Student Spotlights: Savannah and Claire

Student Spotlights: Savannah and Claire


Savannah and Claire both came to me with similar stories of having had a little experience with piano as kids, and a love of singing.  They wanted to learn to sing and play, and feel more confident playing songs with other people.  They knew a little bit about chords, but didn’t know all of the major and minor chords that are necessary to learn the songs they love.


It’s strange to me that the classical style of teaching piano trains the fingers and hands to play scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions, but does not define for students what they are doing musically.


One of the reasons I chose the language of jazz based chordal theory over classical sheet music fluency is the incredible amount of creativity used in arranging your own versions of the songs you love.


I fell in love with singing, songs, and songwriting early on.  It made sense to focus on a piano style that would allow me to accompany myself as I sang, and understand the chordal techniques being used in the songs that moved me.


It’s surprisingly simple to learn all 12 major and minor chords, as well as a few basic accompaniment patterns that give you immediate access to playing and singing thousands of songs.


Within the first one or two sessions, Savannah and Claire had the tools to start singing and playing songs, and felt empowered to begin exploring songs on their own.


There’s nothing more gratifying and thrilling than sharing the craft, art form, and expressive power of song with my students! It took 20 years, but I finally created a form of musical work that is energetically sustainable, and that I love wholeheartedly.


Thanks Savannah and Claire for showing up courageously to dive into the art of song.


I have lesson spots open for my Spring Session, affordable and flexible rates, and a unique scheduling approach that is designed to make this learning available to a wide variety of folks. These sessions are effective in both in-person and virtual formats.


Please reach out if you are intrigued or know someone who might be. I’m happy to spend some time listening to your musical story and dreams.