Piano with Peggy J.

Peggy J. is a highly qualified and experienced musician and teacher in the greater Milwaukee area. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s in both piano and choral conducting. Professionally, Peggy has worked in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas as a pianist and ballet dancer for many dance companies including The Milwaukee Ballet and Chicago City Ballet Companies. Throughout her career she has continually served as a church musician (pianist, organist, and choir director) for a wide variety of denominations. Beginning in 2000, she taught music full-time in the Catholic school system for more than 10 years. Some of her other accomplishments include directing musical theater and composing and performing live accompaniments for silent movies. Peggy has enjoyed a growing roster of private students (primarily piano and voice) since college. By sharing the benefits of what all of her experience can teach, she puts the wonderful language of music within her students’ reach. Each spring and winter they have an opportunity to exhibit their successes to friends and family as they prepare and perform in bi-annual recitals. *** Lesson Details *** As Peggy begins lessons with a new student, they work together to establish what musical background, if any, the student has and determine clear goals in terms of the student’s focus of study. While some aspects such as style and specific repertoire may be more flexible, all will systematically develop a true understanding of the basics of music theory. Technique and habits of practice are made clear and assignments, tailored to each student, and comments to the student and/or parents are notated weekly. Building a positive, trusting, and respectful relationship with student is also very necessary. A teacher’s ultimate job is to teach the student to be his own problem solver. The teacher provides the tools. The student uses them in daily practice. Even as a beginner, a student will learn the process of preparing and presenting himself with confidence in the bi-annual recitals. How exciting to not only learn the love of music, but grow in self-esteem and discipline. *** Travel Equipment *** I DO have a portable Privia keyboard to carry in my car, but I believe the student must have some sort of keyboard at home with which to practice on during the week. Even a voice student would need at least a small keyboard, but, with my Privia for lessons, that would work fine! *** Specialties *** Strong emphasis on theory and proper technique. Usually a mixed rep. that includes classical with an understanding of the historical stylistic eras (as they effect interpretation) and (esp. with younger students) some contemporary genre that is recognizable to them to see the comparisons and differences.