Developing thriving musicians with personalized, encouraging piano lessons
"I have taken lessons over the years from other teachers and Jessy has by far been my favorite! She is very patient and adapts to your learning style. Her lessons are structured and she always has a plan of what to work on or do next. Jessy is very professional but also very kind. Lessons are always productive and I always feel that she makes sure I’m ready for the week ahead with proper practicing techniques.” - Jessica
“Jessy has been amazing for our elementary-age son, who had been playing around with the piano but had no formal lessons before. She has really built up his confidence, and he has made huge strides in skill in less than a year” - Caleb
Welcome! Piano lessons are an opportunity to develop creativity, discipline, and appreciation for the arts in a rewarding way.
My goal is to foster well-rounded, independent musicians, while providing opportunities for growth. I learned to teach piano under the guidance of international pedagogue, pianist, and University of Texas Professor Sophia Gilmson, as well as jazz pianist, educator, and director Dan Redner. This is in addition to my own experience as a musician, teacher, and lifelong learner. I have a bachelor of music from the University of Texas at Austin and have been teaching since 2019. I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA). I currently work with about 35 students, ages 6 to 70+ of all levels. While I’m happy to assist with any genre, my teaching focuses on classical, pop, and rock styles.
Students get:
Weekly 1 : 1 lessons with a qualified, invested teacher
Performance, collaborative, and creative opportunities
A strong musical foundation (that can be applied to any instrument, not just piano!) including theory, ear training, reading music and music history
Healthy piano technique for a lifetime of comfortable music-making
Development of essential skills such as how to practice, problem solve, and set & achieve goals
Lesson Details
Recital and Opportunities
School aged students perform in a biannual recital if they have been enrolled for at least five months by the time of the recital. Adults and newer students may opt in. Students may also choose to participate in other events, such as Austin District Music Teacher Association (ADMTA) events, including festivals, contests, and/or theory tests. Small gatherings at my home studio are another chance for students to share their efforts and gain additional performing experience. I welcome student compositions and encourage students to casually perform for each other and play duets.
Instrument Requirements
Students need to be able to practice, so the following items are a “must have” by our first lesson. If you would like to sign up and don’t yet have an instrument I will gladly help you find one!
Access to a well-maintained acoustic piano (preferred), or an 88-key digital piano with touch sensitivity and weighted action.
Electronic piano users will need a keyboard stand and music stand. While not immediately necessary for beginners, eventually a sustain pedal will be needed.
A piano bench (not a chair or stool).
A foot stool or stack of books if the students’ feet do not reach the floor.
Please note that short fingernails are necessary for proper piano technique. Long nails will be a hinderance, even in your very first lesson.
Practice
Learning any instrument is a skill. You get out what you put in, so don’t expect meaningful progress without regular practice. Daily practice is ideal, though a 5 or 6 day practice week can be sufficient depending on your goals.
The amount of appropriate practice time depends on the students age and goals. A young beginner would progress with just 10-15 minutes a day, but if you want to major in music no less than 2-3 hours a day would be acceptable. Students will get an assignment at every lesson, so practice time should at least be long enough to make meaningful progress on every part of the assignment.
Observing Lessons
Parents/caretakers are always welcome to observe lessons. Those of beginners around 9 years old or younger are especially encouraged to do so and help with practice. Meaningful progress cannot happen in the beginning without your gentle assistance at home. Please silently observe lessons and learn alongside the student. Assignments will include instructions for practice, but taking your own notes will also help.
Student Portal
I use the online platform My Music Staff for scheduling, billing, and other aspects of my studio. Each student/family gets a free account.
Availability, Pricing and Scheduling
Please contact me for the most current availability. Lessons are the same day and time on weekly basis, and are open to students age 6 and up.
30 minute lesson - $40 (recommended for elementary students)
45 minute lesson - $55 (recommended for middle school and casual adult students)
60 minute lesson - $70 (recommended for high school and adult students).
Payment is due on the 1st and covers all lessons for the month, plus occasionally reimbursement for materials. (New students: payment for the remainder of the month will be due by your first lesson). Optional events, such as festivals or theory tests, may have registration fees due on the students behalf. Zelle, cash, check, and online payments (via student portal) are accepted.
There is a 48 hour cancellation and rescheduling policy, with some exceptions for rescheduling.
Location
Lessons are at my home studio in South Austin, near the William Cannon & Menchaca intersection. Please note I have a cat.
Next Steps
To sign up (or just learn more) contact me and we’ll schedule a complimentary meet and greet (online or in person).
2. Afterwards, if you wish to enroll I’ll share a short form for you to fill out, which includes reading and agreeing to the studio policies.
3. You’ll then receive login information to set up your account in My Music Staff (the student portal) - and I’ll look forward to seeing you at our first lesson!