Locate Piano Teachers in Arizona

Mark began his study of piano at the age of eight under the tutelage of his father. Four years later, he placed first in the Iowa State Piano Competition. Mark's formal training then began with Julian Burn, Israeli concert pianist and head of the Music Department at Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Mark's studies consisted of an intensive European training program where technical strength and articulation were priorities.

When Mark was 17, he toured the eastern United States performing Beethoven's First Piano Concerto. Later that same'year, Mark returned to Iowa where he competed in the State Piano Competition and won first place.

Mark's technical ability proved to be phenomenal and gained him acceptance under the tutelage of Menahem Pressler, international award-winning pianist and cofounder of the renowned Beaux Arts Trio. Mark's studies with Pressler began at the Indiana School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, initiating his finest musical inspirations.

In the past decade, Mark has composed over 75 musical works and performed over 500 public engagements including The Phoenician, the Scottsdale Princess & the Arizona Biltmore Resort. He also teaches piano privately, specializing in the young and gifted student.

Mark�s love for inner beauty and the soft tranquility of sound keeps him close to the water's edge, whether a crystal lake in the Rocky Mountains or the waves of the California seashores.

Mark�s live passionate performances and his clean transparent sound have earned him prestige among the great contemporary composers of today.

Marlene began piano lessons at ten years old after her mother saw how she was drawn to her grandmother's piano. In elementary school, she began accompanying her father who played the Hawaiian guitar, and throughout her school years often accompanied church singing groups. She also learned to play the organ and the accordion.

After many years of volunteer piano and organ accompanying and leading kindergarten choirs, she began piano lessons again herself. In addition, she enrolled in the Levine School of Music in Washington, D. C. and earned a Diploma in Piano Pedagogy in 1999. She also earned an associate degree with a piano major from Northern Virginia Community College in 2007.

For 20 years Marlene has had a successful piano studio in Virginia where she has taught classical and sacred music to students age six through adult, beginners through intermediate. She has recently relocated to Arizona from Northern Virginia and has opened a studio in Surprise.

Julie Ann Neuberger, a double masters and classically trained piano and  vocal instructor, is the director and founder of The Scottsdale Studio of Music, a music school offering lessons in classically focused instruments. Julie Ann's goal for The Scottsdale Studio of Music is to offer a musically rich and inspiring environment in which learning and creativity can flourish.  The music teaching philosophy of the studio is to keep music lessons fun and engaging while giving students an excellent foundation of the music essentials: music reading, rhythmic control, technique, musicianship, and performance skill. WIth these essential music tools, a classically trained music student can capably branch out into any form of music.

In addition to piano and voice, quality private instruction will be available in many different instruments, including violin, cello, flute, and acoustic guitar, beginning December 1st. The studio teachers seek to inspire musicians of any age and level to reach their fullest musical potential.    The music instructors at the studio teach through a flexible perspective, modifying her approach according to the student's learning style and musical goals.  

Julie Ann Neuberger, who has over ten years of teaching experience, earned a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from University of South Carolina. She also graduated magna cum laude from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. During her graduate studies in South Carolina, Ms. Neuberger served as a piano faculty member of the University of South Carolina Community Music Program and taught for her private piano studio. Ms. Neuberger has performed as the pianist in several chamber groups, as well as in solo piano recitals in South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Maryland. She has served as a piano adjudicator for several piano festivals associated with the Music Teacher's National Association and a masterclass clinician for several events. Ms. Neuberger has lived in the Valley for the past four years and currently resides in Scottsdale.  Ms. Neuberger is a member of the National Association of Piano Guild, the Music Teacher's National Association, Arizona State Music Teacher's Association, the Phoenix Music Teacher's Association, and the East Valley Music Teacher's Association. These professional memberships allow Ms. Neuberge's students to compete and participate in motivating and skill-building competitions, festivals, and other music events.

Mrs. Bern is an experienced professional musician and educator.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Music from Syracuse University, Master of Music from Yale University, major in French horn, minor in voice.

PERFORMER: New York City: symphony, ballet and opera orchestras, recordings, Broadway show orchestras, chamber music. Choral conductor for over 20 years.

EDUCATOR: Private lessons for 25 years, Elementary and Middle School music teacher for 5 years.

LESSONS AVAILABLE: Private and group lessons, specializing in beginner and intermediate school-age children. First lesson FREE.

Claire Gordon graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1983. She taught strings in the Washington Elementary School District for 15 years. Claire is the musical director of the West Valley Youth Orchestra. She has conducted honor orchestras in the Peoria, Scottsdale and Washington School Districts, and was the conductor of the 2001 Arizona Elementary All-State Orchestra.

Claire played Principal Second Violin in the West Valley Symphony for many years, and is an active free-lance violinist throughout the valley. She is also a church pianist and enjoys accompanying other instrumentalists. Claire is a past president of the Arizona chapter of the American String Teacher's Association. She teaches Suzuki violin and viola, and traditional piano, and encourages her students to participate in the Arizona Study Program.

Becky is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Music minor in Piano and Voice. She has been sharing her love of music with students since she was only 14. As a teen, she won gold and bronze medals in music competition in Ocean City, New Jersy. She went to district and state chorus and was also in a group that performed throughout Pennsylvania.

Becky teaches students of all ages from beginner to advanced, including a number of adults. Lessons are usually 30-45 minutes and include some music theory. Students are encouraged to play music they love and even create their own. Styles of music studied include Classical, Pop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Contemporary Christian, Modern, etc.

Mrs. Bender has been a co-chairperson for PMTA's Music at the Mall for many years. She actively participates with her students in the Piano Ensemble. In addition to all the PMTA events, Becky's students perform in private studio recitals.

Becky taught elementary music and high school choir and drama at a local private school, where she conducted numerous musicals and plays.

Becky and her husband Danny have been involved in music ministry in various churches for over 30 years. In their present position as worship leaders, Becky is the pianist and frequently sings. They have a CD of gospel music entitled "Loyalties."

Call for more information about scheduling and pricing. References are available upon request.

Discover the power & beauty of music, develop skills for excellence, discipline the mind for life.  Quality private piano and music theory instruction for students of all ages and levels.  Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, MM Piano Pedagogy.  Enthusiastic, dedicated, experienced, and credentialed teacher.  

It is a privilege to be able to present my background, philosophies, and procedures to you. I hope that you’ll find this information helpful as you make your decision to join the studio. First and foremost is the learning partnership created between the student and teacher, supported by the family at home. Together we will set musical goals for the year and develop a plan to reach those goals. As we work together at the piano to discover the beauty and power of music, we’ll be learning how to practice and develop the skills needed for musical success. Your commitment to regular practicing will be a critical part of your study. As we know, learning to play the piano well is not a short term project. It is this discipline over time that will give you results that you hope for!

Students are scheduled for individual weekly lessons (length generally determined by advancement) during the school year. Performance and evaluation opportunities are selected together at the beginning of the academic year. Some of the programs involve only the studio, while others are local or state-wide events. During the summer months, a variety of programs are offered from which you may select. It’s a good idea to keep some music going over the long summer break. . .it’s fun, it’s indoors (great for AZ heat) and it keeps your skills up! Adult students are given special consideration within the studio, working with Sherry to set and meet personal musical goals at the piano. Flexible scheduling is available to suit various schedules.

A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Mrs. Lenich has been teaching for over 25 years, operating studios in Arizona and Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She is an active collaborative performer, working with the chamber ensemble, DuoWest (cello/piano duo) and musicians throughout the valley.

David has Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in piano performance and music education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He is also certified in counseling, having worked toward a PhD in San Francisco. His work in elementary, middle, and high schools as a counselor, choral director, private piano instructor and clinician, has encouraged many students to pursue exciting careers in music as well as other areas of interest.

His piano students and choral groups have consistently been awarded superior ratings in New Mexico MTA events. Although playing at events such as these is not required, it is highly recommended as a way of gaining confidence and skill. Recommendations from teachers and students, as well as recordings of students (audio and video) are available.

