Study with Heather

Heather is a piano and organ teacher with a focus on healthy technique and creative expression. She teaches private and group lessons for all ages.

Safe Lessons in the time of Covid-19

Because I have a family to consider during this pandemic time, I am not currently teaching in-person. I am instead organizing group Zoom piano, grouped by ages with a focus on fun, rudimentary piano and music skills, and most importantly, community. Students will have short, private lessons weekly as well as a weekly group Zoom time with games and activities on and off the bench. Caregivers need to be present for both meetings to support and join in on the fun. Although this is a different focus and format than in other years, I believe we need JOY and enjoyment more than achievement and goals, and that by putting mental health first for my students, we will learn and grow more. I will be using and adapting games and activities from Faber/Faber and Music Moves for Piano, both excellent programs that develop the whole musician in body and mind. Classes for 3-4 year olds, 5-6, and older beginners will start this September. Contact me for more information!

Private lessons

Heather is an experienced music teacher at the organ and piano. She believes in building goals with the student and supporting them in achieving those goals. She has taught in music school environments and most recently had her own studio in Newton, MA, with over 20 students.

Piano is a perfect study instrument, whether your goal is a broader music education, learning another instrument, or supporting your current musical endeavors. Because it is playable immediately but requires diligent attention to technique, it quickly attracts the beginner while holding their interest. The student has many choices regarding repertoire, style, and genre, making the piano a great instrument to have working knowledge of whatever your musical tastes may be.

The pipe organ is one of the most employable and unique instruments. Whether you’re an experienced pianist or vocalist who wishes to secure employment in churches or synagogues, or you are simply intrigued by the intricacies of stops, pistons, wind chests, and pedals, organ study is rewarding and fun. Lessons focus on proper pedal technique, adaptation to a variety of instruments, service playing and accompanying, and approaches to repertoire from different time periods.

Improvisation

In a heavily ‘left-brained’ culture, the challenge of learning to improvise is not “knowing what to do” but rather jumping into the unknown and allowing yourself to create. Through private or group instruction, Heather invites complete beginners and experienced keyboardists to let go of their inhibitions and start creating their own music on the spot. All lessons include some improvisation, depending on the needs, interests, and comfort level of the student.

Getting Started

Depending on the age, background, and interests of the student, group lessons may be a great option for starting out. Many kids are ready to begin private lessons at 5, 6, or 7 years old. Heather herself started later than that; there are no hard or fast rules for this!

Interested private students should contact Heather to schedule an interview. During that time studio policies, goals, level, and fit will be discussed and assessed. Heather is committed to making music study accessible to as many as possible and is able to make some accommodations in commitment level, fees, and location of lessons.

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