Piano with Eileen J.

Confidence, creative thinking, discipline, and joy are benefits of a music education. 70% of adults wish they had learned to play music. SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN PERSON Piano, Keyboard, Music Theory, Technique EDUCATION Graduate of Anoka High School, Music Education Workshops in Piano Pedagogy, Music Theory, Technique, Popular Method series, Classical Music and Appreciation, Jazz styles, Teaching Tips and Helps, Christmas and Popular styles. Some workshop teachers I have studied under are Joyce Grill, Dennis Alexander, Martha Mier, Helen Marlais, Jane Bastien, Carolyn Miller, Randy and Nancy Faber, Melody Bober, Nancy Bachus, Jane Magrath, Timothy Brown and many others. SPECIALTIES The students learn from Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred Premier Piano Course, and FJH Succeeding at the Piano. These books contain all styles of music from classical to jazz and everything in-between. We also study popular songs by request and Christmas music in November and December. When students are ready, lead sheets, which use only chords in the left hand, are presented and learned. LESSON DETAILS We begin each lesson by listening to a CD of a piece of music. The students follow along by looking at the piece and a brief discussion follows at the end. They also listen to pieces in their books prior to learning them. This gives them a sense of what the piece should sound like as they are learning it. There is a bulletin board with each students picture on it. Practicing five days per week, with parental support, is expected and should be made nonnegotiable (as is math homework, brushing teeth, etc.). Parents are encouraged to listen to at least one practice session each week. Pieces for the weekly review are chosen by the student. Theory, note drills, chords and scales, music history, and composers are also learned. Students learn the foundations at a comfortable pace that is well-structured with achievable goals and are taught with patience, kindness and respect. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun for all ages. The piano lesson year is split up into two semesters. First semester begins mid-September and ends mid-December. Second semester begins the first week in February and ends the last week in April. Each semester has one make-up allowed. A recital is held each spring for those who wish to participate. Each student plays several solo pieces and a duet with another student, if possible. We have performed many recitals for seniors in residences and/or nursing homes as well as recitals at Schmitt Music. The yearly book fee is $20 and paid at the first lesson. MUSIC FOR PARENTS If you are a parent of my current or my former students, consider experiencing the joy of learning how to play the piano for the first time or brushing up on old skills learned previously. Be a part of Recreational Music Making (RMM), a national movement that is encouraging adults to bring music back into their lives. I have had several adults taking lessons along with their children. Fun for the kids to have Mom or Dad learning to play the piano, also ... as well as an encouragement for them. It also helps the parents to realize some of the struggles that their children are encountering in their pursuit of music. ABOUT I have taught piano/keyboard for 25 years. Many of my students began in first grade and continued on through high school. They are using the musicianship skills learned in lessons as adults. I have also taught several parents of my students, both beginners and those returning to piano. I have been involved in music since the age of 8, playing piano, and also playing clarinet from 5th grade through high school. I look forward to sharing the joys of music with you! EQUIPMENT Yamaha Digital Piano