Children and adults (beginning, intermediate and advanced) enjoy a relaxed and caring atmosphere as they learn to play musically and proficiently. His studio includes traditional study on the concert grand, as well as experience on a professional keyboard if desired.

David is a member of the MTNA, the ASMTA, and the Phoenix MTA. He brings a wealth of musical experience to AZ. and is excited about building a group of enthusiastic students. His new friendships with the fine teachers in the West Valley and Scottsdale areas provide continuing support and growth for all of us (students, teachers and parents) as we pursue excellence and genuine enjoyment through music.

The music lessons students receive are based on years of experience in helping all ages learn music by highly effective, motivating and enjoyable methods. Piano lessons from Cheryl Studer will include:

1. Listening to beautiful recordings of piano music in a variety of styles and periods.
2. Reading notes on a staff by recognizing intervals: seconds, thirds, fourths, which enable students to easily develop the ability to transpose to all keys.
3. Singing to learn intervals by associating each interval with a song.
4. Improvising simple pieces by using imagination: place yourself in a forest with birds in the trees.
5. Accompanying other singers or instrumentalists, in order to enjoy music with family and friends.
6. Hearing and recognizing intervals, major and minor, crescendo or diminuendo, and rhythmic patterns.
7. Developing appropriate technique for effective playing such as release of tension, movement from hips, and a flexible wrist to play slurs.
8. Building understanding of written music using theory papers, puzzles, and games.
9. Enjoying the excitement of performing for others: informal (costume party) and formal stage settings.

Be sure to view the website for additional information and colorful photos of students enjoying music.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Music, Trinity University; K-12 Teaching Certification; Graduate Work at University of Texas at San Antonio.

Member: AMTA, ASMTA, PMTA, Chairman of PMTA Student Recital Series, National Guild of Piano Teachers, Certified by American College of Musicians, Hall of Fame, Piano Guild U.S.A. Also Founding Teacher of National Music Certification Program, also known as RACE. Member of Steinway Teachers group.

References are available. Please call for more information and/or to schedule an interview. All levels & ages are welcomed!

Julie Lerch is an active member of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association, Phoenix Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.

Julie was trained by the Royal Conservatory of Music in Alberta, Canada. After completing her piano levels she attended Brigham Young University where she received her BA in Theatre Arts Education for Secondary Education. She is an Arizona Certified High School Teacher who taught drama in Tucson, Arizona for 11 years. During this time she also taught "Show Choir" where she served a dual-role as director and accompanist. Since then, she as devoted her time to creating her music studio now known as, "The Creative Kids Piano Studio."

Julie has experience in superb teaching skills, along with public speaking. Julie has given many motivational talks to several youth groups throughout Arizona, encouraging them to instill great character within themselves. Several community organizations have requested her expertise to accompany schools and church groups.

Julie's personal mission statement is, "Making Music Fun through Quality Education". Through creative learning stations each individual's learning style is available. Hence all the Multiple Intelligences are being incorporated in each lesson. The program consists of music appreciation, music history, composer appreciation, theory completed both manually or computerized, technical components, as well as fun interactive games that teach theory. Julie incorporates all types of methods to help each student learn effectively. She also incorporates summer music and drama camps for students of all ages. Classes offered are private or studio style.

I am a certified music teacher, state of Arizona, K-12. I taught music in the public and Catholic school systems here in Arizona for three years. One of my private students was recently accepted to the Arizona School for the Arts.

I attended the University of Southern California as a music performance major in Classical Guitar. After receiving my Bachelor of Music Degree in Guitar Performance with honor from DePaul University in Chicago, I went on to Peabody Conservatory of Music, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Maryland, as a special student in graduate guitar studies. There I studied for two years under the renowned classical guitar teacher Aaron Shearer.

