Piano Lessons
performance coaching available
*VIRTUAL LESSONS ONLY*
submit a contact form to be put on the waiting list for lessons
My current schedule is filled. Fill out my Contact form if you'd like to be placed on the waiting list.
Feedback coaching/consults are available. Click here for more information.
Feedback coaching/consults are available. Click here for more information.
My Teaching Philosophy
My role as a guide for students is teaching the process of how to learn new music instead of focusing only on the end result. I show students different ways to approach the unfamiliar--from noticing musical shape patterns, to using the title as a clue for what sound to aim for, to creating a silly story with characters to go with what they're playing--so they can practice with confidence. It's great to see tiny improvement from one lesson to the next, with just one simple suggestion that makes playing easier!
- I guide students with the foundation to play classical pieces, while including music they're interested in: Movie, cartoon, video game themes, pop song arrangements, to learning how jazz charts/lead sheets work
- My instruction includes building a solid foundation of musical skills: All aspects of reading musical notation, and playing by ear are my top two! Other lesson goals are playing of different styles of piano literature, improvisation, composing, and playing pieces for fun.
- Consistent practicing leads to progress. More importantly, how one practices gets quicker results (intention with efficiency)
Overall, piano lessons should be an enjoyable experience, starting with student interest & motivation to learn more after each lesson.
what Parents & students have said
"Mr. John is an excellent teacher and my son showed tremendous improvement in a short period of time with John's help and instruction. My son had developed both an ability to play and an enjoyment of music because of John's thoughtful guidance. At the end of each class, John always provides positive feedback and motivates my son to do well. John also provides my son with plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents and to gain stage confidence." ~Varghese P.
"John has personalized how I want to learn piano and doesn't shoehorn a specific technique. He allows his students to decide what direction they want to go with and expounds more on that student's desire. An example is my personal focus is on learning how to read music, how to improvise, and how to generate a melody. John creates a lesson around those areas and implements them well.
YouTube does have convenient methods of teaching someone the "how" to play a song but not how to improvise, add your own flair, or understand what you are playing. With John I can ask him questions on these issues and he has the responses. If I can work well with John then I think anyone can. I would say that if you're an adult looking to start lessons that John has the technique and knowledge to keep you engaged and can answer your questions.
JUST REMEMBER you can't only lean on your teacher to teach you. You have to be willing to set aside time to practice on your own. Here's the funny thing: It does get easier. Don't ask me why, it just does. Don't get frustrated, and just practice." ~Ryan G.
Grouped lessons
for pianists with limited time and seek improvement
lesson packages
For those on a smaller budget, or limited time, I offer grouped lesson packages of 4, 6, or 8 Online Lessons. Note in the Contact Form you're interested in a Package and include the number of lessons
Benefits include:
Benefits include:
- Flexible Scheduling- Schedule the lessons when the days/time works for you. While consistency is preferred, Lessons don't have to be weekly, in a row. You have up to 3 months to use the total number of lessons/package you choose.
- Focus on Improvement- We can focus on one goal (learning how to read the bass clef better, playing one song, mastering a difficult passage...) rather than too many things to learn. Tracking progress from lesson 1 to the "last" (4, 6, or 8) will be exciting, since you'll know if you've gotten better!
- Learn at your Own Pace- A set group of lessons allows more time for practice and internalizing concepts between meetings. Avoid feeling overwhelmed and the pressure of having to be 'ready' by the next week. If you haven't had time to practice, just reschedule the next lesson when you're ready to keep going. Or have your questions ready for us to work through together!
Contact me with the personal musical goals you'd like to accomplish.
*Recommended for older students/adults committed to consistent practicing, who like asking questions, and are motivated to work towards goals.
Do I need a piano for lessons?
Yes. A piano at home is essential for making progress in between lessons. There are different options depending on your situation: Electric pianos for those with limited space in their home, apartment, condo., etc. to smaller upright pianos. The "weighted" or "touch sensitive" action that happens when a key is played on an acoustic/electric piano is preferred compared to a keyboard with thin, plastic keys. The key action develops playing technique better than plastic keys with no resistance. Practicing at home develops the new skills learned at lessons. Check out my piano guide pdf with with suggested models, brands, and bundles to get started.
