Piano lessons
About my teaching skills and services
As a piano/music teacher, I cater to the individual who is sitting on my bench (or currently on Zoom or some other technical platform). I consider your strengths, weaknesses, and abilities as well as HOW you learn. Even though I am the teacher, I believe you are also teaching me to know you personally so I can tailor your learning experience especially for you. If you have challenges, I can work with those.
My Music Therapy experiences have been a good guide in providing me with tools to give you a successful musical experience. It would be a pleasure to talk with you about what you want to learn to play, write an arrangement for you, or find you the resources you need to be satisfied with your learning experience. I recommend one half hour lesson per week for students of all ages but you can do something different if you wish. My goal is to give you the gift of joy when you make music, just like it does for me!
What would the holidays be like without the ugly sweater?
PC to Kathleen Thompson
Student testimonials
We changed piano teachers as we were looking for someone good with children, and what a productive change it was. Ruth's patience, flexibility, and sense of humor helped our daughter stick with piano when we thought she wouldn't, and she focuses better with Ruth. We love that Ruth works with our daughter to include her requests for what to play as well as teaching theory and classical pieces. We think our daughter has stayed with piano into her sixth year because of Ruth!
Jen Beck and Steve Ferruci, parents of E
Ruth's Music Therapy experience has given her excellent diagnostic skills and ability to work with people with profound challenges. Her primary skills of playing the piano, music theory, harmony, sight singing, and directing as well as her comfort with band and orchestral instruments make her versatile in many settings.
Kathleen Ann Thompson, Find Your Groove and Make Your Life Sing, podcast
Ruth is the music teacher every parent dreams of. She has taken the time to really get to know my teenage son, to understand the love of music that's particular to him, to nurture it, and to adapt his lessons to his music and his unconventional learning style. Although he's had various music lessons since the age of five, I've never seen him so passionate about music before. Ruth has been so much more than a teacher to him... she's also been a mentor and a friend.
Patricia, mom of Andrew
Ruth is amazingly patient and understanding with my kindergartner. His progress from zero to being able to comprehend notes and basic theory in just a few months has been amazing. I know I couldn't teach him like she has. She is very capable of reading his attention level at each lesson and tailoring the lesson to match. He always leaves feeling proud of his accomplishments. She has been able to help foster his love of music, and for that I am incredibly grateful. Looking forward to seeing how he continues to progress!
Abbie, mom of 6 year old Oliver
My son and I have been taking lessons with Ruth for over a year now. We are so happy with our progress under her instruction. Each lesson with Ruth is a joy. She is a patient and nurturing teacher for students of any age and level. Learning to play piano has enhanced our lives and well-being in many ways and we have Ruth to thank for showing us what is possible.
Barb, student and mom of rock star Sterling
(Ruth) is a very good person. Very patient, very flexible teacher and for us, it was a blessing to find her. I definitely recommend her.
Maria, Emmanuel's mom
Ruth is my son’s first and only piano teacher for more than four years. My son adores her. Ruth knows kids. She knows how to develop and protect their interests in music and help them appreciate the beauty of music. She knows how to talk to kids with a sense of humor. I am happy to get to know Ruth and have her as my son’s piano teacher. Everyone who is close to her will learn that life is like music, and music can change your life!
Min, Mom of Joseph