Bielworks

Serves , WI

35244

Hired 10 times

Not yet available

37 years in business

$24

4.3

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

David Biel
Completed on 6/7/2023

Introduction

I offer my creativity, having written three published teaching pieces for piano . I'm able to improvise in more than one style but my speciality is jazz. I've taught jazz piano from beginning pieces through improvising jazz standards. I also have a good ear which allows me to take a beginner level arrangement of a piece and play my own version which is closer to the original even if the original was written for orchestra . Also you get my 29 years of experience , treating my student as an equal , and patience. I'm very persistent . I keep on a student until he or she reaches that goal whether it be clapping a new rhythm or mastering two measures of a piece . I enjoy working with people. When I'm interacting with different personalities it challenges me to find new ways to teach my craft. I enjoy when I have successfully taught a student a new skill or piece which helps them grow as a musician . I enjoy playing for students and receiving praise for it . I enjoy using my ability to create new jazz solos or exercises . I enjoy working with children with their sense of fun and spontaneity .

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I charge $50/hr per lesson and a few dollars more for driving to the student's home. I ask the student to pay for four lessons in advance.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I would explain the price and the expectations of my studio such as giving a 24 hour notice for cancellation. We would then proceed with the first lesson where I would explain the body mechanics of playing,keyboard layout, names of the keys, and some pre-note reading exercises .

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a B.A. in Jazz Studies from UWM. While there I took a Piano Pedagogy class where I had to teach the basics of piano to another music student . I recently took some classes for piano teachers which involved in depth study of piano technique and the mastering of classical music up to an intermediate level .

How did you get started doing this type of work?

When I was in college, I found a couple of music stores that needed piano teachers and taught there until I graduated. I really didn't make it my profession until I moved to Akron, Ohio where I read up on and taught piano until I had more of a foundation. Later I moved to Milwaukee and was hired full-time at Schaum Music School where I have taught for twenty-seven years.

What types of customers have you worked with?

All types-ages ranging from 5 to 81 years old. Most of my students are between eight and twelve years old, including special needs students.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

In my case, it was a student who went from not being able to play or read music to playing complex jazz music. The process took about seven years.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look for a teacher with education and experience in piano. I would recommend someone with a balanced program, not just teaching a popular song or method book. I would also include theory and technique, both to develop their knowledge of music and the technical skills to play increasingly difficult music. A personal recommendation from a good student is helpful.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Are you willing to commit time and money to a process that will take several years to become proficient? Parents, are you willing to encourage your child to practice most days? What would be a satisfactory level of competence for example, playing popular songs well? improvise jazz? or play sophisticated classical music?