What are my Qualifications?

I think my greatest strength as a piano teacher is how passionate I am about the art of teaching. I love discovering and finding new ways to reach each individual and help them learn.

I have been teaching private and group piano lessons since summer 2006. I have a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, with a minor in Music from Brigham Young University. I taught several years in the public school system before deciding to teach music out of my home. I also love the piano and music and have been playing the piano now for almost 30 years; it is so rewarding for me to share that love with others.

Some of my strengths as a piano teacher are:

• I am very organized and efficient. Students quickly learn my routines and know exactly what to expect from their lessons.
• I communicate clearly, with both students and parents.
• I am creative. I try to make learning fun. If something doesn't work for one student, we try it another way. I love thinking of new ways to teach things.
• I am kind! Students learn best in a non-threatening, patient environment. This is the kind of teaching environment I strive to keep.
• I have clear and high expectations.
• I am an accomplished musician myself.

Many of my past parents and students offered to recommend me to my next group of potential students. You can read their recommendations by clicking on the link "What have other parents said about me?"

What Opportunities Will My Student Have to Perform?

I believe that performing is one of the greatest motivators for practice and improvement. Because of this, I try to give my students as many opportunities to perform as possible in a variety of situations. Once a quarter in our group lessons, each student has a chance to perform for their group of peers. I also give three formal piano recitals each year: one at Christmas, one in the fall, and one in the spring.

Here are photos from a past recital. I usually have a theme at my piano recitals. This recital was my first 'costume' recital. The students were assigned to wear or bring one thing that represented their song. It was so fun! I loved seeing the creative things they chose to wear or bring.

What Supplies Will I Need?

There are a few necessities that every piano student should have:

• A piano (or keyboard*) they can practice on regularly
• A three-ring binder filled with loose leaf lined paper 
• A complete set of piano books. I use different sets of books depending on the student, the age, and other circumstances, and will let you know which ones to buy.

*If you have a keyboard rather than a piano, the keyboard should have the an attachment for a pedal as well as dynamic-touch keys (if you touch the note gently, it should play softly and if you push it hard, it should sound loud). I can't stress enough how important these two elements are in learning to play the piano. It is still possible to teach students who have a keyboard without these things, but they are at a distinct disadvantage.   

How Much Do Lessons Cost?

I charge $15 for a 30-minute private piano lesson.

If you are interested in a 45-minute lesson, the price is $20 per lesson.

If you are interested in a 60-minute lesson, the price is $30 per lesson.

The lessons are paid for monthly, with payment being due at the first lesson of the month.

For more information about the different lengths in lessons, please see the section about how my lessons are scheduled.

What Happens at a Group Lesson?

I will hold GROUP LESSONS approximately once a quarter.  These typically consist of 4-5 students of the same skill and age level.

As a teacher, I feel that it is important that I share with you my rationale behind the things I do; read the list below to see what happens during a group lesson and the reason I feel this is important. This will also help you understand how group lessons can be beneficial and enjoyable for students of all ages and experience levels. (Knowing what happens at a group lesson could also mean that you could discuss and continue some of the activities at home. Look for the blue text for at-home enrichment ideas that you could try with your student.)

The following activities happen at EVERY group lesson, though the order and some minor details may vary.

PERFORMING TIME - Each student comes prepared to perform one song for their peers. They always introduce themselves and their song, perform, and bow to applause at the end. In my opinion, this is probably the most important piano time spent all month. The opportunity to perform in front of peers is the best way I know to motivate students to practice. This also helps students to become much more comfortable with performing in front of others. (At-home enrichment idea: have your students "perform" for the whole family. At lessons they are always required to introduce themselves and their song, adjust the bench, play their song, and then bow. Have them follow each of these steps at home also.)

