Lessons
Interested in piano lessons? Keep scrolling to read about me and studio policies.
To sign up or learn more please send me a message to set up a free introductory meeting!
Welcome!
Music lessons are an opportunity to develop creativity, discipline, and focus in a meaningful and rewarding way. I believe everyone is capable of the thoughtfulness needed to be an effective musician when efforts are applied correctly. My goal is to teach students to be well-rounded artists by honoring musicianship at every stage. Lessons focus on piano, but students can also work on composition/songwriting, music production, and singing. Regardless of the medium, thoughtful artistry is always the priority.
I learned to teach piano under the guidance of international pedagogue, pianist, and University of Texas Professor Sophia Gilmson, as well as jazz pianist, educator, and director Dan Redner. This is in addition to drawing from my own experience as a musician, teacher, and lifelong learner. I am proud to continue honing my skills by taking lessons myself with the aforementioned artists. In addition to piano, I was fortunate to take a multitude of lessons as a child and young adult: voice, violin, percussion/drum set, guitar, and composition lessons are all part of my musical background.
A teacher since 2019, I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA). I work with children each summer as the accompanist and music director for the Summer Performing Arts program at St. David’s Episcopal Church. I serve as a mentor for the Golden Hornet Young Composers Concert and have judged (composition and essay contests) for the Austin District Music Teachers Association.
My goal is to teach students to be well-rounded artists by honoring musicianship at every stage. Lessons will focus on the following:
Technique
Repertoire and Performance
Ear Training
Sight Reading
Music Theory
Practice Strategies
Composition and Improvisation
Music History and Listening
Performance and Creative opportunities
and of course, the joys and deeply human experience of making music
Lessons are not genre-specific, but most of my students play classical, pop, rock and all will learn how to read music.
Materials
Piano students need access to:
A well-maintained acoustic piano or an 88-key digital piano with touch sensitivity and weighted action. If using a digital keyboard, students will also need a music stand and sustain pedal (very young beginners such as 4-6 years old will not need a sustain pedal yet).
A piano bench, not a chair or stool
It is best to play with the feet flat, so students with short legs will need a foot stool or book to prevent dangling feet.
If you would like to start lessons but don’t yet have an instrument I will gladly help you find one. I am also happy to recommend piano tuner/technician Mark Provenzano for any piano tuning and touch up needs.
Jessy Eubanks Music will provide you with any music/other materials and later be reimbursed by you, or inform you how to obtain them yourself. You’ll be notified via email when your balance is due.
Materials will include an assignment book which, along with your other lesson materials, you (or your child) are expected to bring to each lesson. You may purchase a notebook from the studio or bring your own.
Practice
Daily practice is ideal, though a 5 or 6 day practice week can be sufficient depending on your goals. A successful way to practice includes a routine, a distraction free environment, and a plan. Young beginners will make the most progress when practice sessions are guided by an adult who observes the lesson.
A successful practice session for a young student:
Every afternoon after a snack is practice time (the routine). The rest of the students’ family leaves the room and turns off the TV (distraction free environment) while a parent/caregiver sits with the student. The adult walks the child through the notes from the lesson (plan). They go through the assignments as directed, but are ready to be flexible with any issues that arise. The adult can ask the child “How did that go?” “Could it be better? How?”. These are objective questions - never attacking or criticizing. The practice sessions lasts as long as it takes to get through the lesson assignments or as long as the student can focus.
A successful practice session for an older student:
Every afternoon after school/work is practice time (the routine). If you have a changing schedule, take a few minutes at the end of each practice session to schedule the next one. Make sure you are away from anything that will grab your attention (distraction free environment). Before you start practicing, decide what you will do and how you will do it (plan). Use your lesson notes to guide this plan. Uh oh! You realize you are struggling with a new passage or scale. Update your plan so that you can successfully tackle this. The ratio of correct to incorrect repetitions matters - do not let yourself reinforce a mistake. Sometimes success means being flexible. Then asses - did you accomplish your goals? What will you focus on next time? Practice can be as long as you have allotted time for, or how long it takes you to reach your reasonable practice goals. Practicing after you can no longer focus is usually not beneficial.
Lesson Length
Young children usually meet for a 30 minute weekly or bi-weekly lesson, but older students and adults will get more accomplished in a 45 or 60 minute weekly lesson. Lessons are on a weekly basis.
Recital and Studio Events
Jessy Eubanks Music hosts a recital in the fall and spring of each year. It is asked that all minor students participate unless they are new or very young. However, if a new or very young student has a desire to perform in an upcoming recital the answer will always be “yes!” and we will work towards that goal. Adult students are invited to participate but not obliged.
In addition to performing experience, a goal oriented event such as a recital provides an opportunity to demonstrate progress to family and friends and learn the rewards of working towards a larger goal. It is also a chance to learn about and practice concert etiquette.
An informal masterclass and dress rehearsal takes places before each recital as a chance to run through the performance and get feedback. It’s also a way to meet other students and build community.
Adult students (including those who may not wish to preform in the recital) can still meet other students by attending a bi-annual coffee hour.
Payment
Payment is due the first of the month for all lessons in that month, plus any material reimbursements. You’ll be notified via email of any payment due on your behalf a week before. For pricing details please email jessyeubanksmusic@gmail.com or contact me via my website.
48 hour Cancellation Policy and Scheduling
Jessy Eubanks Music has a 48 hour (2 days’ notice) cancellation policy. If you cancel a lesson within 48 hours of your scheduled time you will be charged as if you attended the lesson. I am flexible if you need to reschedule (to account for last minute emergencies and illnesses).
If you arrive late to a lesson I cannot guarantee the full length of the lesson.
I send a reminder email the day before each lesson.
Availability
Limited openings remain. For the most current availability please email jessyeubanksmusic@gmail.com or contact me via my website.
Location
I teach from my home studio, located near the intersection of William Cannon & Brodie Lane in South Austin.
Discussion
I always welcome discussions about you or your child’s progress and musical goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email at any time!
To learn more email jessyeubanksmusic@gmail.com or contact me via my website.