My Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy is that every student can be taught how to play the piano at a high level while having fun along the way. With 20+ years of teaching experience, I can quickly assess a student's strengths and areas that need to be developed. I identify specific learning styles and tailor lessons to each student, effectively communicating in a way to which they can relate. Students rise to the level expected of them and it is my job to guide them to the next level of playing, much like a good coach provides for an athlete. My students leave their piano lessons inspired, with a clear idea of what to do in preparation for our next meeting.

Many students wish to take part in piano competitions and festivals while others prefer a more non-competitive route. I welcome both types of student in my studio. Everybody performs at our Winter and Spring Studio Recitals as sharing music with others is an essential part of our mission. I highly encourage every student to participate in at least one other piano performing event throughout the year. For a list of our past and future studio events, please click here.

Why learn piano?

I encourage anyone who is interested in playing piano to pursue piano lessons! Among the very long list of benefits you gain from lessons, studying piano has been shown to dramatically improve skills in the areas of reading, math, memory, coordination, time management, and teaches students to become more detail oriented. Those students applying for admission into prestigious secondary schools or colleges are more likely to be accepted if the application is accompanied with a video of a recent piano performance (supplementary material). Last, and certainly not least, playing piano music from different musical genres nurtures our innate creativity, enriches our spirit, and is a much-needed outlet for self-expression!

Getting Started

What to look for in a piano teacher

what to expect at our initial meeting

Before you begin this time and financial commitment, it is important to find the right teacher for you and/or your child. Seek out a teacher who has proven they can quickly guide their students to a higher level of playing. Seek out someone who continuously motivates and inspires their students every step of the way. Look for someone who connects with your child and also to whom your child responds to in a positive way. In other words, find that teacher who enables your child to independently work hard, achieve their fullest potential, and also have fun along the journey!

what to expect at our initial meeting

To be sure my particular teaching style and expectations are a good match for both teacher and student, all prospective students will have an initial meeting with me first. This is our opportunity to discuss scheduling, studio policies, and the time I learn what motivates you, to hear what your goals are, and to answer any questions.

When we meet, those who have had prior lessons may play one or two pieces of their choosing (pieces do not need to be memorized) and those for whom this is their first piano experience will have a brief introduction to the instrument. I am observing how each student responds to me, how receptive they are to new ideas, as well as their overall attention level and demeanor.

Our meeting will last approximately 30 minutes and is free of charge.

The Piano Studio of Todd Simmons

Piano Lessons - from dynamic starts to phenomenal finishes.

My Teaching Philosophy

Why learn piano?

Getting Started

What to look for in a piano teacher

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

The Piano Studio of Todd Simmons

Piano Lessons - from dynamic starts to phenomenal finishes.

My Teaching Philosophy

Why learn piano?

Getting Started

What to look for in a piano teacher

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

what to expect at our initial meeting

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