teacher profile

Personal Statement/Background

I am a patient and supportive teacher who believes in teaching the basics of piano (my primary instrument; I also teach beginning guitar) without taking the fun out of playing the instrument. I emphasize the classics, but also introduce a variety of music to my students, including pop and jazz. I encourage my students to select their own music so that they remain motivated to learn by playing what they most enjoy. I have yearly recitals where the emphasis is on excellence and mastery as well as having fun. All of my students get to play with the backing of a band at my recitals. My more advanced students have the option of participating in band workshops and all-band concerts. I have learned from teaching that everyone is unique, and everyone has different abilities and gifts, but everyone can learn to play and everyone can benefit from learning the language of music.

REVIEWS:

"Carolyn Studer is a very patient and intuitive piano teacher who knows how to make lessons fun. She lets my 5 year old son have just enough space to own his own progress yet is able to nudge him forward each lesson. He's made tremendous progress under her direction. I highly recommend her. She is smart and talented and a natural born teacher." Anne Preven

"Carolyn is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, patient, and makes her lessons fun. Most importantly, she truly respects and listens to her students -- no matter their age. We were amazed at the way Evie's skills improved even after a few weeks of working with her. We've recommended her to several friends and they've all been really happy as well."

- Kita and Toby Murdock

"She's awesome! Lessons with her are fun. She put me in a lot of concerts and I got to write my own music."

- Eva Murdock, age 7

"Carolyn Studer is a talented, nurturing teacher for both myself and my children. She is able to quickly assess levels of expertise, areas of interest, and individual personalities, and develop a lesson plan that's tailored to each student. We look forward to our time with Carolyn each week!"

Michelle Vicary

"Carolyn has been a great fit for my boys (ages 10 and 7) who are high energy boys. We have had piano instructors in the past who were too strict (i.e., just following lesson books, going right to the classics and no sense of humor) which made it hard for our boys to stay 'interested' and 'excited' about learning piano. They would get into trouble for not sitting still, not practicing enough, etc. all the time. With Carolyn its different. First, she is a patient and very tolerant person and can take the energy. Plus, she does a little of piano, a little of theory, and works with our boys to choose pieces that they want to learn. So, our boys have chosen Pokemon, Harry Potter, and Beatles pieces , all of which have kept them motivated to learn. As they have progressed, Carolyn has introduced some classics without being too pushy about it. Our older son has been learning with Carolyn for almost two years, and has seen a lot of improvement. Our younger son just started with Carolyn and really enjoys learning from her. She is very good with kids of all ages." Monica Kim

"I am the grandmother of Ian & Hannah Mock who take lessons from you, and their mother, Michelle, who also takes lessons, is my daughter. I am amazed at how well they have all learned the piano under your instruction. You are very patient with them all and I am extremely pleased with their progress. I hope they all continue on for a long time. " Carole Maher

Education

Chicago Conservatory of Music: piano; Grove School of Music: pop and jazz keyboard harmony with Mark Harrison and jazz ensemble studies with John Da Versa; Private Study: Mark Harrison (jazz and pop) and Terry Trotter (classical and jazz)