Welcome to Bonnie Kellert’s Piano Studio, located in my home in Potomac, Maryland, and serving the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The Studio is also equipped with advanced video conferencing capability which offers access to my teaching to those living outside of the D. C. vicinity. It also provides a safe means to conduct lessons during the current COVID19 pandemic.

I am certified by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as a Permanent Professional Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in Piano.

I am a passionate, dedicated teacher with more than 50 years’ experience guiding and coaching pre-college students of all ages and levels, adult pianists and other piano teachers. My experience as a performer allows me to impart a special connection with both the student and the music.

The focus of my attention is on those with a love of music and a willingness to work diligently to arrive at their potential.

My teaching philosophy, with emphasis on preparing for public performance, encompasses piano instruction, theoretical analysis, memorization, musical expression and technical security. Weekly lessons on my two beautifully maintained grands promote good listening habits, lush tone production and musical expression.

Lessons for Students Aged 7-18:

My students are offered a comprehensive music education that goes beyond nominal piano instruction. {See website.] Students who are accepted into the Studio, by audition, possess strong study habits and exceptional musical aptitude. All of my students are met with high expectations along with a loving and nurturing manner. All lessons are modified to fit the needs and abilities of each individual student.

Daily practicing is expected for students to reach full potential. During lessons, students are introduced to varied and diverse ways of practicing to achieve maximum results quickly and without frustration.

Monthly workshops provide opportunities to socialize with others in the studio. Workshops consist of listening to music, playing for each other and being critiqued by each other. In addition, we compare professional performances, distinguish composers and styles by examples provided in my extensive CD library. Additional theory and musicianship classes are directed toward mandatory participation in annual theory and keyboard musicianship exams sponsored by MSMTA.

An important objective is for students to perform in public and in competitions to build confidence. Students practice at a higher level of diligence when there is a serious performance goal to meet. Events are sponsored by the music organizations to which I belong.

Lessons and Coaching for Adults:

I have been coaching adults for most of my teaching career. This is very satisfying for me, mostly because of the level of repertoire, the questions posed at lessons and the intellectual exchange. Adults can expect a high level of instruction based mostly on musicality. I demonstrate the possibilities for a musical and expressive performance, usually based on stylistic tendencies of the composer. Lessons for adults are tailored to individuals according to their own goals and needs. Choice of repertoire is chosen by the adult, although input from me is important to determine if the piece is technically accessible.

Bio:

I am active as an educator, performer, lecturer, mentor, adjudicator and master class presenter. In 2016 I was presented with Steinway’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. For 22 years I served on the faculty of the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC. I have served as president of Washington (D.C.) MTA and Montgomery County MTA.

Many of my award-winning students have performed in master classes for Ruth Laredo, Susan Starr, Brian Ganz, Marvin Blickenstaff, Leon Bates, Thomas Mastroianni and others. I have been published in Keyboard Companion and the Piano Pedagogy Forum.

I give master classes that have included the Shanghai Conservatory in Mainland China, McDaniel College, the Levine School of Music, and Southern New Jersey MTA. I also give recital-presentations for affiliates of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

A scholarship student at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, I earned my B.M. and M.M. in Piano Performance while studying with renowned concert pianist Leon Fleisher. Prior to that, I studied with Alexander Lipsky of New York City and Emerson Meyers of Catholic University of America.

For further details, please visit: www.bonniekellert.com