Grassfield Piano Academy

Two New Group Classes Forming Tuesday, February 6


This semester we will have two beginner group classes on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 and 5:15-6:15 at Hickory United Methodist Church.  I am grateful for the space that the church allows us to meet.  My studio is independent of the ministry and programs of the church — although it is a wonderful church.  I am blessed to be an active member there. 




Benefits of Group Lessons


  • The motivation of playing simple parts that sound incredible when played together.
  • Learning to listen, to keep an even tempo and to play with others right away.
  • The motivation that comes from belonging to a team.
  • The lifelong friendships you pick up along the way.
  • Affordability 

The downsides are:

  • Students learning different concepts at different paces.
  • Less individual attention.


Benefits of Private Lessons

  • Personalized instruction that is uniquely suited to each student’s needs and goals.
  • Custom pacing designed to ideally challenge and motivate each student.
  • Extra time for relationship building with a caring adult and emotional support in the lesson.

The downsides are:

  • An intense (and sometimes overwhelming) learning environment.
  • Few opportunities for peer motivation.
  • Difficulty with even, steady tempos, listening skills and improvisation.

While private lessons can offer one on one attention for the piano student, Group lessons offered by an experienced classroom teacher will often provide the customization that each individual student needs to make continual progress.   Group Lessons are an ideal format for the beginner. 

Group lessons are an affordable way for parents to determine if the child has the interest to pursue piano lessons for the years to come.

We all have different styles of learning.  Piano is not for everyone but for those who commit to a few minutes of practice each day (I recommend starting with 15 minutes), it is extremely rewarding and satisfying.

I often describe learning piano to my students as a hike up a mountain.  The beginning is slow, tiring,  and uncertain.     However, if the student takes one step at a time, he will get to the top.  

Coming down from the mountain, the student has discovered he knows enough to play songs he knows or likes.  This success will cause the student to want to know more so he can play other songs.  Then the hike up begins again on another mountain.  The student will reach the summit again and will hike downward with more advanced skills and playing even more enjoyable music.

This hike is aided by a positive teacher who is skilled in motivating children to meet challenges and persevere to success.   Peer groups, or a “piano team” can be a great asset to this journey as well.  

I have over 40 years of experience teaching privately and in a public school setting as the school music teacher.  I have also led children’s choirs in church and school settings, and served as accompanist for churches and student auditions and contests.  

I would be honored to teach your musician, either privately or on one of our piano teams  this year!