Piano with Wendy H.

With music programs being eliminated from many school's education, I feel it is even more important than ever for children, off all ages, to participate in some form of musical experience. Being a piano teacher for over twenty five years, I have seen many benefits for those taking music lessons. Some of these benefits are building self esteem and confidence, learning to focus, developing mental discipline, overcoming the fear of getting up in front of crowds, not to mention being able to play songs that we enjoy. My philosophy of music is that you don't have to be an expert to be able to enjoy playing an instrument. It is not that difficult to learn to play piano or guitar; it just takes a little time and effort. I believe that practicing doesn't have to be hours a day either, unless you want to be a concert pianist or guitarist, but you can accomplish a lot with 15 to 30 minutes of practice each day. There is time to fit music in with many other activities that we like to do. So keep that in mind as you are deciding how you can fit music lessons into your daily schedule. I studied guitar for five years, then began to take piano lessons which continued through many years of my life. I studied under many classical teachers, and teaching methods such as Royal Conservatory of Music and Western Board. These lessons also included Music Theory. As I developed as a musician, I began to play piano, guitar, and ukulele in churches for worship services. I also accompanied soloists, both vocal and instrumental, and played for many special events such as weddings, funerals, graduations, etc. Eventually, I stepped into music ministry, which included planning music for church services, working with children's music programs, leading, rehearsing, and directing choirs etc. I have taught choir and music theory in schools over the years, as well. At some point in my life, I decided it was important for me to go for a music degree. This degree gave me four years of classical vocal training, more classical piano instruction, and ensemble work. It also gave me more experience with directing choirs and orchestras. My formal education is: Bachelor of Arts in Music Ministry with Applied Music. Church Piano Certification College Level Music Theory and Classical Voice *** Lesson Details *** When taking lessons from me, students can expect to work hard, but have lots of fun. Their music training will be very detailed and will include all aspects of learning music. In addition to learning how to read music and play piano or guitar well, students will learn theory and technic. Theory teaches students the understanding of how music is written; this will assist them in the future is their interests turn to writing and arranging music. Technique is the exercises for their fingers which teaches them control and agility. I accept students of all ages and abilities up to advanced intermediate levels in piano, guitar, and music theory. I accept beginning vocal students. Piano lessons consist of learning to play and read music. Students can expect to be classically trained, but will also get to choose and play songs or musical styles that they enjoy. Theory and technique will be included in their study program. Guitar and Ukulele lessons consist of learning how to play both notes and chords, and how to read both notes and chords, as well as lead sheets specifically written for guitar or ukulele. Students will also learn the written theory. I like to include extra books of songs or music styles that the students like. This encourages them to learn and practice because they are playing something that they know and like to play. Beginning classical vocal students will learn basic breathing technics, vocal exercises and will sings a variety of songs. I don't start out with classical vocal unless that is what the student wants. I let them choose music that they like to sing, as we can learn and practice vocal concepts with all types of music. I encourage vocal students to take at least basic piano lessons, so they can learn to read and understand musical concepts. Music theory goes along with any instrument and vocal instruction. Piano theory is the basis for all music theory. I have the ability to teach through college level theory for those that are interested in writing or arranging music or wanting to have this level of theory to go along with their musical instrument. Practice times start at 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for beginners. As students progress, their practice time increases. Advanced beginners will practice 30 minutes a day, early intermediate level will practice 45 minutes a day, and intermediate level will practice at least 1 hour a day. I encourage students to take one lesson a week for 1/2 hour. As they advance, then this may increase to a 45 minute lesson, once a week, then perhaps 1 hour once a week as needed. After 3 months, beginning students will be able to play simple folk songs with right hand melody and left hand accompaniment. At 6 months, students will have learned 3 different positions or keys on the piano, will be playing songs that are a little more complex, and can now add supplemental fun books to their lessons. I encourage my students to participate in two recitals a year. I try to make this a fun, not a stressful, time for them. I also encourage family and friends to attend and cheer on the students. If students wish to compete in music competitions or adjudications, I can assist them in doing so, as well. There is a studio location in Colorado Springs, Co 80922 *** Studio Equipment *** Piano *** Travel Equipment *** Don't have the ability to travel to lessons at the moment. *** Specialties *** Classical piano is my strengths; however, I can teach any style from christian to contemporary to jazz. Vocal styles are basic classical, modern, and christian. Guitar styles include basic instruction on learning to play guitar, chording, fingerpicking, using different positions on the finger board. I can teach beginning to college level music theory. I can also teach ukulele, notes and chording.