Steve Nichols Piano Lessons

Offering beginner and intermediate level piano lessons for both kids and adults in my home in San Antonio, TX. Steve W Nichols started playing piano himself at age 7 and has been a professional pianist for over 40 years. Known as an accomplished stylist and keyboard virtuoso, he has played especially often for many churches in many areas. Teaching students for over 30 years, Steve's instruction comes from the heart and from a love of both music and piano, while at the same time incorporating lots of sound music theory. Sessions are scheduled once a week, afternoons and evenings, for one half hour and billed monthly for your convenience. Additional daytime hours may be available for home school students and adults. Contact us for more info.

We use the Bastien Method of Piano Pedagogy. The Bastien Piano Method is a "gradual multi-key" approach that takes students through all 12 major keys.

We start students between age 6-9 on the Primer main book with the Primer Theory book. The main books and the theory books overlap, and this is good. In the theory books, the students learn basics of melodic and harmonic intervals. Also, we have the Primer Performance book which gives the student actual songs to learn and practice. Beginners also use the Schaum Notespeller, which teaches all the basics of reading music. The beginner also learns all about rhythm and different time signatures.

Sometimes, if a student is age 10 or older and has had some primary music taught in their school environment, we begin with the Bastien Level 1 books. But, we usually use the Primer Theory book and Notespeller 1 in concert with the Piano Lesson 1 book. This way the student doesn't miss any of the basic Theory lessons. They usually progress quickly through the Theory book and catch up to Level 1 Theory.

It is usual for a beginner to progress through the Primer and half of Level 1 in the first year and the remaining half of Level 1 and all of Level 2 in the second year. I say "usual" because I tend to go as quickly as the student can absorb the lessons. Or, in some cases, a bit slower to make sure they are proficient enough to continue. That is the great thing about private 1 on 1 piano lessons. They, like tutoring, are much better and tailor-made for the student. I have seen some success in group lessons for 5-6yr olds. But, they tend to do much better in the private 1 on 1 lessons we provide.

If a student has had some study with another teacher with other piano methods, I can transition the student to the Bastien Method, which as I say is a very good and comprehensive method.

Also, I teach improvisation for advanced students when they reach the point when that can be a real benefit. Some students tire easily of classical piano fare and it can extend their ability to learn even more when they can play music they like and improvise.

		From	To	From	To	From	To
Monday	Open	3:30	6:30
Tuesday	Open	3:30	6:30
Wednesday	Open	3:30	6:30
Thursday	Open	3:30	6:30
Friday	Open	3:30	6:30
Saturday	Open
Sunday	Open