Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Mayer-Yeh.
Gretchen , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began playing the piano when I was five years old. I remember that in my first lesson, my teacher asked me to identify which hand was my right hand. I couldn’t remember which one was which, so I guessed and raised a hand. She said, “Yes, that’s right!” and that was just the beginning. I took lessons through high school and participated in music organization performances as well as masterclasses. I attended Cedarville University and received my BM in Piano Pedagogy, and then went to Butler University to get my Masters of Music in Performance degree. While I was an undergraduate and in graduate school, I taught in piano schools, privately, and through each of previously mentioned universities. I also accompanied vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs. After I got married, I moved to Nashville and quickly became involved with a piano school in which the teachers drove to the students. I also worked for Belmont University as an accompanist for five years. Since 2011, I’ve always had students, whether through a music school or privately, and in 2023, I decided to revamp my studio. I made a new website, came up with a new name, and began marketing. Within a few short months, I had a full studio with more students requesting admission. I currently have a waitlist and am always trying to fit even more students into my schedule!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It took me a long time to commit to growing my private studio and marketing for new students. I depended on piano schools and other businesses to find students for me. To be honest, the greatest challenge was getting over my own fear of failure. Once I committed to finding new students and growing my own business, it was actually easier than I had thought it would be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Piano Prep Academy?
My commitment is to instill the enjoyment of music while teaching students to master the piano technically, musically, and rhythmically. Each student and I accomplish this with short- and long-term goals.
I specialize in teaching piano to students ages 7 and up. I’m known for catering my lessons to each of my students. For beginning students, I have general method books I start with so I that can get a feel for each student’s learning style. Some students are successful when continuing with method books, while others improve faster when I select the music that will help them move forward musically and technically. For my advanced students, we use repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern music periods as well as technical exercises.
I offer yearly studio recitals to my students. These are professional settings that are beneficial to students by giving them performance experience and exposure to music from their peers. I also enjoy performing for my students at these events and inspiring them in their musical journeys. I typically host receptions after the performances so that students and their families can get to know each other and celebrate their progress.
I currently offer Piano Guild Auditions every year through the American College of Musicians / National Guild of Piano Teachers. This is an excellent opportunity for students to get performance experience in front of a judge with detailed feedback.
I offer half-hour, forty-five minute, and hourly lessons. These lessons are weekly and are one-on-one.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think that my care and commitment in seeing my students succeed is the most important characteristic to my success. I’ve had students go from not being able to play the piano at all to becoming intermediate players in a year. I’ve helped countless students learn how to read music, which is a skill that is invaluable as it applies to every instrument. I’ve helped many students overcome performance anxiety, technique issues, and rhythm issues. I also enjoy developing relationships with my students and their families; these relationships have enriched my own life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepianoprepacademy.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepianoprepacademy
