Piano Lessons On The Web's Mission
To create more competent piano players and musicians around the world; even if they don't have access to expensive private lessons. I aim to offer a comprehensive yet easy to understand music education so students can have all of the skills necessary to become well rounded musicians.
My Story
My story began back in the early 90's. Much like how kids spend too much time on their iPad these days, I would sit around and play video games all day and my parents were NOT happy about it. After months of putting up with this, my parents decided to get my siblings and I involved in music lessons. I decided to take piano lessons and play Trombone in my school's band. My brother and sister abandoned music lessons as they got older but I stuck with it! I played in many recitals, concerts, and ensembles throughout high school as I enjoyed music more. Once it was time to decide which college I would go to, naturally I chose West Chester University School of Music in Pennsylvania.
Bachelor of Music: West Chester University
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Upon completing high school and passing the audition, I was accepted into West Chester University School of Music in Pennsylvania. At West Chester University, I learned not only music, but also how to get along with others, manage my time better, and that a good musician never gives up no matter what challenges lie ahead. I learned how to get a lot better at piano (obviously), as well as music theory, song writing, jazz, pop music, and music theory to list a few. I loved it here but it was a real challenge. It knocked me around pretty good in the beginning but I think the end result speaks for itself and it made me into who I am today! |
My Senior Recital from WCU
At the end of my time at WCU, I performed in my own Senior Recital which you can see above. There were a LOT of things to get ready for the recital and of course I was super nervous. Despite some challenges, I'm happy I was able to put on a recital for people to enjoy. I was even selected to play a few pieces for the Keyboard Honor's Recital that year!
When graduating in 2010, I started my local piano teaching business. With the struggling economy and most importantly struggling as a new teacher, I was challenged in finding students. After the first year though, the students started pouring in and I was actually turning students away I had so many!
Master of Science In Information Technology
Assuming it would take longer to get students, I enrolled at Kaplan University for a Masters in Information Technologies as a "backup plan". Soon after enrolling in graduate school, the amount of students I had exploded to over 30. I decided to finish the degree and acquire as many students as I could. Many people say "it's all about getting that piece of paper", which I sort of agree with, but to me it's all about the information you learn. I learned how to build information systems, set up a business with a transaction processing system, customer relationship management and a ton of things that came into handy building this website!
YouTube Channel
Towards the end of my graduate studies, I created the YouTube channel; Piano Lessons On the Web. I noticed that there was a lack of piano instruction videos which covered playing from the very beginning, so that was my first lesson series on YouTube. Upon finishing my degree in 2013, I had a full schedule of local students (over 30) and thousands of subscribers on YouTube. Today Piano Lessons On The Web has over 302,000 subscribers and over 20 million views!
So, that is the story of my beginnings and how I became an online piano teacher! I hope that you will come along for the ride and see what the future holds. Glad to have you!