Piano Lessons overview
Teaching style
Elizabeth has a methodical yet warm and empathetic teaching style. She believes students learn best when they feel supported, encouraged, and know exactly how to work towards their goals, step-by-step.
Elizabeth’s teaching utilizes a holistic approach to help students attain technical and artistic mastery, emphasizing the components of fluid technique, intuitive phrasing, historical context, and theoretical understanding.
Read more about Elizabeth’s credentials and career in the Biography page.
student-centered
Elizabeth has taught students from age 4 to 78, from total beginners to gifted students in a collegiate music program. She enjoys meeting students where they are and working together to achieve their goals. Many students have received accolades at regional festivals and Royal Conservatory of Music assessments, with multiple students performing in the RCM Southeast Celebration of Excellence.
All students learn music they love while reaping the benefits of music study. Research consistently shows that musical study increases empathy, persistence, discipline, and academic success.
Scroll down for lesson formats and pricing.
Champaign-Urbana Piano Lessons, in-home piano lessons, & Premier Virtual Piano Lessons
Lessons are offered in-person at the home studio in Champaign, IL or in the student’s home in the Champaign-Urbana region for an additional travel fee. Online lessons are also available to students for whom virtual connection is ideal.
Elizabeth takes a student-centered approach, meaning lesson plans are targeted to developing the skills and meeting the goals that students desire for themselves. Students may shift interests and goals over time, meaning they can seamlessly switch from one track to the next while maintaining their relationship with the same teacher. See just some examples here!
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For beginners of all ages, our first year of study together focuses on learning the basics of keyboard topography, healthy hand positioning, playing simple patterns by ear, developing rhythm, and reading musical notation. For young beginners, these lessons are fun and include a lot of games!
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For the serious student who wants to participate in regional and national assessments, competitions, and recitals. Curriculum focuses on development of technique, music theory knowledge, and ability to perform in a variety of stylistic eras with historical accuracy and interpretation. Students complete Royal Conservatory of Music exams annually and other advanced opportunities while receiving mentorship and support from the instructor.
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For music lovers of all ages and levels who want to develop well-rounded musical proficiency with a focus on popular styles, creativity, and/or improvisation. Lessons emphasize learning all common chords, scales, and accompaniment patterns in music the student themselves select (with some added suggestions for study from the instructor, too!).
pricing
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This package is for students who wish to reserve a permanent weekly lesson time slot. In addition to private lessons, tuition price includes annual recital, supplemental materials, lesson planning, and annual studio activities.
30-minute lessons: $140 monthly
45-minute lessons: $210 monthly
1-hour lessons: $250 monthly
An additional special bonus with this package is virtual practice assistance through Flipgrid. This means if you have a question as you’re practicing during the week, you can receive a short video response from the instructor BEFORE your next lesson!
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This option is for advanced, often adult students who just want an expert to check in with periodically. Lessons are scheduled individually as convenient for both instructor and student with no guarantee of reserved time slot nor additional services.
30-minute lessons: $40 per lesson
1-hour lessons: $80 per lesson
