Expert Music Instruction

Euphonic Studio Private Lessons with Bill Niemi

In my lifetime of music study and performance, teachers have been a critical factor in my musical development and I want to fulfill this role for others. I strive to help my students develop their skills in playing and understanding music with the aim of enriching their lives. My goal is to help students discover and exploit their talents on their instrument as well as develop their understanding and appreciation of music. You can learn to hear music better by learning to play it!       

I enjoy giving lessons to students of all ages.  I have taught child students as young as 5 (which was my age when I started piano).  I have also had beginner students who decided to learn music in retirement at age 65.  No matter what age you are, I will connect with you and you will take something away from every lesson.

Parents are encouraged to audit their children's lessons.  There is a comfortable area attached to the studio where you can observe the lesson unobtrusively or just put your feet up and relax.  To the left is the lounge area, and the entertainment center it faces is pictured below.  While you're waiting, you're welcome to watch TV or listen to music (through headphones, of course), and/or surf the net on our high-speed connection.

UPDATE:  due to expanding business I have added another teaching day.  I am now teaching on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If you live in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area and are interested in music lessons, please call me  (319) 895-8002 or 329-4527 .  My studio is in Mount Vernon, Iowa. 

What to expect from me

As a lifelong musician with an overlapping career as an electrical engineer, I  apply both of those experiences to your lessons.  I will draw on years of experience studying, performing, and teaching music to help you get the best value from the books and materials we use.  I will also apply scientific and business approaches to organize your study to help you progress faster and avoid wasting your time.    

What I expect from you

I'd like you to take your music studies seriously enough to spend some time doing your homework.  How much time?  That depends on a lot of individual factors.  As a general rule 30 minutes of practice a day is about the baseline.   I've gone extended periods (months and months) practicing on piano or violin for 4 hours a day... but most people probably don't have time to do that.  Besides, it gets tiresome.  So if you can find 30 minutes I'd be happy with that.

When you practice you need to focus on what you're doing.  If you can learn to focus and spend 30 minutes a day with your music, it would be very unusual for you to fail to make progress.  If you are making progress, you will want to continue and I will feel highly motivated to help you!

If I think you need to work harder, I'll let you know, since that's my job.

Lesson policies ... please see the Fees page.