Wandas Piano Arts

WANDA'S piano ARTSan opportunity to learn / play / create

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Piano Instructor Music Composer Worship Arts Consultant

ABOUT US

About Wanda

'Wanda Kuntz is a phenomenal pianist. It's just unbelievable. We are so lucky to have you leading our Ragamuffin group of musicians and singers. Thanks so much for challenging us each Sunday. Loving it.' -- Jonathon Jay, Salem EFree Church, Florissant, MOWanda Kuntz holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Webster University, and is a member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association), Piano Teachers Round Table and PIano Federation. Wanda's teaching, performing, and directing experience spans several years, having served as a Music Director and Worship Leader in St. Louis area churches as well as performing with her brothers, Ray and Tom Kennedy (www.raykennedy.com; www.tomkennedymusic.com). Wanda is also a member of St. Louis Area Worship Leaders. She leads and arranges music for area worship bands, choirs and ensembles, and records/writes/performs original Christian music. Her passion for teaching and directing is inherited from a long line of musicians and performers, including her father, Ray Sr., who owned and operated a music store and school in Maplewood MO for 40 years. Wanda travels, performs and presents with her husband, Bill Kuntz, who is a psychologist, counselor and life coach. She is available to consult with churches desiring to build their music ministry. Feel free to read her blog: http://wandasworshipblog.blogspot.com/.
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POLICY

STUDIO POLICY

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:In Dr. Daniel Amens book Change Your Brain Change Your Life, he cites data he has gathered on music and the human brain. A study at the University of California at Irvine was done on students who listened to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos (K448). Results showed a 10% increase in visual-spatial intelligence. Another study done in his clinic among a group of teenagers showed an increase in memory and concentration while listening to classical music. There's a lot of evidence that suggests students who study a musical instrument score higher on average on the SAT than students who do not. We can all relate to how pop songs from our past help us recall events from our past, and how music can help enhance our mood and thought patterns.My goal as a teacher is to develop within the student a well-rounded understanding of and a life-long love for music. Music theory, history, sightreading, chord structure, and improvisation skills, take students well beyond the basics of note reading and piano technic. Students are encouraged to compose their own original music, which gives them the additional opportunity to learn music recording technology, and music writing / arranging.LESSON LENGTH / FREQUENCY:Beginner students (0-3 years of piano): one 30-minute lesson, once a week. Advanced students / adults: 45-60 minute lesson, once a week, recommended.FEES:Lesson fees are paid monthly, at the first monthly lesson. All lesson materials are reimbursed to Wanda directly, as they are provided at the lesson.TIME SLOTS:Lessons will be offered throughout the school year. An individualized block of summer lessons may be reserved prior to the end of the school year. Students who continue lessons during the summer will be given first priority for fall lesson slots. Lessons will not normally occur on holidays. Lesson cancellations by the teacher will be made up at a mutually agreeable time. Lesson cancellations due to a student / family emergency or illness will be made up in a similar manner. Failure to contact Wanda to cancel a missed lesson will result in no refund or make-up time.PERFORMANCES:A minimum of three performance opportunities are scheduled (September, January, and May). Yearly master classes and recitals help direct students toward specific, performance-oriented goals. All students will be encouraged to prepare for and attend these events. Additional performance opportunities around the St. Louis area (Ragtime Festival, Frontenac Holiday music, etc.) are offered to those students who would like to participate.

THE BASICS No Frame

THE BASICS

How fun the thought of learning to play piano. Just like any skill, if you want to learn, youre already on your way! What skills are involved in learning piano? 1) Patience with yourself2) Opening your eyes and your ears3) Time with your instrument each day, repeating what you know. PRACTICE is what happens BETWEEN the lessons. Find a quiet place in your home, away from the TV and interruptions, for your piano.How old do you need to be to make music?I've had students as young as 3 years, and students who are grandmas and grandpas. If you want to make music, guided instruction paves the way for more and more fun.How frequently do lessons happen?Once a week is optimal. You will be given at least three performance opportunities during the year the lessons will help you prepare for these goals, as well as your own personal growth as a musician.What equipment do I need?You will need a piano, or electronic keyboard, in order to begin lessons. Your bench or chair height should allow your forearms to be comfortably level with the keys.If you decide to purchase a new or used piano, I am happy to assist you with your choice. A basic rule of thumb is to try it out. Make sure all the keys and pedals work. Look at the soundboard inside (the large brass board that looks a little like a harp) and see if you notice any cracks. There are many keyboards to choose from, so plan to shop wisely. Here are the basic qualities of a good instrument:1) Full-sized keys2) Weighted keys - this means the keys take a slight pressure to push down. If you've never doodled around on a piano, go to a piano store and test the feel of real piano keys. That will give you a point of reference if you choose an electronic keyboard. 3) Touch-sensitive keys - this means your fingers (not the volume knob) control how loud or soft the tone is. Less expensive keyboards do not have this option.

ACTIVITIES No Frame

LINKS, GAMES & ACTIVITIES

FALL IS FLYING BY!We've already completed our first 2011-2012 Master Class, in September! Here are more upcoming performances and events:Saturday afternoon, December 10 -- Piano Play-a-thonSaturday afternoon, January 14 -- Winter Master Class**LINE/SPACE CONTEST -- JANUARY 22-28** -- winner receives a TROPHYSunday afternoon, May 6 -- 2011/2012 PIANO RECEITALKeep up your practice -- brush up on your lines and spaces -- and I'll see you soon!~Wanda

What's New

Grand Staff.pdf

Here's a practice sheet for the big line-space contest in January, 2012. You can get a jump start if you download it and start reviewing!

TESTIMONIALS No Frame

What Her Students Are Saying

"Wanda is not just any piano teacher; she is a very accomplished musician and really knows and loves what she teaches.""[Wanda] makes learning the piano fun for my son and because of that we know he will want to continue with piano for a long time to come.""I heartily recommend her~ just don't take my time slot.""I am a 59 year old woman who hasn't studied music since I was eight! And I love my lessons. Wanda is instructing me in theory, improvisation, sight reading, all at the same time, and she is wonderful. I look forward to my lessons and to learning.""She recognizes talents and encourages students to perform and to give piano playing their best efforts." "She knows what type of music an 11-year-old boy needs to learn to play to make it fun!""[Wanda] has taken my daughter from playing into composing and given her the confidence she needed to perform for an audience.""Wanda has the talent and patience to work with a variety of students and music styles.""Not only does Wanda instruct me in the fundamentals, she gives me various other technique pointers and "opens" my eyes to other possibilities of making music."
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Contact Wanda

Wanda Kuntz3465 Watson RoadSt Louis MO 63139tel: 314-440-8208email: WandasPianoArts_aol.com

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DIRECTIONS No Frame

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Wanda's Piano Arts studio is located at the Southwest corner of Watson Road and Marquette Avenue, St. Louis, MO.

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