ryandurfeemusic

Inspiring Musicians. Elevating Moments. Creating Soundtracks.

I believe music has the power to inspire all of us, and creating music brings joy and connectedness to others and the world around us.  I also believe that in teaching piano lessons, I am not only teaching music, but teaching self-confidence, the power of delayed gratification, and the ability to accomplish large goals by breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces.  My aim is to help students discover the joy of expressive music making, all while having fun at the piano and accomplishing songs that were once difficult.

I enjoy teaching a variety of styles of music (including jazz, classical, and pop) and while I have particular method books that I use for young students, middle school students and older will enjoy working on music primarily of their own choice, with guidance on my part to help discover new possibilities.   I have chosen to personalize every lesson to the personality and interests of each student, helping them to understand more about the arts, the world and themselves.

 

Why I am uniquely qualified to teach piano:

 

My entire life’s passion has been music.  From an early age, I remember watching in amazement as my grandmother would play and improvise hymns at the country church we attended in west-central Wisconsin.  I started taking piano lessons, wanting to be able to play just like Grandma!  My family moved to Denver when I was 8, and I continued to learn increasingly difficult piano pieces, always eager to get to the piano after school (hard to believe right?).  In college I pursued and graduated with a degree in Piano Performance.  One of my highlights was winning a music competition by playing Liszt Piano Concert No. 1.  I have continued to work as a freelance pianist, music director, educator, coach, and accompanist for some of Denver’s top schools and organizations including:

 

Denver School of the Arts
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
PHAMALY Theatre Company
Logan School for Creative Learning
Graland Country Day School
St. Mary’s Academy
Bear Valley Church
Christian Youth Theater
Magic Moments, Inc.

 

What sets me apart from other teachers in my area:
  • I am an active performer, music director, and accompanist in Denver and make my living as a musician (this is my life, not a part time job or hobby!).
  • I respect your musical choices, desires and goals rather than giving you songs that I think you should learn.
  • I am actively engaged in your lesson, always looking for ways to refine, challenge and bring new ideas to your music making— you have my full attention when you’re at my studio!
  • I spend time preparing before each lesson to ensure progress toward your goals.
  • I can show you how to produce maximum results with less practice time using a few simple ideas.

Tuition

Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well.

This includes:

-An individualized plan for each student’s course of study
-Music materials for students (books, sheet music)
-Training and experience
-Recital Preparation and repertoire planning
-Professional organization memberships
-Continuing education

Payment Schedule and Studio Policy:

Payment is due by the last day of the month, for month in advance (ex. payment due August 31st for September lessons).

Circumstances may arise in which a lesson reschedule will be necessary.  

1)  Please give at least 24hrs notice if you cannot make a lesson.
There are no make-up lessons or reimbursements offered for lessons not cancelled within 24hrs.  

2)  For lessons that need to be rescheduled (sickness, vacation, etc), first options will include Saturday times as listed on the calendar.  

3)  Lessons that are cancelled by the teacher will be either rescheduled at a mutually agreeable date, or reimbursement will be given as a credit toward next month’s bill.

4)  In order to retain their place in the fall, students must continue lessons through June (July off) and then back in August.  I do offer make up lesson options to help work around summer travel plans, camps, etc.