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Melody C.

Rogersville, Tennessee

Engaging Piano Lessons for Beginners of All Ages

I teach online or in-person piano lessons from my home studio on my beautiful Steinway baby grand piano. A typical lesson with me will look something like this: -The student plays what they have practiced, and we work on any difficult areas and techniques for playing better. -I introduce new lesson material, asking questions to make sure my student understands. -We work on music theory, sight reading, good posture, and helpful practice techniques. -I expect my students to practice every day, just as I do. It is the only way to become proficient. - - - - - - - - - - For online lessons, you may use the online platform provided by TakeLessons, or we can use Zoom. Most of my students are using Zoom. You will need to order lesson books before your first lesson. After you sign up, we will discuss which books to order. I usually use Alfred's Basic Piano Library lesson and theory books as a starting point for lessons. You will also need to set up your computer, tablet, or phone for a good view of your piano or keyboard. If you would like help with the setup before your first lesson, just let me know and we can do a test call to make sure everything is working. If you do not yet have a piano or keyboard, I am happy to give you some tips for choosing one. - - - - - - - - - - - I am also available to teach in my home studio. If you like, you can purchase your lesson books from me at your first lesson, or you can contact me to discuss which books to buy ahead of the lesson. If you do not yet have a piano or keyboard, let me know, and I can help you choose an instrument.
About Melody C.

My name is Melody Cook. I began learning to play the piano when I was five. My mother had a piano and some books. I loved the piano and I mostly taught myself. As an adult, I finally received professional musical instruction when I studied music at Valencia college and the University of Central Florida. I earned an Associates degree in piano performance and a Bachelors degree in music performance with a concentration in music composition. graduating with honors in 2019. My teaching experience began early. I was home schooled and taught some of my younger siblings reading, mathematics, and beginning piano. I have tutored children ages 5- 13 in reading and mathematics. I worked as a daycare teacher off and on for a few years in my twenties, teaching children ages 2- 10. In my thirties, I began teaching piano class at a middle-school while attending college. I have been teaching private piano lessons to all ages since 2014. On my profile I stated that I can teach students with special needs. I want to clarify that I do not have training in this area, but I have worked with students who have ADHD, autism and other special needs. It is helpful for me to meet with the parents or other caregivers before the first lesson to discuss anything I may need to know, in order to give the student a positive learning experience. My students with special needs are great students! They enjoy and benefit from playing the piano, and I enjoy working with them!

Teaches Beginner

Teaching since 2014

Music Composition, Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude

Age: 5+

Speaks English, Russian

Has background check

Instructor details
Subject: Piano
Piano
Teaches 1 subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaches Online

Work hours

Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$60
Photos & videos20 photos & videos
ReviewsWrite a review
4.8
27 Reviews
5Review Star
85%
4Review Star
15%
3Review Star
0%
2Review Star
0%
1Review Star
0%
Teacher's studio

Ms. Melody is a great teacher! Very patient and kind. My son enjoyed his piano lessons with Ms. Melody!

Posted Jun 22, 2022
Online

Melody has been a gift. Under her encouragement, patience and knowledge, my 8 year old has flourished and has a new found appreciation for music. 5 stars isn't enough.

Posted Dec 15, 2021
Online

Melody is an awesome piano instructor. I am an adult beginner and I have been taking online piano lessons with her for almost a year now. She is always patient and kind and she has helped me learn so much. It is also convenient that the lessons can be held online. I look forward to many more lessons with Melody and would definitely recommend her!

Posted Dec 10, 2021
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Private Piano Teacher
Oct 2014 - Present
Melody's Piano Studio
I teach private piano lessons in my home studio and online.
Class Piano Teacher
Mar 2015 - May 2016
Seminole County Public Schools
I taught piano class at a middle school during the week as part of the Steinway Society's after school program.
Child care
May 2001 - May 2006
Little Fisherman Daycare
I cared for children ages 2- 13. I prepared and taught lessons, and watched out for the safety of the children during play, meals, and rest times.
Music Composition, Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude
Aug 2016 - May 2019
University of Central Florida
Piano Performance, Associate of Arts, president's list
Feb 2013 - May 2016
Valencia College
English
Native Proficiency
Russian
Limited Proficiency
Certificate of Russian Language Proficiency
May 2009
Хакасский Государственный Университет Им. Н.Ф. Катанова (Khakassia State University Im. N. F. Katanova)
I received a certificate of Russian language proficiency while in Russia in 2009. In 2012 I easily passed a Russian language proficiency exam at the University of Central Florida, waiving the requirement for me to take a foreign language at Valencia College.
Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude
May 2019
University of Central Florida
Central Florida Composers Forum
May 2019
Founded in 2011, the Central Florida Composers Forum is an organization of composers and new music practitioners dedicated to engaging the creative and larger community of Central Florida through the promotion of original and innovative music programming. Central Florida Composers Forum strives to be part of a larger cultural conversation where the musical, visual and other performing arts connect with audiences, foster vital collaborations, and produce multidisciplinary performances. Cultivating an audience for new music through education, workshops and outreach programs that create memorable artistic experiences for youth and community members are also central to our mission.

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