About JanelleI am classically trained, and began my own piano study at age 6. I graduated with honors from Ball State University, having been the recipient of a Young Artist Award, a full tuition scholarship. I performed extensively as a soloist, accompanist, and singer with touring choral ensembles in college, and I continue to be an active performer today.
I teach standard literature written for the piano, but also really enjoy many other genres. I flex my students’ programs to include their preferences, and take those into account when choosing repertoire. I encourage collaboration between my students and others at their school, church, or elsewhere. I love to teach, but I also love to perform. I spend many hours as a collaborative pianist. In the past, I’ve been a Staff Accompanist at Butler University, where I played for lessons, juries, and recitals. I have done freelance accompanying at Ball State University, and from 2007-present, I have worked part-time at Roncalli High School, where I accompany the choirs for their performances and competitions. I also accompany at various churches, filling in for regular players. One of my strengths, I believe, is evaluating new music and selecting good repertoire for my students’ success. A wise teacher once told me that 75% of success with a student lies within repertoire selections. I agree! Another strength is that I stay very current with piano pedagogy materials and theories. I take advantage of the breadth of materials online, which includes listening to podcasts and reading blogs of leading teachers and composers, participating in online forums where we share ideas from our studios across the US, and attending webinars regularly. I attend state and national conferences, where I meet and talk to pedagogues and piano music composers and watch masterclasses. I think it is vital to keep learning new things, and I have kept my own skills sharp by taking lessons periodically with local piano professors - some retired, and some at area universities. I had the pleasure of studying with Dr. Robert Palmer, retired professor of piano from Ball State University most recently, from 2021-2024. I enjoy my own piano study so very much! Not only does it challenge me and feed my soul, but it has unmistakable positive impacts on my teaching--in addition to building empathy for my students. I subject myself to constructive criticism and have lessons to prepare for, too. :) Finally, I value the relationships that I have with my families. Most of them have been with me for many years. Some students have studied with me from the time they were in kindergarten or first grade until their graduation from high school. Several families have had me teach all of their children, and it’s been a blessing to be included in students’ lives later on, including their weddings. I recently began teaching my first legacy student - the child of a former student. |
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EducationB.S., Music Education
(Piano Principal), Magna Cum Laude, Ball State University |
Professional Associations• MTNA/IMTA/GIMTA
• Indianapolis Piano Teachers Association • Indianapolis Matinee Musicale • Top Music Pro, Tim Topham's online community of piano teachers • Achievement in Music Festival Scheduling Coordinator 1999-2017 |
Core Methods• Bastien New Traditions
• Piano Safari • Faber Piano Adventures • Vibrant Music Teaching Games by Nicola Cantan • My First Piano Adventures • SproutBeat for iPad • Rhythm Menagerie by Wendy Stevens |
Instruments & Equipment• Yamaha C6 Grand Piano
• Yamaha C3 Grand Piano • Roland digital piano • iPad & music learning apps • Vast music library of literature, teaching materials, workbooks and worksheets, games, and a lending library for sightplaying. |