POSITIVE. PATIENT. PERSISTeNT.
KEYS TO MUSIC
OUR LESSONS ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH & MASTERY
Students are saying:
- "That was great! What's next?"
- "I want to do that again!"
- "I messed up at the end, but I played 326 notes right!"
- "Listen, I recorded my song!"
- "I'm really getting it... even online!"
STUDIO “IN ACTION”
WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
In-Studio & Online
Private Lessons
EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE. ACCOMPLISH.
We play in all styles of music: ensemble play, theory & skill games, composer classics, improv, percussion, compose, record CD, audition, musicals, friendly competitions, recitals, duets, sing & play, artists in music...
AMAZE YOURSELF AT ANY AGE!
PLAYING IS IN YOUR HANDS
HOW YOU LEARN MAKES A DIFFERENCE
- Everything is customized to fit your interest & learning style
- Play songs you love & songs to grow on
- Learn from a trained educator & pianist
- Build a strong foundation of skills
- Gather, relax, enjoy & play
PIANO IS MORE THAN MUSIC FUN!
STIMULATES FOR EVERY AGE
Brains • Fingers • Imagination
Creativity • Good Habits
Self-Esteem • Academic Ability
& The Heart
OPEN MON-FRI (ALL AGES)
PIANO KEYS TO MUSIC STUDIO
VALERIE THOMAS • 602.971.0089
30+ Years experience • North Phoenix, AZ2 complimentary lessons to start!
What's It All About?
Piano is an ongoing discovery that never disappoints me. I could tell you about the skills taught, the styles of music, the self discipline involved, the dynamics, types of credentials, levels of study and so on- but if you have been checking into lessons you’ve probably heard most of it already.I’d rather talk about what the piano has become for me, and hopefully for my students. It is a magnificent tool for communication. If you listen, the piano will teach you how to learn, fall on your face “musically” and get back up, develop grace under pressure, be playful and let yourself go, time management (a big one), learn about yourself in ways you’ve yet to be challenged, hear yourself through your music – your sweetness, your happy finger dance, your anger, your temper, you being “boogie on the 88 cool”, or transported back to some sumptuous classic era. It’s all there, anything you want.
What do I offer? a pathway to the piano--how to understand the language, how you’ll make your fingers communicate--and sometimes even work, when they don’t want to! How to master a passage, play with feeling and good rhythm, learn to read the notes; they’ll move on the page for you and you’ll follow… like breadcrumbs, I’ll show you how. Lots of approaches to reading the music… my philosophy?
“There is never only one way to do a thing.”
And we will find what works best for you.Whether it’s having the motivation to practice, try something new, let go and play without reading anything (yes, improv!), take the steps to the stage and make the thrill of the music more important than the anxiety you feel getting there. I will always be there for you. And You, you will grow in so many unexpected ways because you’re learning how to be there for Yourself. For some, it’s because you like it. It’s fun and enjoyable, easy and mood changing… music is healing and a wonderful experience. For some, it’s the intense levels of piano play, the extreme adventure, the big challenges taking great courage, that’s their pathway. For the rest, somewhere in between. Again, there’s no one way; learning to play is individual and it’s personal.None of this happens without relaxing into it all. We’ll be humorous, you can’t help it; learning can be funny! Understanding that perfection is subjective. What it is to one person is totally different, even between the experts (that’s why there are so many judges at the Olympics). We don’t worry with perfection. We get excited because it’s about making ourselves better and better. Mistakes happen and even the littlest student can keep on going and not crumble… You’ll see.The unexpected always happens at the piano… that’s to be expected! Did I say something about clear communication? (back on the Home Page, maybe). The best way to know what I’m about is by meeting me in person. Come to my home studio, it’s welcoming… I take music education seriously, but remember, we are playing!
"The piano is a magnificent teacher: It is instantly simple or complex.
You give & you get back. Nothing happens until you touch the keys...
Everything happens after that."
From beginning...
...to beyond.
IN THE NEws
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Testimonials
- "To play piano has been in my heart for years & years. I was so surprised I could do it!" ~ 65 (retired manager)
- "Recording & creating our own music here is so cool!" ~ Michelle, Peter, Phillip, Julia, etc. (age 18, 19, 8, & 5, respectively)
- "It’s a welcome stress release from these medical exams." ~ Daniel (med student, age 24)
- "It keeps me focused, relaxed & balanced in other areas of my life." ~ Mother of 4 (entrepreneur)
- "Our beautiful piano was once just furniture. Now it’s alive with activity & accomplishment." ~ Age 46 (CEO)
- "It’s a lot more rewarding than making pot holders – I’ll keep at it past 100!" ~ Nearly there
- "Learning something new, you will never grow old." ~ Age 56 (nurse)
- "Coming out of a difficult time, this gave me new focus, hope and confidence in me." ~ Newly widowed
Contact for details:
OPEN MON-FRI (ALL AGES)
Private In-Studio & Online Lessons
VALERIE THOMAS • 602.971.0089
30+ Years experience • North Phoenix, AZ2 complimentary lessons to start!