There is the option to buy a used electric piano (suggest only buying the brands/models listed in handout) from the music stores listed or Facebook Marketplace. I do not advise buying a used upright piano unless it is inspected by a piano technician before considering. Some instruments sold cheaply look fine on the outside, but their inside parts may be old, damaged, or not maintained enough to endure consistent practice.
There is the option to buy a used electric piano (suggest only buying the brands/models listed in handout) from the music stores listed or Facebook Marketplace. I do not advise buying a used upright piano unless it is inspected by a piano technician before considering. Some instruments sold cheaply look fine on the outside, but their inside parts may be old, damaged, or not maintained enough to endure consistent practice.
what's special about "focused" lessons?
Focused lessons (in sets of 4-8) are longer lessons (1 hour) where more material can be covered and there's more room for students to ask questions. These lessons are best for serious, goal-oriented students. The ideal student is willing to learn patience, enjoy the process, and knows getting better at playing piano happens over time when work (consistent practice!) is put in. Focused lessons are great for those new to piano, want to dive into one concept or musical style, or want ideas to solve certain musical/technical problems. In the past, I've had an adult student work on pop songs, Disney songs, Gospel/church hymns, and revisit basic piano skills.
Choosing focused lessons is an opportunity to experience specific attention to meaningful musical goals, certain genres, repertoire, prepare for important events (recitals, auditions, juries) or to refine technical issues. These lessons are best for those who want to see restuls in a set amount of time, or learn to easily read music, play classical literature and beyond (and feel comfortable in other genres), maybe continue playing through college, or possibly enter amateur competitions as a hobby. I encourage all styles to be learned, and since classical music requires a technical foundation, it's easier to branch off to whatever else is exciting to explore.
Customized lessons are usually 1 hour, and more time is allowed for discussion of concepts, nuances of playing within a style, experimenting at the keyboard, and making sure we're working towards your stated goals. (like, mastering a specific piece, being prepared for an audition, getting comfortable playing for enjoyment, etc.)
Choosing focused lessons is an opportunity to experience specific attention to meaningful musical goals, certain genres, repertoire, prepare for important events (recitals, auditions, juries) or to refine technical issues. These lessons are best for those who want to see restuls in a set amount of time, or learn to easily read music, play classical literature and beyond (and feel comfortable in other genres), maybe continue playing through college, or possibly enter amateur competitions as a hobby. I encourage all styles to be learned, and since classical music requires a technical foundation, it's easier to branch off to whatever else is exciting to explore.
Customized lessons are usually 1 hour, and more time is allowed for discussion of concepts, nuances of playing within a style, experimenting at the keyboard, and making sure we're working towards your stated goals. (like, mastering a specific piece, being prepared for an audition, getting comfortable playing for enjoyment, etc.)
what are your rates & availability?
Please fill out the Contact Form with the type of lessons or services you're looking for and I'll let you know if I'd be the right fit for you. Currently, only Online lessons are offered. Other days/times may be available, depending on my schedule. If needing accompanying or class piano tutoring, fill out the contact form to request a day/time. If you're a student at UNF with access to practice rooms, we can also meet/rehearse there.
how long will it take me to learn (to play) piano?
It really depends on the person and their consistency in practicing. If your time is limited, it may take a bit longer until you feel confident. The best advice is the more you spend time at the piano-even just 5-10 minutes daily-can really show improvement over time. Learning to play piano or getting better at any new skill depends on the time spent with it. Like starting a new job, learning how to cook, or figuring out how your latest smartphone works, the more you practice, fiddle with, and dedicate consistent time to something, the faster you'll progress. Asking questions, doing personal research, and not being afraid to make mistakes are all part of the process. It's important to remember: it's not the time spent practicing, but the quality of the time spent-that is, having a set goal in mind (even if it's small) and working at trying to solve it. 15 minutes of focused time is better than sitting at the piano for an hour with no goal in mind or playing through things and exercises without knowing why you're doing it.