LISTENING TIME - This is the time spent while the other students are performing their songs. I try very hard to make this time productive and to help train students to listen with an experienced ear. As a result, each group lesson, students will complete a "Listening Sheet" while paying attention to the other students' playing. On their listening sheet, they must make comments about how the music made them feel, which dynamics they heard (pp, p, mp, mf, f, or ff), if they heard any legato, staccato, or accents (articulation), which tempo the song was played at, the meter of the song (3/4, 4/4, 2/4, 6/8, etc.) what kind of key the song is in (major or minor), and more. This seems difficult, and certainly can be challenging, but I am AMAZED at how quickly the students are picking up on these concepts and most can answer these questions correctly just by listening! After each performance, we discuss the listening sheet. I find this activity very helpful for students. (At-home enrichment idea: ask your student about some of the above elements while listening to the radio in the car or music at home.)

GROUP RHYTHM TIME - Rhythm and counting is often something students struggle with; as a result, I have been including a group rhythm time in each group lesson. During this time, each student receives a paper with the same rhythm written on it. I clap or tap the rhythm and count aloud while the students follow along. Then we all count and clap the rhythm. We do this once of twice until everyone feels confident in the rhythm. Then, using our handy metronome, we slowly begin to speed it up or slow it down, playing with a variety of tempos and focusing on staying with the metronome. Usually, after doing this once, we complete the same process again with a second, slightly more difficult rhythm. Sometimes we sit in a circle and clap, other times we use drum sticks and blocks, or gather around my kitchen bar and slap the countertop, etc. No matter the variation, though, this is always a good exercise for students of all levels. (At-home enrichment idea: Take time to clap out rhythms with your student at home, in the car, or wherever. Make up your own rhythms and patterns together. Ask your student how to count the rhythms.)

EAR TRAINING ACTIVITIES - Each group lesson we do five ear training exercises. Students sit in my kitchen with their paper and pencil, and I play a pattern of notes on the piano. The students then write down the notes I have played on their paper. At this point, we are using numbers. For example, I might play a C - D - E pattern on the piano. The students would then write down 1 2 3. If I played C - D - E - D, the students would write 1 2 3 2, and so forth. This is really good to train students' ears and help them recognize the distance between notes by ear as well as help them develop better pitch. With time, I hope to move on to using the actual letter names of the notes, and then eventually get to the point where the students write the notes on the staff as I play them. (At-home enrichment idea: Play this game with your kids yourself. Gradually give more complex patterns. Turn the tables and let your student play the notes and see how well you can identify them by listening - they will probably think that is pretty fun!)

ACTIVITIES AND GAMES - In addition to the above activities, we usually have time for two or three games or activities. Some of our favorites are: Music tic-tac-toe, interval whackers, the white dice game, steal the bacon, musical pictionary, note flash card around-the-world, music BINGO, dynamics charades, name that tune (as well as it's dynamics, meter, etc.), beat the teacher, sight-reading challenge, scale contests and more! Not only do these activities all reinforce musical concepts and help the students more thoroughly understand the theory behind music, but it is an important bonding time. Students usually leave a group lesson after playing some of these games feeling excited about piano. This time also helps students develop better relationships with their fellow students, as well as a stronger friendship with me as their teacher. (At-home enrichment: Ask your student what their favorite games or activities at group lessons are. If possible, play some of them together at home.)

How are my lessons scheduled?

I give weekly private lessons. Most typically, I give 30-minute lessons.  A lot can be accomplished in a 30-minute lesson, but usually students will need to do their theory work and some sight-reading at home.

If requested, I also will offer 45-minute or 60-minute weekly lessons. Longer lessons are excellent for more advanced, dedicated students who need more in-depth theory learning, finger dexterity drills, and more time for thorough song mastery.

Approximately four times a year I schedule a GROUP LESSON in place of regularly scheduled private lessons. A group lesson lasts longer, typically an hour or slightly more. It is still the same price as the other lessons, despite the longer time. The group lesson involves 4 - 5 students of the save skill level, and gives each student a chance to perform for the group and participate in other group piano activities. To learn more about group lessons, read the link "What Happens at a Group Lesson."

