About Janelle

I 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. 

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 reading blogs of leading teachers and composers, participating in online forums where we share ideas from our studios across the US, and attending webinars.  I also still attend state and national conferences, where I meet and talk to pedagogues and piano music composers and attend masterclasses. 

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.  Recently I have had the privilege to be the wedding pianist for some of my former students, and this is a joy.          

Education

B.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 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.