Heather Bissell MM., M.Ed
Integrative Piano Teaching Strategies
Kodaly- Ear training & Sight Reading Skills
Dalcroze- Rhythm Internalization & Improvisation
Suzuki- Early Instrumental training
= Profound Music Literacy and Expression
Teaching Philosophy
I do not approach teaching with the goal of fashioning professional musicians, but instead well-rounded people who are also artists.
Teaching music education has been my passion from the beginning. My areas of specialty are classical piano (Suzuki and Traditional), vocal coaching (classical and Broadway), Kodaly solfege/theory, Dalcroze, and general music teaching.
I began my musical training at the University of Southern Maine (1993) in Piano and Vocal Performance and hold two Masters in Music; one from The Hartt School in Piano Performance/Piano Pedagogy (2005– Hartford, Ct.), and one from the Ferenz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary in Music Pedagogy (2010).
Since music is so instrumental in a child’s overall development, I believe my main responsibility is to give the best quality education possible to every child and then help them see where it leads them individually. Every child is talented, it is just up to us to bring it out!
What Types of Education Do I Offer?
Every Child is Talented.
Teaching Schedule
I mainly teach in Bradenton, Florida. I also teach remote lessons. Please contact me for availability.
Calendar
View the academic calendar.
Teaching Rates
I teach two 16 week semesters yearly, and some summer lessons. I teach all levels and ages.
TESTIMONIALS
In their own words...
Areas of Expertise!
I teach all ages and levels, including adult learners. My style encompasses both Traditional techniques as well as Suzuki.
At the piano, I teach classical music with an introduction to pop/rock, blues, and jazz. Vocally, I focus on classical, folk music, and Broadway.
I’ve worked as an administrator as well as a teacher for 30 years. I’ve run my own home studio, been piano department chair at music schools and have spearheaded and directed many programs. I have credits toward a certificate in Arts Administration from BU.
Although most of my energy is focused on teaching, I am also a performing artist and collaborator. I’ve been featured on Concerts for Kids at WCMS, been on several European tours to Spain, Germany, Hungary, England, Austria, and Czechoslovakia, and have taken part in numerous recordings both in the United States and abroad.
Another passion of mine is teacher training. Given my varied background, I have had the privilege of training several teachers within my department as well as post graduate students interested in musicianship, piano pedagogy, and group class training. I hold a degree in Music Pedagogy from the Kodaly Institute, as well as Certifications in Dalcroze levels 1 and 2. I’m also registered in all units of Suzuki Piano including the practicum and SPA. I’m in the process of applying to become a teacher trainer for the SAA “officially.”
To learn more follow this link.
I've worked at and directed summer institutes and festivals.
One of my greatest joys has been to create and implement summer piano programing at at numerous music schools. Summer Piano Festivals include two tiers of training; the Piano Ensemble program, and the Well-Rounded Prep. program. I’ve also directed the MA Suzuki Festival.
Piano Ensemble.
What’s better than a monster concert? I’m truly passionate about bringing pianists together to play 4 hand, 6-hand, or two-piano music. Over the years, I’ve coordinated many two piano monster concerts in conjunction with Steinert & Son’s.
CONTACT ME
Fill out a Request Form!
(Serious Requests Only. No solicitations Please!)
E: singplaymove@gmail.com (b)
A: Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, FL (home studio)