Georgia Sears has been a private piano teacher for over 15 years. She has a Bachelor's of Music degree in Piano Performance from Grand Canyon University and a Master's of Music degree in Piano Performance including Performance Pedagogy from University of Houston's Moore's School of Music. Georgia has studied with Dr. Judy Lively, Nancy Weems, and she continues her own private studies with internationally renowned pedagogue Dean Elder.

Georgia has been a Professor of Piano at San Jacinto Community College in Houston, Texas and at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, she maintained a private studio which included a wide range of student ages and levels.

Currently, Georgia has a full time private piano studio which she runs through her home in Buckeye, Arizona. Her students regularly participate in the Phoenix Music Teacher's Association events where many have earned top honors.

Certified and accredited piano teacher of 40 years. I have had 12 years of private lessons plus studying under concert pianist Carol Rosenberger and have attended many conferences, workshops, and seminars to perfect my craft. I teach all ages and all levels from beginner to advanced, with emphasis on rhythm, techniue, sight reading and theory. Many of my students have been accepted in major colleges and universites with a major in music and many have gone on to become professional teachers themselves after having received college degrees in Piano Performance. My students have performed at state conventions, competitions and in master classes. In addition to teaching, I play professionally at church and private engagements, such as weddings and dinners. My students perform in yearly recitals. Lessons are given in my hoome in Surprise.

Lynn Wagner has been teaching piano for over 20 years. She began teaching in McHenry, IL in 1988 and moved to AZ in 1999, and has been teaching full-time in the North Phoenix and Scottsdale area for over 11 years.

Lynn is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Phoenix Music Teachers Association. Her education includes a music degree with emphasis in music theory and piano performance. Her experience over the past 25 years has included playing for weddings, accompanying church choirs, and playing for church services.

Lynn enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels. Lessons include training in theory, technique, music reading, ear training and rhythm skills. Many of her students participate in the Arizona Study Program, recitals, competitions and other activities. For more information, please contact Lynn at 623-465-7590.

About Northwest Valley Musical Arts

NW Valley Musical Arts is currently enrolling for lessons in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Woodwinds and Brass. We are also now offering lessons to select students via Skype and IChat.

For more information on enrollment call 623.412.2687. Check out our website at www.musiclessons4you.com.

Over 20 years piano-teaching. Musical education: Russian Music School and Music College (BA); BA in Education, Brooklyn College, N.Y.

Individualized, structural and FUN approach at any level and age. With a little time of practice anyone can learn to play piano. There is no child too young or the adult too old to start to have a lifelong joy of playing piano: Pop, Jazz, Rag, Classical. At your house or my studio. All you need is to call or email to Mrs. Irina.

Born in Berkeley, California, Michael Mortarotti is an active performer and educator on the global stage. Over the past six years, Michael has performed as alto saxophonist of the acclaimed Mana Quartet for a wide range of audiences in the US, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Holland. He holds a Master's degree from Florida State University, where he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant and studied under Patrick Meighan, and a Bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University, where he studied under Jonathan Bergeron. Recently, Michael relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where he is cultivating awareness of the arts through lessons, master classes, and performances.

Teaching Philosophy:

"Through teaching music, my goal is holistic. I do not only hope to develop the technical abilities and virtuosic flare of a performer, rather, I strive to draw greater relationships into conversation in order to give the student confidence in music making, performance, and to exist successfully in the world today."

Janet has been teaching music for over 30 years, beginning her teaching career as a student at The King's College in New York. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and taught general music classes in the inner city of Minneapolis. She continued teaching and directing various adult and children's choirs for the next 16 years while living in Brazil. Upon return to the USA Janet did additional coursework in early childhood education, directed a preschool that had a musical emphasis, became a licensed Kindermusik educator, and taught group piano classes. While maintaining a private studio she completed the music therapy program at Arizona State University and is a member of the National Association of Music Educators and the American Music Therapy Association.

Janet teaches private and group piano lessons in her studio. Adaptive lessons are available in the studio or in the homes of exceptional learners as needed.

Kia Portafekas is a musician, composer and teacher. She is a graduate of Queens College, (Aaron Copland School of Music), Mannes Conservatory and the High School of Music and Art, NYC.

