Est. 1987
Beginning and advanced students from grade school to retirement are welcome.
Generally, children begin formal individualized music training between the ages of 6 and 8. Prior to this, I encourage students to listen to a variety of music in the home, and take eurythmics classes at the earliest age possible. Singing, dancing and playing elementary instruments is great preparation for private lessons.
Absolutely. The sense of personal gratification from learning to play the piano is rewarding at any age, but adults appreciate the study of music as it stimulates both the body and the mind. Adults have many separate activites from school-aged students, including many Studio Workshops, chamber events, duet playing, community outreach and competitions, depending upon their level of advancement.
Lessons range in length from 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes, generally once a week. Very young students or those wishing to advance at a greater rate or depth are encouraged to take 2 lessons per week. Most lessons include technical work, sight reading, some ear training and theory as well as level-related study of musical periods, composers and their compositions.
Workshops are fun and inspirational student-only Studio events that occur several times a year where students present pieces and occasional discourses on thematically chosen subjects. Adults and school-aged students have separate events, and age-related activities are chosen.
Several times a year we select area concerts to attend as a Studio. Group discounts and seating is arranged for these events. We encourage family and friends to join us in enjoying the many diverse performances available in the Kansas City, KS and MO metropolitan areas.
A Steinway Grand Piano, Roland pro keyboard, state-of-the-art A/V and recording equipment, computer programs and an extensive music, book, CD and Vinyl library enhance our instructional capabilities. Virtual lessons using ZoomPro and FaceTime are also available.
There’s no replacing a good, well-lit, acoustic piano with a piano bench to begin your work, and students and families are encouraged to prepare for their music studies by creating the proper environment for optimum learning. A separate room or space away from phones, televisions and play areas, but never relegated to dark and isolated areas such as basements, are best. 88-key weighted keyboards are great for vacation homes, as they do not need tuning, but they never substitute for the feel and quality of sound a good acoustic piano can provide. I encourage people to purchase the most they can afford in a piano, to set the stage for success. I’ve worked with several licensed and trusted tuners who have websites listed to offer more suggestions about the purchase of a piano.
All potential students are interviewed, and all interviews are available at no charge. At that time I evaluate students and, for new students, provide simple games and exercises we ‘play’ at the piano, and for students with experience, I listen to work they have prepared. After our meeting, I provide written recommendations by email, determining the readiness or compatibility of the student to our program. If accepted, fees and policies are then provided with enrollment forms.