It’s no secret that learning music is good for your brain and helps you learn valuable life skills like perseverance, hard work, and building good habits.
Many parents feel excited when their child shows interest in a musical instrument. They know it is so good for their child’s development and character, and maybe it is even something they could do as a career!
However, we often hear things like:
“My child isn’t motivated to practice.”
“I wish I never quit taking lessons.”
“I want lessons to be fun, but also make sure my investment is worthwhile.”
“I don’t know how to help my child practice.”
Many parents feel lost and helpless when things get hard – and let’s face it, it won’t always be perfect – so they take the easy way out by letting their child quit. And there goes all the tuition money, time spent driving to lessons, and mental energy of practice sessions down the drain.
No one ever says “I wish I hadn’t learned to play an instrument.” And many adults regret quitting as kids.
So what’s the answer to success with music?
At IMAGINE, we are focused on your child’s success through our Imagine Process.
Passionate
We strongly believe in the power of music and the arts. We’ve seen it work in ourselves – for expression, for courage, for strength – and we want to share this gift with our students and their families.
Purposeful
The magic of learning takes place in the process, not the outcome. We celebrate the small steps, and measure success in joy, growth, and skill-building rather than solely on achievement and performance.
Patient
We believe that every child, and parent, can learn the arts, and that each learns at a unique pace with special challenges. We encourage students with gentle nudges, but never try to fit them into a mold or march them to a certain pace. We teach parents to do the same.
What if there was a place where your child was more than just another name on the roster?
What if you had not just one teacher, but a team of teachers that cared deeply about seeing your child succeed?
What if you had PARENT support so that you felt equipped to get through the not-so-easy times?
Our goal at IMAGINE is to walk with you every step of the way on your musical journey. We foster a growth mindset and believe that music can help create a beautiful bond within a family.
We want to empower you on the journey so that music will continuously enrich the lives of you and your children.
What are the options in Imagine’s Online Piano Program?
How It Works
- All you need is a phone or iPad with an internet connection. You will receive your teacher’s Zoom Meeting link via the automatic reminders via our My Music Staff program.
- Set up your camera to the side of your piano and slightly above so that your teacher can see your entire keyboard and hands.
- Your teacher may have multiple cameras so you can see them at different angles. They may also share pictures and/or music on the screen.
What is offered in Imagine’s Online Piano Program?
- Private lessons are scheduled directly with your assigned teacher according to their schedule. Once assigned, they will reach out to you to schedule an initial trial lesson. You can schedule future lessons directly with them.
- Virtual Group Classes for Suzuki Book 1 are currently Wednesdays at 5:30-6:15pm CST.
- Additional Group Classes will be scheduled based on need.
Meet the Teachers
Emily Gilbertson
Emily is excited to teach piano for all ages and levels. She began violin lessons at the age of 4 and classical piano lessons at the age of 5.
Most recently she completed her master’s degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma with Dr. Jeongwon Ham. During high school, Emily taught piano lessons through the Southern California Piano Conservatory. She received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in Piano Performance with a Collaborative Emphasis. At St. Olaf College, Emily was a piano tutor for group piano class where she taught undergraduate students on a 1-1 and 2-1 basis. She has experience accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs in recitals, lessons, studio class, and juries. Emily also has experience as a church pianist accompanying services and performing with choirs. Emily was a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Oklahoma in Music Theory where she taught Aural Skills classes to undergraduate students. Emily enjoys presenting at national conferences. She was accepted to present at MTNA 2020 and completed a poster session for MTNA 2021. Recently she has been selected to perform in the Classical Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. Aside from piano Emily is also passionate about classical voice. She has performed in choirs throughout high school and college. She enjoyed performing in the operas Die Fledermaus and Ruddigore at St. Olaf College.
Nathaniel Harrell (online lessons only)
Nathaniel Harrell has been teaching piano to all ages for several years at Imagine.
He was born in California where he began his studies in piano and music and then moved to Oklahoma to complete a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance under the instruction of Dr. Stephen Beus and Dr. Igor Lipinski. He then earned his master’s degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Dr. Sergio Monteiro at Oklahoma City University. He is an accomplished soloist, collaborative pianist, and harpsichordist with extensive knowledge of piano literature and technique. Currently, he is studying and teaching music as a PhD student at the University of Maryland. He is enthusiastic about teaching all styles of music and hopes to inspire and motivate others to find joy and meaning through music.
