The Shell Piano Studio offers private lessons to students of all ages and abilities in the Omaha, Nebraska area.
It is my desire to not only teach my students to play the piano and to read music, but first and foremost to develop a lifelong love of music. After all, according to Johann Sebastian Bach,
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
I want my soul refreshed forever, don’t you?
Piano Lessons are offered weekly in 30 or 45 minute sessions for students ages 5-105 of all abilities. Practicing is highly encouraged for students to gain the most out of our weekly lessons. Recital opportunities happen a couple times a year, generally spring and winter. Playing with others is also something that creates a fun atmosphere of learning and encouragement, so anytime we can do duets or trios within the studio, I try to facilitate that whether it be siblings, parents and students, or friends who both study music. Remember all those times a couple kids would sit down and play Heart and Soul together on the piano and everyone in the room loved it? It's just downright enjoyable to play with and for others.
Students taking private lessons should already have or be willing in the near future to acquire a suitable instrument to learn on, I know space is limited for many people and a piano is a big instrument! Quality digital instruments (full size, weighted keys and pedals) can be a nice option for those learning. Having a good instrument in a common room gives opportunity for steady progress by way of reminding the student - "Hello, friend, you have a piano lesson coming up, get ready!", but also offers accessibility for creative exploration in little moments throughout the day. I cannot tell you the joy I have as a parent when one of my kids walks past the piano and just reaches out to play a snippet of something, just to satisfy their own desire to create or recreate. It's worth every penny (or square inch of space.)
Students at intermediate or advanced level playing need more time than a 30 minute lesson allows. These students are encouraged to take weekly 45 minute lessons. For families with younger students (4-5 year olds) who have an older sibling taking, consider signing up for a 45 minute slot and having the pre-schooler do a 15 minutes jumpstart lesson. There may be reduced tution scholarships availible for a student who desires to study and exhibits cheerful willingness to practice if they cannot afford lessons.
Students are expected to arrive for lessons on time with all their materials and music. Parents and siblings may quietly sit in the waiting area, wait in their vehicle in the driveway, or run errands so long as they return to pick up their student in a timely fashion.
Make up lessons are offered on a very limited basis for those who need to miss based on weather, illness, travel, etc. and only as my schedule allows.
Discontinuing lessons: Sometimes it just doesn’t work to keep taking lessons. Hopefully there is much thoughtfulness and discussion going into this. Please give a 30 day notice prior to discontinuing lessons.
Communication: I can be reached via email, text, or phone call.
Tuition/Fees: Tuition is due on the first lesson of the month. Payment not made by 10th of the month will result in a $15 late fee. I may be paid either with cash or check or Venmo (music2shells@gmail.com) Contact me for current pricing.
Materials: Students will have a method book as well as a binder of current fun pieces, technical exercises, theory pages, etc that they need to bring with to lessons each week. The teacher will supply books and print materials for students and provide a binder.
There is an annual $25 materials fee payable with the first lesson, and annually thereafter.
There will be a few weeks through the year that I do not teach (holidays, vacation, etc). Your tuition covers 42 weeks of private lessons annually. Know that as least as much time goes into the prep of lessons as the lesson itself. I try to find the perfect piece for a student to work on to develop skills but also just for the absolute joy of playing.
“Jodi was my piano teacher for 11 years, from second grade all the way to my graduation from high school. Jodi has the talents to know what music a student likes to play which yields excitement to learn how to play. Her passion and intellect of classics and the history of piano playing grows a student’s mind beyond the music we are learning. After learning from Jodi, I can sit down at the piano and play a wide variety of music, from classical to today’s top hits, all thanks to Mrs. Shell!”
—David
“Two of my three children had taken piano lessons from a previous teacher. Jodi was able to identify where their level was and sparked a desire in them to want to play the piano more. Practicing no longer felt like practicing but having fun making music and learning new songs in the process. She has allowed all my children to learn at their own pace and each child has shown tremendous growth over the last year. She has a true gift of teaching and this has allowed her to share her passion for piano and music with others."
—Sarah
“My girls took lessons with Jodi for about 6 years. They always enjoyed her teaching and she was able to adjust to their individual learning styles. Her lessons were a valuable part of their education.”
—Becky
“Jodi was my daughter’s first piano teacher. At first my daughter was very unsure of herself and her ability to actually learn to play the piano, but within about 2 lessons with Jodi, her confidence soared!! She has not slowed down since.”
—Sheri
“Jodi is open to teach at any pace that works for her students, as well as creating ways to make the learning process fun. She spreads joy to everyone and would be a great choice for a music teacher.”
—Damon
“My son took lessons from Jodi for 4-5 years. He enjoyed going to piano lessons, I never had to fight to make him go which can be difficult with teenagers. Jodi would listen to what my son liked for music and do her best to find him piano music to accommodate his liking. My son was a different kid when he was playing and in the company of Jodi. We have missed Jodi since she had to move.”
— Suzie
My first career choice was to be a piano teacher. Honestly, I don’t really remember wanting another job, unless it was to be a cowgirl. (I grew up on a ranch and that was what I knew up to a certain point.) I took lessons with some really wonderful teachers who were always encouraging, gently pushing, and most of all enthusiastic. When I graduated I headed to Montana State University in Billings where I received my B.A. in Piano, with an emphasis in Pedagogy. 25 years later, I’m still blessed to do what I love, share my joy of music with people of all ages.
Phone: 308-225-1668
Email: music2shells@gmail.com