Piano with Jessica B.

Ever since I can remember, I've enjoyed music! When it came time to choose a career, I chose to study my hobby and get a degree in piano teaching so I could share my love of music with others. In 2007, I graduated with a degree in Piano Pedagogy (basically, the art of teaching piano) from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. While I was earning my degree I taught a wide variety of classes ranging from beginning elementary music to college-level music classes. I also taught private music lessons for students from kindergarten to high school. After graduating I continued to teach private and group piano lessons through a local studio and in my student's homes until we moved out of state. During high school, I played the piano for a local church and also began performing during various local gatherings. My college years included several performance opportunities through recitals, contests, and church performance opportunities. I also accompanied for vocal and instrumental lessons and recitals. In addition to piano, I was involved in the college choir every year, performing for vespers programs, on-campus services, and recitals. Since graduating, I have continued to help with the music in my church. Why I Love Teaching - One aspect of teaching that I love is getting to know my students - their families, hobbies, interests, favorite school subjects, favorite food, and most importantly their favorite music. I also enjoy expanding their repertoire and introducing them to new musical styles they've never tried before. I love playing the piano, and I want you and your child to love it also! With that in mind, I structure my lesson plans around music pieces that you'll enjoy and want to play over and over again, even after you've finished studying them with me. Getting my students together is another aspect of teaching that I enjoy. With my previous students I organized optional monthly or bi-monthly get together times where we performed for each other, played some fun music games, and had musically themed snacks. *** Lesson Details *** My goal for our lessons is to make piano practice and performance fun! We'll be studying music styles you like to play, songs you want to learn, and musical pieces that reflect your unique interests. As a beginner, you'll be learning a lot during our first several months together. You'll learn to navigate the keyboard, read the basic language of music, and communicate expression through your music. Once you've mastered the basics, we'll begin to incorporate the songs and classical styles you love. I want you to enjoy playing the pieces over and over even after we've finished working on them together. As far as performance goes, I'm very laid back. We will have performance opportunities at low-key venues such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. I also encourage my students to work on pieces they can perform during special occasions at their church. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano in separate room. Seating for parents in the studio. *** Specialties *** I have used both Faber and Alfred's piano teaching methods for beginners. I also used the Celebration Series for twin boys who took group lessons with me for a year. I feel most comfortable teaching classical style music, since this is the genre where I've had the most performance experience.