Your Teacher
About Kari
Teaching private piano since 1992. Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy, Carthage College.
A Little Background
I understand that starting your piano journey, or re-starting it from a childhood experience, can feel a little intimidating. That’s the reason why I believe that learning piano should be encouraging, structured, and enjoyable!
I have been teaching private piano since 1992 (weird to say “the 90’s”), working with students in Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of teaching students with many different backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy (fancy word for piano teaching) from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. My teaching approach combines encouragement with structure, with particular attention to proper technique, music reading, and music theory. I want students to understand what they’re playing and why.
Most importantly, I work to help students move past frustration, hesitation, or the common myths that you somehow have to be naturally musical, talented, or have perfect coordination. None of these things matter. Most of us, in fact, don’t have any of these things. But if you have a passion to learn music and a willingness to put in the work, I will guide you step-by-step through the process of learning piano, with both of us having fun in the process. Win-win!
Beyond the Studio
A Life in Music
My experience with music goes well beyond the piano studio. Besides teaching private piano students, I’ve been a choir accompanist (both piano and organ) in church and school settings (Pre-K–12th grade) in Arizona and California, and have also provided supportive work in the performing arts in both states (not my forte, but I helped out anyway!). I aided in helping choir singers learn their parts — SATB — as well as made vocal and piano recordings for students and choir members.
I also was thrown into general music teaching, quite by accident, as the school music teacher where my sons both attended abruptly quit and they were left without an instructor. So, I had to put my big girl pants on and veer into a lane I was quite unfamiliar with and did my best! Ended up, I really enjoyed teaching!
During the “before kids” stage of my life (mid 1990’s–early 2000’s), I worked professionally as a keyboard player and backup singer, performing with an Elvis Tribute band as well as variety, blues, classic rock, and oldies bands in WI, AZ, and NV. These experiences gave me the opportunity to see music from a different perspective (miles away from Chopin and Bach) and also gave me a chance to learn the chords and melodies by ear, as these bands were mostly cover tunes.
To this day, my husband and I own a flower shop (which is now run by my oldest son), and now since stepping away from my duties at the shop, I am getting back into teaching piano to adults again. So whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to the piano after years away, welcome! I look forward to working with you soon!
— Kari
Let’s Talk About Where You’re Starting From
No experience needed, and no commitment to send a message.