Are You Interested in Private Piano Lessons?
I offer piano lessons in my studio to children and adults living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. I accept students of all levels, from beginner to advanced to those wishing to return to the study of piano after a hiatus. My studio is located in Falcon Heights (near the MN state fairgrounds). Lessons last for 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min. Young beginners typically have 30-min weekly lessons. Older beginners and intermediates have 45-min weekly lessons. Advanced students have 60-min weekly lessons. I offer many flexible scheduling options for adults. At our first lesson, we will discuss your goals and interests, then develop a plan to help you reach your goals. I work one-on-one with you on repertoire and technique, then give you practice suggestions for the week.
About Me
I have been a private music teacher for 11 years, working with students from 3 years old through adults. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University and studied under Susan Starr (Rutgers University), Eleanor Sokoloff (Curtis Institute of Music), Marian Zarzeczna (Westminster Choir College), and Yun-Yun Feng (NJMTA). I also hold a Diploma in Piano Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). I am a member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and Music Teachers National Asssociation (MTNA).
Additionally, I am a church musician and keyboardist. I have been the pianist in both traditional and contemporary church services for over 10 years as well as a choir accompanist. I have also been invited to teach keyboard accompaniment and improvisation workshops for church musicians.
I have worked as an accompanist for the St. Paul Ballet, the Princeton Ballet School, and Rutgers University’s Dance Department.
My students have passed the ABRSM music theory and piano exams up to the highest level (grade 8).
My Teaching Philosophy
The most important value for me as a music educator is instilling a love for music that lasts a lifetime. This will look different for each student depending on their individual goals, learning styles, and interests. My role as a teacher is to guide, encourage, and develop the skills they need to reach their goals.
My approach is warm, encouraging, and collaborative. I love incorporating games, incentives, and performance opportunities to keep students engaged. For the youngest students, I use off-the-bench activities to break up the lesson time. I encourage all of my students to learn pieces they enjoy playing. I never force my students to perform or to perfect pieces they do not enjoy.
I believe that building solid technical skills increases the enjoyment of making music. To that end, I put an emphasis on good technique and sight-reading skills. I also incorporate musicianship training into lessons, such as aural skills, theory knowledge, and ensemble playing.
Cultivating excellence and joy in making music will last a lifetime.
Watch and Listen to Jessica’s Performances
Chopin Scherzo No. 1 – Performed at Rutgers University
Gershwin Prelude No. 1
Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 – 1. Allegro Maestoso – Performed with the MacPhail Chamber Orchestra