Monday, September 21, 2009

Change in Piano Schedule!

I have decided to cancel the piano group lesson that was scheduled for next week.  I have put some thought into it and have decided that it is in the best interest of the students to take a little more time to get into the swing of piano lessons before starting the group lessons.  This means that instead of a group lesson, next week will be regular individual lessons!  I will plan on seeing your student at their usual time for an individual lesson.  The last week of October will then be the first group lesson week.

Thank you!  Feel free to contact me with any further questions!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Introducing: Music and Motion Class for Toddlers or Preschoolers!

Are you looking for something to do with your toddler or preschooler when the weather turns colder? Do have a desire to learn how to help your child’s musical confidence?  Does your child enjoy music and dancing? 

A Music and Motion Class may be just what you are looking for! 

All children are born with music within them, and if their early environment supports such learning children can become comfortable and confident in their musical abilities. 

In my Music and Motion Classes, we sing, laugh, play, listen, and dance as we learn about and practice:

  • High and low musical pitches
  • Musical louds and softs (dynamics)
  • Rhythm / keeping a beat
  • Singing in tune
  • The finger numbers associated with instrumental playing
  • Playing a variety of different musical instruments 

The children are also exposed to a variety of musical types and genres, such as:

  • Classical composers, including Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and more
  • Jazz & big band
  • Modern composers such as Copland & Debussy
  • Music from other cultures: Eastern African music, Paraguayan flute-playing, traditional Chinese music, Irish Dancing music, and more
  • Contemporary children’s music 

Classes will be held weekly for 45-minutes.  The child and their parent should attend all classes.  (Younger siblings are welcome, too!)  Due to limited physical space, class sizes will be limited!  The price is a cost of $15 a month, due on or before the first lesson of each month.  Currently I am offering preschool music classes on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.  To sign-up, send me an email or give me a call at 303-953-9694.  

Friday, August 21, 2009

Welcome to Jennifer's Piano Studio

Hi! My name is Jennifer Reynolds, and I have been teaching private and group piano lessons now for three years. I have a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, with a minor in Music. I taught several years in the public school system before deciding to teach music out of my home. Teaching is my passion; I love exploring new and better ways to reach each student. I delight in playing the piano, and take every opportunity available to share that skill with others.

If you live in the Highlands Ranch, CO area, I just moved to your neighborhood! I will begin teaching lessons on September 1, 2009! If you are looking for a qualified, experienced, organized, and fun piano teacher for your child, please read through my site to see if we would be a good fit! Also, for your convenience, there is a list of links for Frequently Asked Questions to the right.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at jennanne81@yahoo.com.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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?"

Saturday, May 2, 2009

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.