My most successful students are those that practice consistently-not necessarily every day, but they block out time in their schedule to practice. Those that are "slow" tell me they get distracted, don't practice as much, and I'm okay with that if they understand they're learning at their own pace. But, there has to be commitment to the process of learning and our lesson time together should be productive for both of us.
My most successful students are those that practice consistently-not necessarily every day, but they block out time in their schedule to practice. Those that are "slow" tell me they get distracted, don't practice as much, and I'm okay with that if they understand they're learning at their own pace. But, there has to be commitment to the process of learning and our lesson time together should be productive for both of us.
More Performance Experiences Offered:
Performance, Scholarship. & Award Opportunities:
Option to participate in MTNA Student Day & Federation of Music Clubs Jr. & State Festivals:
Events providing scholarship opportunities, progress assessments, local/state/national competitions, & public performance experience outside Music Academy Recitals
Exposure to genres/pieces (Pop, Intro to Jazz, 21st Century composers) in addition to Classical literature
Additional content in Music Theory: learning to read Lead Sheets/play with chords, exploring improvisation,
playing by ear & composition skills; use of Music Apps to reinforce concepts
Option to participate in MTNA Student Day & Federation of Music Clubs Jr. & State Festivals:
Events providing scholarship opportunities, progress assessments, local/state/national competitions, & public performance experience outside Music Academy Recitals
Exposure to genres/pieces (Pop, Intro to Jazz, 21st Century composers) in addition to Classical literature
Additional content in Music Theory: learning to read Lead Sheets/play with chords, exploring improvisation,
playing by ear & composition skills; use of Music Apps to reinforce concepts
If you could play anything on the piano, what would it be?
Learning to play piano seems like a lot at first...using both hands to play, trying to sound "right" the first time, and you're not sure where to begin! But for most people (including me), we all had to start somewhere, with curiosity to guide us.
What makes the piano a great instrument to start your musical journey?
Imagine all the possibilities-there's so much written for it that you can play all the songs you want by yourself. You'll be able to create something, then post a video on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. If you want to do more than play, you can sing your heart out to your favorite pop song or lead a sing-a-long with family during the holidays. How about having fun with a friend, brother, or sister playing a 4-hand duet? At school you can play "the keys" to be part of the jazz band or you can play for your church. Forming your own band? Learn just enough to jam out or make an original melody! Or you play for your own enjoyment, for yourself with no one else listening. The piano is a gateway for expression...on it's own or as part of a group! Once you've gotten past learning the notes, making music is the next step!
Imagine all the possibilities-there's so much written for it that you can play all the songs you want by yourself. You'll be able to create something, then post a video on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. If you want to do more than play, you can sing your heart out to your favorite pop song or lead a sing-a-long with family during the holidays. How about having fun with a friend, brother, or sister playing a 4-hand duet? At school you can play "the keys" to be part of the jazz band or you can play for your church. Forming your own band? Learn just enough to jam out or make an original melody! Or you play for your own enjoyment, for yourself with no one else listening. The piano is a gateway for expression...on it's own or as part of a group! Once you've gotten past learning the notes, making music is the next step!
One Final Note...
I believe anyone can learn to play the piano:
All it takes is interest, focus, consistency, and patience to complete small goals that gradually lead to bigger wins!
Some students may just want to play for fun, while others are serious about becoming professional musicians.
The soft skills developed in learning to play an instrument: discipline, reading music, coordination, perseverance, goal-setting, and critical thinking to express music, are traits that are valuable for all areas of our lives.
Whatever the reasons, I want students to gain a life-long appreciation and enjoyment for music, recognize its societal value, and enjoy the journey of the learning process.
All it takes is interest, focus, consistency, and patience to complete small goals that gradually lead to bigger wins!
Some students may just want to play for fun, while others are serious about becoming professional musicians.
The soft skills developed in learning to play an instrument: discipline, reading music, coordination, perseverance, goal-setting, and critical thinking to express music, are traits that are valuable for all areas of our lives.
Whatever the reasons, I want students to gain a life-long appreciation and enjoyment for music, recognize its societal value, and enjoy the journey of the learning process.
Former Student Thank you card
My Mission:
Educate, Empower, & Elevate
