Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Myers.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I moved to Fort Worth in the fall of 2020 during the pandemic, relocating from a suburb of Chicago. Teaching piano faced significant restrictions in Illinois during this time, which forced me to transition to online teaching exclusively. Fortunately, all my students continued their lessons with me after our move and even after the pandemic subsided. I enrolled in an online music teaching course that took me a year to complete, where I learned a great deal about technology and utilizing online teaching platforms, allowing my instruction to continue seamlessly. As my students graduated from high school one by one, I decided to shift my focus to teaching adults. I currently have one high school senior left, while the rest of my students are adults—either beginners or those who had lessons in their youth and wish to return to piano study. It has been a joy to connect with people from various walks of life across different states. Having taught piano for over 35 years, I never imagined I would be teaching exclusively online, but I am incredibly grateful for the technology that enables me to continue my profession.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Relocating to a new area always presents challenges. I was very active as a professional piano teacher in the Chicago area, where I frequently adjudicated piano competitions and festivals. Since my move, that aspect of my professional life has been noticeably absent.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have dedicated my professional life to educating students and parents about the importance of viewing “piano teaching” as a legitimate career. Selecting a trained and educated piano teacher is crucial. I hold professional memberships with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA). With a background in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern University, I have been trained to be an effective piano teacher. Many parents often seek someone in their ‘neighborhood’ for convenience, but I must admit that some piano teachers only teach because they know how to play. I frequently remind parents searching for a piano teacher that being able to play the piano does not automatically qualify someone to teach it, just as speaking English does not make one an English teacher.
What sets me apart is my ability to teach students from beginner to advanced levels. Now that I am focusing solely on adults, I have both beginners and advanced students. It is essential for me to get to know each student and understand the type of music they wish to play once they learn the fundamentals. The length and frequency of lessons also depend on the individual student; some are retired and have more time to practice, while others work full-time and have limited availability.
My goal for students, regardless of their age, is to train them to become independent learners of music in the future.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Fort Worth boasts a wide variety of restaurants, and my husband and I love exploring different cuisines.
As someone originally from the Midwest, I still find the hot summers challenging, but I appreciate the mild winters!
Pricing:
- $60 for 45-min lesson
- $85 for 60-min lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniemyerspianostudio.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myerspianostudio?
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-myers-1809a3141
Image Credits
photos by Claire Sommerfeld