At What Age Should My Child Begin Taking Piano Lessons?

Each and every child is different, which is why I do not like to assign an exact age for beginning piano lessons.

However, there are a few basic requirements that a child should meet before beginning lessons, in order to ensure their success:

• The child should recognize the ABC's and be developing basic reading skills.
• The child should be able to sit through a 30-minute private lesson.
• The child should have a desire to play the piano and a willingness and ability to practice regularly at home.

If your student meets or exceeds each of these expectations, then it is time to get them started in their musical lessons!

Why Should My Child (or I) Take Piano Lessons?

Learning to play the piano has been proven to:

• improve fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination for children
• develop listening and visual skills
• engage both hemispheres of the brain
• improve concentration
• nurture music appreciation
• create a well-rounded lifestyle
• help a child's math skills
• build confidence and self-esteem by developing performance skills
• add beauty to the world
• and more!

Give your child this amazing opportunity; sign up for piano lessons today!

Where is My Piano Studio Located?

**Update: Jennifer's Piano Studio is moving! In July 2017 I am moving to the Eagle's Gate Neighborhood of the Ranches in Eagle Mountain, UT. If you would like to visit in person, you can do so in August by contacting me at  JennifersPianoLessons@gmail.com or by calling 801-310-2237.

I live in Lehi, UT and teach from my home, which is located in the Pheasant Point neighborhood off of 1200 West.

What have other parents said about my piano studio?

Michael S. said, "Jennifer is a simply amazing piano teacher. Her enthusiasm for music and the instrument has motivated my daughter to the point where it is truly a passion. She voraciously studies the theory and practices all the exercises. At a little more than a year into lessons she is already "teaching" piano to her friends! Jennifer is one-of-a-kind and I would recommend her to anyone!"

Michael &; Marilyn W. said, "Jennifer Reynolds has been a one-in-a-million piano teacher! She has innovative and creative ideas to help her students learn in many different and effective ways. She is extremely positive, patient, and kind to her students. She is extremely gifted in finding ways to challenge and motivate her students to do their best. She helps her students develop self-confidence through recitals, performances in small groups, and through her positive praise of the good things they do. I cannot say enough good about her and her teaching--my children have had an AWESOME experience learning piano from Jennifer!"

Julie M. said, "My daughter is 9-years-old and was very nervous about taking piano lessons and had a lot of anxiety about playing in front of someone and performing in recitals. Jennifer was great about easing her anxiety and had her prepared so well for group lessons and recitals that she was hardly nervous. My daughter progressed rapidly through her songs because Jennifer had incentives to practice and had practical expectations that made my daughter want to succeed. I was also impressed with how well my daughter was learning theory and rhythm."

Greg & Kathy G. said, "We have felt so lucky to have two of our children taking piano lessons from Jennifer. She has the right mix of creativity and fun, knowledge and skill to make learning how to play the piano enjoyable and motivating for our children. We have seen some great progress in both of our children in not only their skill level but in their attitude and enjoyment of the piano."

Pam S. said, "We have loved having Jennifer as our Piano teacher. Both my sons, ages 12 and 9, have loved taking piano from Jennifer. They look forward to the group lessons where they play games and perform for each other. Jennifer has such a wonderful background in music and it is obvious that she is passionate about it. She is also flexible with the kids. My oldest sometimes becomes bored with the routine of the books and Jennifer finds ways for him do a few other songs that he has more interest in which helps him continue moving forward with piano. If I were looking for a piano teacher for my children Jennifer would definitely be at the top of the list. She is consistent, committed to the kids, and makes learning fun."

Rhonda C. said, "Jennifer has taught my three children piano for the last two years.  She has been very good at adapting her teaching to help each one of my children's different personalities so that they will enjoy learning piano, and they have really learned how to play well.  We love how she is always calm and patient with them and she is always willing to help them.  She has been a wonderful teacher and we have really enjoyed all the creative recitals that my children have participated in.  This has been a great experience for my children."