About
Mission
Jax Piano Lessons (JPL) exists to promote musicality and creativity in learners of all ages. JPL intergrates music technology with standard music curriculum. Computer-based systems and games create and sustain interest, motivate learners, inspire learners, and help meet piano performance goals.
Learning to play piano is a complex endeavor. The founder of JPL is of the opinion that traditional acoustic piano instruction is more fun and more effective when supplemented by a variety of systematic multimedia computer programs which are connected to our electronic keyboards through MIDI. At JPL, computer-based, mastery drill programs and games contribute to the development sight-reading, listening, and motor skills. This approach increases learner engagement and satisfaction through interactivity and learner control of instructional pace. Also, it provides learners the opportunity to receive instantaneous, consistent, and clear performance feedback. There is no doubt that learners grow musically through manipulating musical signs and symbols through computer composition and recording programs at our lab stations. Such assignments reinforce critical theory concepts, encourage creativity, and promote composition.
In the quest to provide superior piano instruction, methods books, educational software, and online learning resources are continually being evaluated. You can be confident that JPL intends to implement training objects which prove to enhance aural discrimination, increase theoretical knowledge, and improve keyboard performance.
Scott M.
Music Theory and Counterpoint Specialist, BAEd, MSIDT
Background
Soon after joining the US Navy in my late teens, I began experimenting with synthesizers and participated in my first electronic music course at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California (1985). As a young adult, I completed private piano college courses at San Jacinto College Central in Pasadena, Texas under Shelly Berg and Joyce Ghormley (1989-1991). In the late nineties, I moved to Chicago, Illinois to pursue an undergraduate degree in Christian Education. In Chicago, I completed college coursework in introductory music theory (1997). I also received piano training at Music Dynamics under Paul Renard and performed music during church meetings (1996-1997). I relocated to Jacksonville (2001) and completed my BA in Christian Education through regionally accredited Global University (2003). Afterwards, I took private piano lessons at Florida Conservatory of Music in Orange Park, Florida under Lindita Godo while working as a teacher of primary and secondary learners in the subjects English, intensive reading, math, and SAT preparation (2004-2007).
To grow in instructional expertise, I completed an MS in Instructional Design and Technology, Online Learning Specialization degree from regionally accredited Walden University (2011). I’ve continued to study music at Berklee College of Music and have earned a Specialist Certificate in Music Theory & Counterpoint (2013), by completing the courses Music Theory 201, Music Theory 301, and Counterpoint. You can hear and see me playing an arrangement of “Girl from Ipanema” (Jobim) and “Invention No. 4” (Bach) through an online recital video which I made for my students (2011). Select “show more” to jump to the exact spot at end of video: http://youtu.be/cK4_nETm6ZAat
From 2018 to 2020, I worked on developing a local cover band in Jacksonville. After the pandemic arrived, I took a four year hiatus from teaching and performing with others. My primary focus now is my new business called Jax Piano Lessons.
My interests include technology, computer programming, jazz studies, music composition, electronic music, music production, and multimedia design. I also enjoy fishing, swimming, biking, and weightlifting.
Active Students
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What Our Clients Say
"I like being able to choose which music I'm working on."
"My husband likes the fact that our children are working on higher levels of music."
