Joan Wallace: Piano Instructor

Dr. Joan Wallace, piano instructor, has been teaching professionally since 2011. Originally from Michigan, she spent seven years living abroad, three of which have been as a piano teacher at an international school in Northern India. She has adjudicated for piano competitions and auditions in both India and the United States. After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy, Joan went on to obtain both a Bachelor of Music in Piano and B.A in English from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She subsequently received her Master’s in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, where she was also assistant to Dr. Jane Magrath. She recently obtained her DMA in Piano Performance from the University of Minnesota, under the guidance of Dr. Paul Shaw.

Joan incorporates creative and personalized learning approaches to Classical music, and regularly presents at National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and national Music Teachers National Association conferences on these topics. She believes that every student has the potential to become enthusiastic about music and allows a certain amount of freedom while also challenging her students to grow. Joan actively performs both solo and chamber music. Her interest in chamber music has led her to perform as a fellow in the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Chamber Music Institute and for Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas. She has also performed in the Haydnsaal of Esterházy Palace in Austria and for the Beethoven Institute at Mannes College of Music.

I believe that every student has the potential to become enthusiastic about music – my job as an instructor of piano is to help them realize this through passion, knowledge, and insight into his or her motivation and character. Considering the foundation of why we educate is a continual reflection for me. To teach is not to instruct, but to stimulate a desire to pursue long-lasting learning and to continually improve within ourselves and within the world.

Single Lessons:
30 min. – $36.00
45 min. – $52.00
60 min. – $70.00

Make-up Lessons:
Each student is allowed one (1) makeup class per 16-week term. If a lesson is cancelled giving at least 24 hours’ notice, it is eligible for a make-up lesson. Any lesson cancelled with less notice may not be made up and fees will not be refunded. Make-up lessons may be scheduled during the same week if there are any openings; if not, they may be scheduled later in the term at a suitable time. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to schedule make up lessons.

Schedule Changes:
Provide 3 to 4 weeks’ notice for vacations; 1 to 2 weeks’ notice for sports, special events, and appointments; 1 to 3 days’ notice for illness

Severe Weather:
If weather makes transportation to lessons too difficult, lessons will be available through online platforms. Please use your own judgment and call if you feel very uncomfortable with traveling conditions.

Practicing:
Students should be prepared for each lesson and have made weekly progress on all parts of the written assignment. This requires a commitment to practicing the piano at home each day. Practice times will vary throughout the year depending on our goals and projects. As a guide, parents should ensure that children practice at least 5 days each week. Consistent daily practice is the key to long-term success.

In person:
Fridays 1pm-8pm. Other times upon request.

Online:
Available upon request via Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype.