Scottsdale Piano Studio: A lively, fun, interactive learning environment for anyone wanting to study the piano and the performing/recording arts and become fluent in the language of music.
Curriculum: Technique, theory, sight reading/singing, ear training, composition, improvisation, performing, arranging and recording techniques.
Ages: All ages and levels welcome! Beginners, Intermediate, Professional.
Styles: Bach to Rock! Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rockabilly, Pop, and World Music.
Performing: Performance is such a crucial aspect in the development of a musician. For this reason, 3 to 4 recitals are held per year for students wishing to partake in them.
Recording: In addition to regular piano lessons, students have the opportunity to record their performances in the studio with state of the art recording equipment on planned “session dates”. This way the student can build a catalog of their learned repertoire, enjoy their achievements and hear their progress over time!
Bio: William Gerdes, founder and director of Scottsdale Piano Studio is an accomplished musician with 10 years teaching experience.
Some of William’s performance experience includes weddings, social events, churches and recitals. Over the past 25 years he has been a member of several bands and jazz and chorus ensembles.
William believes a good teacher must be able to teach his students two fundamental things: 1) To play with artistry to fully utilize the expressiveness and beauty of the instrument and 2) To play with relaxed efficient technique to avoid strain and injury. According to Chopin, artistry and technique were inseparable.
In order to advance steadily and consistently on the instrument one must practice with purposefulness, focus and efficiency. William teaches each of his students what this means and writes a clear, concise lesson plan that covers the fundamental components of the language of music: How to speak, read and write it.
William has long been involved in composition, songwriting and recording. Much of his work is done in his own recording studio. He has entered his compositions in several songwriting competitions including Billboard Music’s songwriting competition. His current project in the works is the completion of his own music CD.
William works as a freelance writer, arranger and recording engineer helping others produce various projects such as demos and backing tracks for auditions and performances. Being a capable musician and recording engineer, he is well versed in both the artistic and technological sides of music.
In addition to running a thriving piano and recording studio, William leads a fulfilling life as a husband, father, teacher and musician.
