Lori Pakulat

I began teaching piano lessons as a 14 year old in 1985 - for $5 a lesson! I started playing the piano at age 5 and was blessed by parents who encouraged me (even though they were not musical themselves) and I was privileged to study under some amazing teachers - such as the composer, Carolyn Jones. I studied with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and although I teach many styles of music today - I will always have a soft spot in my heart for classical music. In 1989 I spent the summer playing the piano in Switzerland, which was a wonderful experience for an 18 year old! Over the decades I have taught private piano & theory lessons, group lessons, children's choir, mom & baby music, handbell choirs for children and adults, music lessons for seniors and pedagogy classes for young teachers. I have spent many years as a church worship pianist, and I play the piano for funerals and weddings. I think that the wedding pianist has the best seat in the house to watch the bride walk down the aisle! The most special wedding that I played for was for my own daughter. I love to teach piano lessons because I love the opportunity to help boys and girls (and sometimes even their parents) learn how to begin the wonderful, lifetime adventure of being able to express themselves at the piano; to sit down and get lost in the music in front of them, or to hear something that they love, and learn how to figure out how to play it by ear. Learning to read music is like learning to read a book - the whole world opens up to you - and you can travel anywhere, simply by sitting on the piano bench. My style of teach is through encouragement, creative teaching ideas, realistic expectations, laughter, and the ability to teach a variety of musical styles and genres. Many of my students have been with me for years. Beginning in 2014, I also began teaching online lessons for students that have moved out of the area. This continues to be a great workable option for some of my students today. My own personal success story that is dear to my heart? I taught all 5 of my own children how to play the piano - and all of them continue to play instruments today. Our house was, and is full of music! Everything from the ukulele, drums, cajon, bass guitar, keyboards, violin, acoustic guitar, recorder and harmonica! Enjoying a jam session with piano, guitar and drums with my sons on a Sunday afternoon - nothing gets better than that. :) Lori Pakulat