Customized Piano Lessons
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without” - Confucius
Lani Elston, Pianist & Teacher in Oregon City, Oregon. Photo by M. Hawk.
Piano Possibilities Music Studio provides high-quality piano lessons for all ages, skill levels, and musical styles in Oregon City or online. Students will receive customized one-on-one instruction from Lani Elston, an experienced piano teacher, and classically trained musician.
Piano Teaching Philosophy
Everyone learns differently, so instruction is customized for every individual. Classical technique & repertoire is the main teaching style, however, all genres of music are taught including pop, rock, jazz, and even film music. Additionally, a student’s personal goals are important and will be discussed so a personalized plan of study can be crafted by your piano teacher, Lani. These plans can stem from wanting to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, little star” to performing a piano concerto. The main goal is that students will have the knowledge to play the piano independently while having a life-long love of music.
While instruction is customized, there are core fundamentals that all students can expect to learn once enrolled in piano lessons:
Photo by M. Hawk
Proper Classical Technique
How to Sight Read Music
Ear Training
Performance Skills
Music Theory
Music History
Oregon City Location & Other Communities Served
Are you are searching for “piano lessons near me” in Oregon City? Piano Possibilities Music Studio is located in the Tower Vista neighborhood in Oregon City. The studio is very close to the Barclay Hills, Gaffney Lane, Hazel Grove, Hillendale, Mt. Pleasant, Rivercrest, and South End neighborhoods – less than a 5min drive from each! Other nearby communities include Beavercreek, Canby, Gladstone, Molalla, and West Linn, which are only a short 10-15 minute drive from the studio. Students from Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Wilsonville will travel about 20 minutes. Several students also make the 30 minute commute from Beaverton and Portland weekly – because it’s worth it!
Piano Lessons
Piano lessons are private and occur weekly all year round at Piano Possibilities. Lessons are offered in 30, 45, and 60 minute time slots. For beginning students, 30 minute piano lessons are recommended. Longer lessons of 45 and 60 minutes are recommended for intermediate, advanced, and adult students.
Below are a few examples of what you can expect during your piano lessons:
Piano Possibilities Music Studio in Oregon City
Customized weekly practice plan: all students will receive a detailed weekly practice plan to help focus their at-home practice sessions. This helps keep students stay on task to achieve their goals. Younger students will receive their practice plan on a “Practice Checklist” which makes it easy for them to practice by themselves.
Fun & engaging practice challenges: students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of studio-wide practice challenges and fun competitions. These range from individual challenges where students are rewarded for their personal achievements. Other practice challenges include fun competitions such as our “student of the month” and “composer of the month” events. These events encourage regular practice habits that are student-driven.
Hand-selected repertoire: whether your interest is classical, jazz, or pop music, all repertoire is hand-selected so students are appropriately challenged and stimulated for musical growth.
Preparation for special events, auditions & competitions: for students interested in pursuing music more seriously, you can expect preparation for special events, college music school auditions, concerto competitions, and more!
Lessons Online
If you have a high-speed internet connection, you can have live piano lessons at your home, online! Piano Possibilities provides high-quality instruction to students all over Oregon as well as other states across the country via Skype. The setup is very simple. Students can use a tablet or a laptop/webcam for online piano lessons. Students will also receive emailed lesson notes to help focus their practice between sessions.
Lessons by Age
All ages and skill levels are welcome. Lessons are fun and age-appropriate:
For young students (as young as 4yrs!), music lessons will be full of fun and… movement! Lessons with younger students include all the fundamental elements to learn how to play the piano, but fun sing-alongs and musical games will be incorporated into lessons so students have exciting, age-appropriate instruction.
For grade school & teens, a variety of repertoire will be used to establish a strong foundation in music – students will learn how to become independent musicians. Lessons and repertoire will be personalized to the student’s individual goals so they will grow and enjoy their time at the piano.
Lessons for adults: lessons for adults are fun and engaging. Adult students will learn how to perfect the core fundamentals of music and have a repertoire that is motivating to learn. Students will learn how to play beautifully while learning their favorite music on the piano.
Piano Performance Opportunities
Performing has a number of benefits for students. Preparing for recitals encourages a focused work ethic and promotes confidence. Performance is a skill that needs development though, so all students will receive customized training for live events so they can have the best experience possible.
Piano Possibilities Student Recital
Everyone will have plenty of opportunities to perform at Piano Possibilities! Two recitals are offered annually as well as frequent group performance classes and other special events.
Lani is also a member of the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs (referred to as “OFMC”). Through the OFMC, students will have the choice to participate in festivals, competitions, as well as scholarship opportunities through the association. While the OFMC is a state organization, they are affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Group Piano Performance Classes
Included with your piano lessons is access to the studio group performance classes. Group classes are a fun way for students to learn how to perform in front of a live audience. These events are student only and classes are offered by age group. Students are taught proper piano performance etiquette and will have the opportunity to perform in a small group setting in front of their peers. Students meet frequently for these enjoyable events. Regular attendance will help students gain confidence and develop the skills necessary to perform in a larger public setting such as a recital or competition.
During group piano class sessions, students will also learn about music theory and history. Knowledge is reinforced with fun games for the younger children while the older children and adults will enjoy presentations with open discussions. This gives a well-rounded education for all!
Music Theory and History Education
Everyone will receive a comprehensive musical education that includes music theory and history. Understanding these subjects helps students learn repertoire quickly, accurately, and also independently. Music theory and history are integrated into lessons and group performance sessions in a fun and practical manner. Click on the following links to learn more about music theory and music history.