1^st lesson free

Steph

Rate $60
Response 1h

$60/h

1^st lesson free

Piano

Master piano with a BYU-trained professional offering holistic, supportive instruction backed by two master's degrees and 40 years of experience.

Piano

Lesson location

- At Steph's house: Midvale

About Steph

Why Study With a Counselor-Educator?

Learning an instrument is as much a mental journey as a physical one. With 48 years of piano experience and Master's degrees in both Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I offer a teaching style that goes beyond the sheet music.

How My Counseling Background Benefits You:

*Overcoming Performance Anxiety: I use proven techniques to help students manage "stage fright" and build genuine confidence.
*A Tailored Emotional Approach: I recognize that every student processes frustration and success differently. I adapt my language and pace to keep you motivated, not overwhelmed.
*The "Whole Person" Method:
My background allows me to identify learning blocks and perfectionism that often hinder musical progress.
*Safe Space for Adult Learners: For those returning to the keys later in life, I provide a non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where you can rediscover your passion without the pressure of traditional "strict" methods.

The Professional Edge
Classically trained by a BYU professor and a professional performer since age 14, I provide the technical rigor you want with the emotional support you need. Whether you are a beginner or looking to polish late intermediate repertoire, you deserve a teacher who understands both the art of the piano and the science of the mind.

About the lesson

Teaching Method and Techniques

I utilize a holistic-technical method. This means while we focus on the rigorous foundations of classical technique (finger independence, scales, musicality, etc.), I integrate educational psychology to ensure the material sticks. I use "Scaffolded Learning" from my Education degree—breaking complex pieces into manageable mental "chunks"—and "Positive Reinforcement" from my counseling background to build a student's musical self-efficacy. We don't just "drill" scales; we explore the emotional intent behind the notes.

A Typical Lesson Plan (30 Minutes)
*The Check-In (5 Mins): A brief "mindset" transition.
We discuss how practice went this week and identify any emotional or physical blocks (anxiety, frustration, or excitement).
*Technical Warm-Up (5 Mins):
Scales, arpeggios, or Hanon/Czerny exercises focused on classical form.
*Repertoire Development (10 Mins): Working on current pieces. Here, I use "active listening" and "demonstration-imitation" techniques to refine expression and accuracy.
*Applied Theory/Sight Reading (5 Mins):
Understanding the why behind the music so the student can eventually learn independently.
*The Wrap-Up (5 Mins): Setting clear, stress-free goals for the coming week and closing with a "success moment" to ensure the student leaves feeling accomplished.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is the integration of the mind and the music. With two Master's degrees—one in Education and one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—I am uniquely equipped to handle the "mental game" of music. I don't just teach you how to play; I teach you how to manage performance anxiety, how to learn efficiently without burnout, and how to use the piano as a tool for emotional regulation and joy. I bring 34 years of lived experience as a performer, offering a depth of knowledge that only decades of professional play can provide.

Who the Lessons Are For
My lessons are open to a wide range of students, though I specialize in those who value a thoughtful, yet fun approach.
Levels: Beginner to late advanced
Ages: Children (ages 5+) through Seniors

Specificities: I offer 20, 30, and 45-minute lessons. I am an excellent fit for students who struggle with perfectionism or anxiety, those looking for a classical foundation, or those who want to transition from "playing notes" to "making music.

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

5h: $300
10h: $600

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Steph will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

Master piano with a BYU-trained professional offering holistic, supportive instruction backed by two master's degrees and 40 years of experience.

Lesson location

About Steph

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

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Master piano with a BYU-trained professional offering holistic, supportive instruction backed by two master's degrees and 40 years of experience.

Lesson location

About Steph

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

Other tutors in Piano

James

Abby

Alec

Mallory

Malena

Elliot

Junior

Sarah

Katarina

Mary

Ezra

Tina

Tomás

Sergio

Giulia

Eduardo

Dr Ethan Lustig

Danielle

Lucía

Taryna

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