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Nodd's Review So when you think about music, are you thinking about what you heard on your favorite radio station? Or maybe it's that new CD or iTunes download? Well, when I think about music, I think about the amazing piano lesson I took from Bonnie Lien of Make Music *Piano* Studios. Yes, instead of just listening to music, why not make it yourself? So here I was, sitting in Miss Bonnie's (as her students affectionately call her) studio with a keyboard in front of me and not knowing which way is up (hey, I can type 80 words a minute using my computer keyboard but when it comes to a piano keyboard, I felt like I was all thumbs!). But Ms. Bonnie is a kind and patient, almost grandmotherly type of teacher who is used to having kids as young as 5 years old in her studio so I knew I was in good hands. She taught me finger placement and chords and how to read a music sheet (which was very cool) and by the end of the lesson, I was playing a little Elvis tune. It was that simple and I attribute my success completely to Ms. Bonnie's teaching ability... because God knows I have no musical acumen!
"My first love is to teach music," Ms. Bonnie told me. "Adults catch on very quick but to see the children learn and play in front of their parents... music is such a wonderful gift!" I got to see a video of some of Ms. Bonnie's talented young students putting on a recital and I would have to agree, it was amazing. Not only were these kids playing well, but you could see the sense of accomplishment on their faces. It is said that musical experience instills positive attitudes, a positive self-image, a desire to achieve excellence and the ability to set and achieve goals and if this is the case, then all of Ms. Bonnie's students are off to a great start in life.
Ms. Bonnie began her musical adventure at the age of 7, learning from her mother who was the church organist. She continued playing throughout her youth and into college. Now, with over 40 years of piano teaching experience, Ms. Bonnie's love for teaching children, adults and even whole families is inspiring her to want to pass on her unique teaching method to pianists who would like to learn to teach themselves. She calls her teaching method "Piano Aerobics" and it was developed by integrating the best components of the most successful piano courses around. "Piano Aerobics was designed to assist students to play accurately and in rhythm from the very first lesson," she told me and to that, I can certainly vouch for.
So if you're thinking about learning piano, give Ms. Bonnie a call. Or here's a suggestion for you parents: Why not learn to play piano with your child? Now there's a special activity that can go far towards building that special connection with your kids that would be sure to last your lifetime. About Piano Aerobics Ms. Bonnie developed the Piano Aerobics method while successfully teaching piano classes for adult beginners. In 1990 she founded MAKE MUSIC "Teaching" STUDIOS, and contracted with Aurion Productions, Inc. to produce Piano Aerobics for Adults. Ms. Bonnie received her degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Throughout her career she has taught hundreds of children and adults, including: Private and Public School Choirs. Before moving to the Beaverton area, she also spent a couple years managing the OSU-Corvallis Symphony Orchestra.
Class Schedule
4 Intro. Classes for Children...$80
- Tues. 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 3:30, 4:30pm
- Thurs. 11:00, 1:00 pm
4 Intro. Classes for Music Teachers...$80
Private Lessons..............$35 (times to be arranged)
ALL LESSONS ARE 40 - 50 MINUTES
Learn to Teach Piano
Do you already
know how to play piano but would like to learn to teach this wonderful
instrument to others? Well, Ms. Bonnie is just the person to talk to
and through her unique "Piano Aerobic" method, she can help you
understand the intricacies of teaching to both young and young at heart.
"Piano Aerobics" Instructional DVD
Ms. Bonnie's instructional "Piano Aerobics" DVD contains 5 valuable lessons that will have you playing tunes in only 90 minutes. Only $59.95, you can purchase this DVD by calling 503-614-8980. |
Make Music *Piano* Studios