Kia traveled throughout Europe and the Far East working musically with children. Her continued work with children and method of teaching lead her to the discovery that children need to be "heard" as well as seen. This realization inspired the creation of "KIA'S KIDS".

"KIA'S KIDS" created, directed and co-produced by Kia is a compilation audio cassette of original songs composed by her students on piano and synthesizer, ages 7 to 12 years old. A documentary film has also been released for promotional purposes portraying Kia teaching her students how to compose their own original compositions through colors, movement, sounds, and improvisation.

"KIA'S KIDS" realizes the natural abilities in children through improvisation and spontaneity. Her students performed and recorded their music on a video with actress Kathleen Turner for a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. They have also performed at East Coast Art Theater, Lincoln Center and other theaters in New York. Kia has written, "Making Music With Your Child," co-authored with Karen E. Marlow. This is a first book which gives parents and teachers, regardless of their musical backgrounds, successful techniques for teaching music composition to young children. The creative skills and self-expression which result bring countless benefits to the children and their teachers, in every area of their lives. "Making Music With Your Child," is published by MMB Music, Inc. and funded in part by a grant from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Kia has appeared on Channel 5, "Arizona News," and Channel 3, "Good Morning Arizona" and "The Tonya Mock Show." She directed and produced a "Kids for Kids" Benefit Concert at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts which featured her students performing their own compositions, the Phoenix Boys Choir and Sheryl Cooper's Destiny Dance Intl'. She has presented workshops at the Arizona Music Educators Conference, Home Educator's Curriculum Event, ASU Professional Development Workshops for Teachers-Partners in Education with JFK Center of the Arts, Kidspace Museum with the Pasadena Symphony in California.

KIA'S CREATIVE MUSIC STUDIO is a place to experience the enjoyment of all styles of "Music, Imagination and Creativity." Piano, keyboard and synthesizer lessons are offered, ages 5 to adult. To schedule private lessons, workshops and presentations, contact Kia via email.

Berklee College of Music grad; 1987, Jazz Composition and Arranging.

Susan Shiner is an independent music teacher in the North Phoenix Area. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, having taught private piano for over 34 years, and also has a background of public school instruction, choral directing and music theater.

Susan Shiner brings to her private studio a diversity of teaching styles to compliment the needs of students from preschool through high school, beginner to advanced. She also teaches a large group of adult students, working with each to accomplish the most they can as they fit music instruction into their busy lives.

With her membership in the Phoenix Music Teacher's Association, students are offered a variety of programs outside the studio, such as festival and ensemble experiences. Susan Shiner is the current co-chairperson of the PMTA Piano Ensemble program. She also offers her students participation in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals and the Keyboard Gymnastics program.

"My passion for music and love of teaching encompasses my entire program, working with each student on an individual basis, cultivating their music instruction into a life-time love of making music."

Susan Shiner teaches in a private studio in her home, offering 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons, a piano lab experience, performance classes and studio recitals.

Jamie Showers began her music career as a vocal performance major and received her bachelor's degree in Voice Performance. She started singing at the age of seven. She studied piano, guitar, and played the string bass, too. Her performance degree led her to further study to become a music therapist and a music educator. She recieved her Vocal Performance Degree at Ottawa University and finished her Music Therapy and Music Education Training through Arizona State University

Mrs. Showers has taught for seven years in the public school system where she has taught General Music and Beginning Strings. She has also taught the Yamaha Keyboard Program in the public school system. She has been a member of Arizona Music Educators association over the past seven years.

Mrs. Showers teaches lessons in her home studio. She offers the Arizona Study Program to qualified Voice and Piano students.

Welcome to my music room for beginning school-age students and adults interested in venturing into the wonderful world of music.

Please call my studio and leave your name and telephone number. I will return your call and make a convenient appointment to discuss your piano lesson wishes.

If you have studied piano in the past and desire to resume your music performance, we will discuss a "flexible" schedule.

Member of Phoenix Music Teachers Association, Arizona State Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and The National Guild.