Jenna Klein
Jenna Klein has been a dedicated teacher to students of all ages and levels for the past eight years. Currently she teaches piano at Imagine Music and Arts and Applied Piano at Southern Nazarene University as an adjunct faculty member.
She is a Candidate for the Ph.D. in Piano Pedagogy at OU where she studies piano with Dr. Jane Magrath and piano pedagogy with Dr. Barbara Fast. Her past teachers include Sean Botkin, Dr. Lynn Worcester, and Dr. Ruthanne Schempf. She earned her BA in Piano Performance and Contemporary Music Studies with an emphasis in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz and a MM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Northern Iowa. She has performed nationally throughout the Hudson Valley region of New York, Michigan, and the Midwest and internationally in Eisenstadt, Austria as part of the Classical Music Festival.
During her time at OU, she has been a four-time recipient of the Provost’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for outstanding instruction as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Most recently, she was awarded the 2021-2022 Mergler and Bullard Dissertation Completion Fellowship which she will use to continue research related to diversity and representation in the piano repertoire. In addition to teaching, Jenna is an active presenter at state, regional, and national conferences.
Emily Stocker
Emily Stocker is an active performer, accompanist, and teacher. Most recently, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under the direction of Dr. Jane Magrath and Dr. Barbara Fast.
Previously, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Baylor University where she studied with Dr. Bradley Bolen and Dr. Lesley McAllister.
As an active member of Music Teachers National Association, Emily has presented on topics such as including diversity in the group piano classroom.
During her time in Texas, Emily has enjoyed adjudicating for the Texas Music Teachers Association All-Star Festival. She has held the position of Vice President in collegiate chapters of MTNA at both Baylor University and The University of Oklahoma.
Jennifer Walschap
Jennifer Walschap, NCTM, is the Founder and Director of Imagine Music and Arts, where she also teaches piano using the Suzuki Method. She received a Bachelors in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Shorter College and a Masters of Music Education with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from OU.
Jennifer has completed training in all of the Suzuki Piano Books with Mary Craig Powell, Rita Hauck, and Fay Adams. She aspires to become a Suzuki Teacher Trainer. She has taught masterclasses and group piano classes at the DFW-WOW Suzuki Institute, and group classes at the Preucil School of Music Spring Workshop.
Mrs. Walschap has presented at numerous locations, including the Music Teachers National Association Conference, the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy, the Colorado Springs Music Teachers Association, and the University of Oklahoma. She also regularly adjudicates auditions and competitions around the state of Oklahoma.
Jennifer currently serves as the Treasurer for the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association (OMTA), as well as accompanist for the OYSing Da Capo Choir. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her cats, gardening, studying Spanish, and doing crafts. Jennifer believes that music can enrich our lives in countless ways, and that every child can, should, and deserves to learn and experience music!
Jessica Witt
Jessica Witt fell in love with the piano at the age of four, knowing just a few years later that she wanted to become a teacher.
She was able to achieve this goal in 2014 and has worked since then with both children and adults guiding them in discovering their own unique styles of learning. Recently, she has become the holder of a Collegiate Music Diploma from the International Program of The National Guild of Piano Teachers; she also plans to further her studies with the Suzuki Association. For Jessica, music is a beautiful language and her goal is to divulge its secrets to whomever is willing to listen and learn.
We are excited to offer
ONLINE and IN-PERSON
classes for Spring 2022!*
Intro to Piano Classes
These classes are for parents and their young children wanting to build a strong foundation in piano. The purpose of this class is twofold: to prepare both parents and students for private lessons. Students will be taught the basics of the piano keyboard, note and rhythm reading, music terms, rote songs, and beginning Suzuki Piano technique! The class setting is fun and motivating, contributing to a positive first experience with the piano.
These classes are for parents and their young children wanting to build a strong foundation in piano. The purpose of this class is twofold: to prepare both parents and students for private lessons. Students will be taught the basics of the piano keyboard, note and rhythm reading, music terms, rote songs, and beginning Suzuki Piano technique! The class setting is fun and motivating, contributing to a positive first experience with the piano.
