Laura Pierce

Teaching Approach:
Photo of Laura PierceI love music, and enjoy teaching piano to students of all ages, from beginners to advanced. I teach music fundamentals such as music reading, scales, chords, technique, theory and musicality. I also offer students the chance to play by ear, improvise and compose. Providing support and motivation keeps students moving along at a comfortable rate of progress. With the Hal Leonard and Piano Adventures method books, students are able to play their pieces with CD accompaniment. This allows students to practice at home with a variety of instruments and styles that add to the fun and learning. I enjoy working with students on music in the classical, folk, jazz, and pop styles, and encourage them to choose songs they enjoy. Once a year, students can perform in a recital held at the Amherst Woman’s Club. Twice a year, more advanced students may perform in the Valley Piano Teachers Association recital at UMASS Amherst’s Bezanson Recital Hall. I teach lessons at the Unitarian Church in Amherst and at my home studio in Cummington.

Background:
I earned a Bachelor of Music Ed. Degree, with a concentration in piano and voice, from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam in 1980. I have taught and performed music for 35 years. Along with piano, I have taught Kindermusik classes, children’s choirs, jazz choirs, and voice. I have worked as a church accompanist on piano and organ. I am currently an Artist Associate in Vocal Jazz at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.

Contact:
Laura Pierce
5 Frazier Lane
Cummington, MA 01026
(413) 213-0522
info@jazzinsight.com