Piano with Karissa K.

Born and raised in Burley, Idaho, my parents purchased a piano from an auction for my sister and I when I was seven. After a family friend taught me my first scale, I played it non-stop. My parents both decided it was time to invest in lessons so I could learn to play at least more than one thing! With encouragement from my teacher, I began teaching piano lessons during my sophomore year of high school and I have loved it ever since. I have had a lot of experience, teaching children as young as five, as well as adults with no musical background. In 2011, I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a bachelor's degree in Music Ministry. I have been classically trained and my favorite composers are Chopin and Debussy. I've also spent a lot of time playing popular music and in worship bands and love to encourage students in both classical and popular music. I moved to Nashville in September of 2011 to explore Music City and moved back to the Denver area in November of 2013. I am very excited to add teaching back into my life. *** Lesson Details *** I want my students to look forward to their lessons every week! I strive to get to know each student, understand their learning style, and customize lessons to their goals and pace. I make sure the student understands each concept we work on before moving on to the next. Typically my students work on songs that will teach fundamentals and/or technique, and for fun, we will add material of the students choice to keep the process interesting and relevant to them. During the lesson, you'll find that I am laid back but excited to help the student learn. Not only do I customize each of my lessons, but the overall curriculum as well. Should you have specific preferences, I am always willing to look at any books you may already own to see what can be used there. If you do not have a preference, I can offer guidance. Each week students are sent home with a notebook to record notes from their lesson. It includes a list of which songs to practice and specific goals for each item. I find that this helps keep students on track throughout the week so they can remember past lessons and connect the content to current lessons. *** Studio Equipment *** Separate lesson room with a fully weighted key board. Seating for parents. *** Specialties *** I have been classically trained and hold a degree in Worship Ministry. Experience in worship and secular bands through college and today have helped develop my strengths in these areas. I believe it is very important to teach fundamentals and technique of classical styles while helping my students translate those skills into playing church and secular music.