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I have openings for intermediate students and a few beginning students. Please contact me directly for a student interview and assessment. Cell #928-606-6885  Please check the IMPORTANT DATES tab for the 2022-2023 school year.  You can find out more about me here:  MEET MISS NANCY 

For new and returning students please take a minute to glance through what is included in a student binder.  I created this last year to help parents, students and myself be able to quickly find what they need.  This year’s binder is a little bigger. (1 1/2 inches)  I was trying to save on cost last year, but we really need a little more room to maneuver. One binder recommended per family.  I am selling these at my cost–$20.  If you would like to upgrade your binder or need a new set of highlighters or notebook, I will sell these at cost or you can pick those items up on our own.

**Also included in a new binder are supplies to make a Practice Tracker–no extra cost =)

Our year at-a-glance

At PianoByNan I am all about using tools that build quick success while students learn to assimilate all the different skills that go into learning to play the piano.  We use COLOR to be ready for changes in hand placement, dynamics and the tough parts.  We use FINGERING to take us from something we know to something we don’t know. Fingering insures we play it the same way every time so that when tempo is increased there is an anchor there instead of something to stumble over or relearn.  Fingering is the constant that gives your child room to progress from reading numbers to steps and skips and finally to note recognition.  Color and fingering together create a predictable place to learn:  music is learned faster, confidence grows, their interest remains and you have a happy kid.

 

 

There are two versions of Practice trackers:  one for beginning students and one for more advanced students.  This tool takes the nagging out of their daily practice routine.  Students can readily see where they are at and what they need to do with minimal parent involvement.  Using a Practice tracker insures they are ready for their lesson.  Here’s to a great year of music!

 

Hello! Come see what it’s like to take piano lessons from Miss Nancy! We are settled into our new home and I am ready to dive into a great year of music. My Open House this year will be on THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 from 4-7 pm. There are a few early bird days available for lessons that week, but regular lessons start the day after Labor Day–SEPTEMBER 5. My address is 1651 E. Kramer St. Drop by to say “hello”, ask questions or get help booking lessons. There will be games set up for the kids to play while we visit or they can make a practice abacus if they would like.

New this year is “The Book Cellar”.

Find something new or bring your gently used piano books to sell on consignment.

Also new this year will be separate Masterclasses for High school students.

I look forward to meeting you!

ENROLLMENT UPDATE:  Thank you for the wonderful response to my Open House.  We have a great new bunch of advanced students and four new beginning students. There are a few spots left if you missed it.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SOME VERY SHARP STUDENTS!

This was our first year to participate in the Desert Valley Music Teacher’s Association’s Achievement Day. Students were tested in performance, technic, sight-reading, ear-training and theory. Several played duets and we had one original composition this year. I am so proud of them for stepping up to the challenge.

 

“I could really hear the desert whirlwinds in your composed piece.”

Ben-“You have a great feel and the melody is strong.”
Jack-“Great ending, good understanding of the importance of dynamics to create the mood.”
Peter-“Very nice! You’re well-prepared and confident in your playing. Keep up the good work.”

We moved to Mesa two years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the valley and making some wonderful new friends. Our last child is off to college this Fall and we are ready to settle into this next chapter of our lives. We’ve recently purchased a home and will be moving in June. All summer lessons and camps will be at our new home–off of McKelllips and Harris. My Fall OPEN HOUSE will be on AUGUST 17 from 5-8pm and lessons will start the week of Labor Day. Please check the BOOK YOUR LESSONS tab for more information.

Looking for a new piano teacher? Come see what it would be like to take lessons with Miss Nancy.  There will be an Open House on THURSDAY, AUG 25 from 5-7 p.m.  Drop by to say hello, ask questions, get help booking lessons and get your student notebook organized.  There will be games set up for the students while we talk and they will have a chance to make a practice abacus if they would like. Regular lessons begin the week of August 29.  I look forward to meeting you!

Nancy

Wow. We did it! Big shout out to Cristi and Auburn for taking a chance on me.  This was my first attempt at putting on a Piano Camp.  I have always had an aversion to hosting birthday parties for our own kids and this week was a treat for me to think “party style” again.  Every day we played different games to teach and reinforce their knowledge of musical terms–ask them about Screamin’ Match,– note reading, notation and rhythm.  I learned that I can never have enough tricks in my bag because these kids are fast and hungry to learn more. It always intrigues me how quickly kids learn in a group setting with their peers through games. We got a good start on a very cool song they are all learning a part of.  I need to round up several keyboards to show them off by September.

Probably the biggest deterrent to  piano lessons is getting into the habit of practicing and bigger than that, knowing what to do when you get there. Today we made a practice abacus.  This is a great little tool I have found that will take the guess work out of “Mom, can I be done now?”  Here are a few pictures and a video clip from our week.  We will definitely do this again!

 

Meet Peter, Jack, Ben and Canon…This was Day One of Piano Camp–

They are using play doh to show rhythm dictation.  Balls are quarter notes, little snakes are half notes and little little balls for 8th notes.  After I taught them what a beam was and how it holds four 8th notes together they got clever and “beamed” four little balls with one of their snakes.  Translating this to paper was the easy part.

On the last day we started with a musical version of the game Headbands.  It is surprising how often  they see something in their music and know what it does, but  don’t always know what its name is.  Frankly, they are just too smart for their own good. We had to play outside because there were too many mirrors in the front room. =D

Popsicles.  The wonder snack to slow these boys down for two minutes.  They each made a PRACTICE ABACUS. I’m expecting big things out of you gentlemen, come this Fall!