Best 100 coaches for lessons near West University Place, TX

I started taking voice lessons at 16. At Louisiana State University, I majored in Music and Drama and went on to study acting in New York at Circle int he Square Theater School. I became an Equity member (professional union) in 1976. I studied singing with Maurice Jampol (coach to Lisa Minelli, Donna McKecknie and Barbra Streisand) for 2 years, then with Michael Jones, coach to NYU music and drama students and most recently with Sally Morgan, the creator of the "Sing Like you Speak" method I now use with my students. More about my performance activities here. In the late 1980's I became very interested in the performance genre of Cabaret. I spent several years appearing in New York Cabaret rooms learning this craft and studying there with Christopher Denny, Barry Kleinbort and Steve Ross. I began writing my own shows in 1990 and to this day consider myself a singing actress. I love to connect with the story, the character and my audience on an intimate level through wonderful music."

Troy Wayne graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, earning his Bachelors, Masters (cum laude) and Graduate Diploma while studying with mentor Malcolm Peyton. After spending a year studying with Lukas Foss in Boston, Mr. Wayne moved to Houston in 2001 where he continued graduate studies at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. During his time as a teacher with the Michael P. Hammond Preparatory Program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, Troy taught classes in music fundamentals and music theory for pre-college students. He has also served on the faculty of the Summer Institute for Piano teaching courses in Form & Analysis for pre-college students. Troy also has maintained a private studio, tutoring and teaching private lessons in piano, composition, ear training, voice, literature, and public speaking for over twenty years. Students who have studied with him come from a wide range of backgrounds with different goals. Those who have continued with musical studies in college have consistently placed out of at least the first two semesters of music theory and achieved advanced placement in their chosen fields of study. Those who chose a different path continue to benefit from the education and training they received from taking music lessons. The main curriculum for beginners is Alfred's Basic Piano Library. There are three beginner levels (beginner, late, adult) and one will be selected after the first meeting. For non-beginning students, the course of study will be developed based on the student's unique past experience, current abilities, and goals. It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson. However, learning to read is a part of subsequent lessons.

"As an adult with no previous knowledge or lessons on piano, I was a bit hesitant to find a teacher. But after the first lesson with Troy I knew that concern was completely unfounded. Troy is great at helping the student progress at their own preferred pace, while still ensuring that each lesson provides significant progress. In my experience he is very flexible with an unpredictable schedule, and is reliable and consistent about communication. I would recommend troy for any piano student, especially those starting later in life like myself.

From the concert hall to your home, I bring 18 years of performance and teaching experience to unlock your musical potential. As a concert performer, I offer a fun, yet disciplined approach to mastering the piano. Together, we'll build a strong foundation and explore the joy of music.

Laurie, an accomplished pianist and vocalist, has been performing and acting for the past 40 years. She holds a Masters degree in Music as well as a Bachelors degree in Theater Arts. For the past 25 years while performing, Laurie has provided instruction in piano, voice and acting. She studied voice in New York City under Richard Lissemore and enjoyed a 7 year career in professional music with touring credits, regional credits as well as International and New York theater experience. Laurie has taught all ages and levels in voice, piano and acting.