makayla S.

Class reviews

Makayla's Piano videos