Details:
- Intro to Piano Class (age 4-6)
- Weekly Group Classes
- Weekly Parent Classes
- Includes 4 Private Sessions
- [Fall Pricing – $640 or $169/month for 4 months]
- Spring Pricing TBA
- Beginning Piano Class (age 6-8)
- Weekly Group Classes
- Weekly Parent Classes
- Includes 4 Private Sessions
- [Fall Pricing – $640 or $169/month for 4 months]
- Spring Pricing TBA
- $50 Deposit required to hold your spot
- Each class is limited to 4 students in order to provide enough attention to each.
Classes Begin January 2021
Meeting Times:
- Intro to Piano
- TBA
- Beginning Piano
- TBA
Books and Materials (included in class fee):
- Suzuki Piano Volume 1 – New International Edition + CD
- Nurtured by Love – Shinichi Suzuki (one per family – for parent)
- The Music Tree, A Time to Begin
- Alfred Complete Color-Coded Flashcards
Teachers: Jessica Witt, Emily Stocker, Jennifer Walschap
These classes are for students who are new to piano. If you have already completed one of these classes or have already studied piano, consider our Imagine Piano Program or Traditional Piano Program.
*Depends on enrollment.
Imagine Piano Program
Our Imagine Piano Program follows the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. For FAQ about the Suzuki Method, visit here.
It is highly recommended that young students take either Intro to Piano (ages 4-6) or Beginning Piano (ages 6-8) before entering our Imagine Piano Program.
The program includes weekly private lessons (30, 45, or 60 minutes), weekly group classes, and parent classes/workshops.
A parent is required to attend every lesson with their child, but is not required to attend group class unless the teacher feels there is a need to.
Students participate in Winter and Spring Recitals yearly, as well as have the opportunity to participate in monthly Student Showcases during the school year.
Beginning Fall 2021, new Suzuki piano students are required to sign-up for weekly Group Classes. Group Classes are an integral part of this method, helping foster a musical environment, reinforce concepts, and create community with peers.
If a parent registering their child beginning Fall 2021 has not already taken the Parent Class in which we read Nurtured by Love, this class will need to be completed before or at the same time the student is beginning lessons.
Rates for Fall Semester 2021:*
30-minute
45-minute
60-minute
Monthly
$140
$200
$260
Monthly (w/ Parent Class)
$165
Beginners usually take 30-minute lessons
Summer Lesson pricing is on a package-basis and will be available as the summer approaches.
Discounts:
- Sibling/Family Member: 5% off tuition of each additional student.
- Multi-Instrument: 5% off tuition for each additional instrument.
Traditional Piano Program
Our Traditional Piano Program offers private lessons using one of several traditional piano methods, such as Faber, Alfred Premier, or Frances Clark.
Students will begin pre-reading and/or reading music right away and follow the path set forth by the chosen lesson book(s). The teacher will choose the method books based on the needs of the students, and may supplement with other materials as well.
It is highly recommended that young students take an Intro to Piano Class as a prerequisite to the Traditional Piano Program.
The program includes weekly private lessons (30, 45, or 60 minutes).
Students participate in Winter and Spring Recitals yearly, as well as have the opportunity to participate in monthly Student Showcases during the school year.
Parents are welcome to attend lessons with their child, but are not required to. This program is appropriate for adult students as well!
Rates for 2021-22:
30-minute
45-minute
60-minute
Monthly
$120
$180
$240
Fall Semester (4 mos.)
$480
$720
$960
Spring Semester (5 mos.)
$600
$900
$1,200
Summer Lesson pricing is on a package-basis and will be available as the summer approaches.
Discounts:
- Sibling/Family Member: 5% off tuition of each additional student.
- Multi-Instrument: 5% off tuition for each additional instrument.
Group Piano
Group piano classes are a beneficial addition to private piano lessons because they fill in the gaps missing with one-on-one lessons. Music is, after all, a social activity!
Group classes foster the sense of community and supplement the musical environment that is so important to early development as a musician. Just like team sports, working with peers in a group is motivating…not to mention a little healthy competition never hurt anyone!
Piano group classes are offered by level, and will cover such topics as (but not limited to): music theory, music history, ensemble playing, sight-reading, functional musicianship, and more.
Check the calendar for the current schedule, and email admin@imaginemusicandarts.com to register.
Students in the Suzuki Piano Program are required to take Group Classes.
Tuition: $20/month for students currently enrolled in private lessons
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