Ashley West
Private Piano Teacher
803-370-1275
Facebook Page
Facebook Page
ashleyerinw@gmail.com
Middle Tennessee
Music makes people happy
This simple fact is the reason I decided to start sharing my love and understanding of the piano.
My Teaching Style
Flexibility is the key. Every child, every teenager, every adult has a different learning style. I flex my teaching style to reflect my student's learning style. After working together for a few lessons, my student and I will develop a routine that keeps them interested and motivated while moving them forward and enhancing their skill set. I believe that learning to play the piano should be exciting rather than intimidating. I require my students to work hard, but I do not require recitals. Learning to play and learning to perform are two completely different things. I chose to use my knowledge of piano in a meditative way. Learning a new song or playing a piece I've known for years is soothing to me and I begin and end my days with the piano. Music is something that removes stress from my busy life. If my student's or their parents show an interest in learning to perform, I am thrilled to coach them and organize a recital for them with their families and friends or with other interested students. However, if my student simply wants to learn to play for themselves and the thought of performing makes them uncomfortable, then we will focus on the bond between piano and pianist and leave it at that.
Piano Lesson Information
I recently moved back to my hometown of Shelbyville, TN, and am currently accepting new students across Middle Tennessee (Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Brentwood, etc). I teach lessons both in my home, and in your home, based on each family's needs. I teach all ages - 3 years through adult, but specialize in early music education starting at 3 years old. Learning to read music is equivalent to learning a new language, and the earlier you start the better!
Rates
For lessons in my home studio - I charge a flat rate. For in-home lessons (meaning lessons in your home), my rates are based on the distance between your house and mine. Since I travel when I teach, I will simply ask for your address upon an inquiry about lessons, and let you know within 24 hours what your rate will be. Please send me an email or give me a call for specific numbers!
Scheduling
Flexibility flexibility flexibility. Our piano lessons will be designed to accommodate your schedule. Traditional lessons are 30 minutes once a week, but if your schedule would be better suited to an hour lesson every other week, we can certainly make it work!
Cancelations
My piano lesson cancelation policy is also flexibility based. Hey, I get sick sometimes too. I also know what it feels like when your kid comes home with a giant active volcano sculpture project that's due tomorrow, or an entire solar system to paint that was conveniently "forgotten about" before now. All I ask is that the minute you know you'll have to cancel your lesson, you give me a call and we'll either reschedule, or plan to wait for the following week. I'll make sure to show you the same courtesy!
Lesson Books
As far as lesson books go, I will take care of purchasing the necessary books your child needs, and you can simply add the cost to the payment for the next lesson. I have a large collection of music myself and love letting my students use my library to get some variety!
Payments
Payment is due at the end of each lesson. I do this for your convenience and mine! Since our scheduling is flexible, paying after each lesson prevents any confusion regarding canceling and rescheduling.
Give me a call or shoot me an email!
I love to play my piano, and I absolutely love to teach! I've been playing for 20 years and I've been teaching for 6. Sharing my love for music and self enhancement is my passion and I would be thrilled to add you to my schedule!
