I create positive musical experiences for all of my students and respond to their curiosity about the instrument. I offer piano and organ lessons for all ages and levels, from the youngest children alongside parents and caregivers to emerging artists and older adults looking for customized learning experiences.

I provide musicians with a well-rounded education:
  • the technique to play in a way that is healthy for the body
  • the theoretical knowledge to support long-term musical growth
  • the sight-reading ability to play in various settings
  • the improvisational skills to enhance creativity
  • the historical and contextual knowledge to perform with stylistic accuracy


Painting beautiful music together at the piano...
A Lenten Walk - Dr. Elaina Burns, organist
First Partner Lesson - Synchronized Arpeggios


Studio Policies
Please note: 
The Studio Policies below apply to those enrolled in Individual and Partner Lessons. Group Lessons are more recreational in nature.

Practice

In order for the student to make progress, he or she must spend time at the piano.  The student and I will set goals at the beginning of each semester.  I will work with the student to determine an appropriate weekly practice schedule to help meet the short-term and long-term goals of the individual.  Practice sessions should be goal oriented rather than time constrained; however, students will progress more smoothly when they spend a minimum of 25 to 35 minutes per day, 5 to 6 days per week working on their assignments.  Students should remember many important practice components, including: warm-up/technique, sight-reading, repertoire, written theory assignments, and improvisation.  Students and parents are encouraged to discuss assignments with me, especially if they feel that assignments are too simple or overly challenging.


Memorization, Sight-reading, and Improvisation

All students at all levels will learn strategies and techniques to hone their skills in memorization, sight-reading, and improvisation.  Please contact me if you have any questions as you learn or your child learns to memorize music, sight-read, and improvise.  Constant encouragement is key!  I ask students, “Can you memorize the last note/chord of the piece?  How about the last two notes/chords?”  We work from the end of a piece or section so that they are always coming upon familiar material.  We will explore other strategies as well, but this can be one of the first and simplest steps for young students as they develop this important musical skill.   


 Termination of Lessons

Enrollment in piano lessons (outside of summer sessions) implies a minimum of a one-year commitment. Students and parents should communicate regularly with me regarding personal interests and goals.  I will communicate regularly with the student and parents regarding progress and preparation.  If the student is consistently unprepared for lessons and parent-teacher conferences are unsuccessful, lessons will be terminated. 


Performances/Recitals/Festivals

Students will participate in several recitals and festivals throughout the year.  Dates of upcoming recitals and festivals will be announced toward the beginning of each semester.  Students are encouraged to attend recitals in which they are not performing in order to experience the recital environment from a different perspective.