Lessons

LESSONS

* APPROXIMATELY 5 MORNING / DAYTIME SPOTS AVAILABLE

* APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 LATE AFTERNOON SPOTS AVAILABLE

* NO WEEKEND AVAILABILITY

Music lessons offer educational opportunities that reach far beyond simply playing an instrument. Recent research links music to higher brain functions and test scoring. Learning to play an instrument also teaches discipline, use of imagination, and confidence in front of one's peers.

I provide a relaxed and encouraging environment for you to learn that is also direct, and goal-oriented. I use years of professional experience and advanced education to guide students how to play the piano and develop a love and passion for the art of music. I am a member of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA), and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Award Winning

I have received numerous honors and awards for teaching, most recently including Thumbtack Best of Awards. Thumbtack recognized my reviews and credentials as being the #1 rated and recommended in the city of Austin and surrounding areas out of 100+ eligible recipients.

Ages

An experienced, caring and patient mentor is needed to present the knowledge in a clear, personalized and practical context that is perfectly suited to the student’s current level of ability. Learning does not have an age limit attached to it. In fact, studies have shown that the more you stimulate your brain the more efficiently it works. It's very much like exercising the body.
In my studio, I currently teach many adults who have either retired or are still part of the workforce. Today more and more adults are taking piano lessons for a multitude of reasons. I work with students with many backgrounds and goals, including beginners and those not interested in public performance or competition. The primary requirement for is a love of music and dedication to regular long-term practice. I accept students of any age at all performance levels, from beginners to those with professional performance in mind.
I adore children, and I have the patience, experience and knowledge required to breakdown ideas, concepts and techniques so that each are understood by your child in a way that best suits their learning style and ability.

Types of Lessons

Jazz Piano (Jazz, Rock, Pop, Funk, Soul, Country, R&B, etc.)
Classical Piano
Combination (classical & jazz)

Focus Areas

Technique (Scales, Arpeggios, Exercises, etc.)
Theory
Rhythm
Ear Training
Practice Concepts & Techniques
Sight Reading
Analyzing
Composition
Performance
History

Instrument Requirements

You must have an instrument to practice on in order to take piano lessons. Either of the following instruments will do: (1) a well-maintained acoustic piano (2) an 88-key digital keyboard having touch sensitivity and a weighted action. Eventually, after a year or so, an acoustic piano will be the most beneficial instrument for the student.

Music

For your convenience, Dan Redner Music will purchase your music and any other materials (flashcards, metronome, etc.), and later be reimbursed by you. You will be notified in writing (via email) of the balance due, on your behalf, when your next lesson payment is due (beginning of each month).
All students are required to bring an “Assignment Book." It serves as a complete record of everything that the student and teacher have covered and discussed together.

Practicing

Consistent practice is what produces results. Students are expected to practice daily. A six-to-seven day practice week is ideal, as five days per week is not as good, but still realistic. Practicing less than five days a week means you may have to adjust your musical goals and/or your expectations and possibly reassess the reason(s) why you’ve decided to take piano lessons.
Beginning students can practice as little as 15 minutes a day and still complete their assignment by the next lesson. The more advanced a student becomes, the more time he or she should devote to practicing.

Scheduling

I am rather flexible with scheduling. Between your hectic schedule and mine, we can surely find a time that works for us, whether it is early in the morning or late in the evening.

Length of Lesson

Most young children (4 to 8 years of age) typically meet for a 30 minute lesson with older children and adults transitioning to 45 or 60 minute lessons. The decision between a 45 and 60 minute lesson comes down to your scheduling and budget. We can get more accomplished with a 60 minute lesson, but 45 minutes is certainly adequate to thoroughly cover what is necessary each week. It is possible to adjust the length of your lesson at a later time.

Costs & Payment Options

Like most private studios, payment is required at the beginning of each month for the lessons in the month to follow. The payment is based upon 4 lessons per month. In the case there are 5 lessons in a month (i.e. 5 Tuesdays in a calendar month), the 5th lesson will be used as a rare mental health day (among other commitments). Advanced notice will be given either way.
Payment is preferred via Zelle (or Venmo if you don't have access to Zelle). My Zelle ID is [email protected] and Venmo is @Dan-Redner.
Please use the contact page or email me at [email protected] if you would like pricing details.

48-Hour Cancellation Notice

Life happens, and sometimes lessons need to be rescheduled. If you notify me at least 48 hours before your scheduled lesson, I’ll do my best to fit in a make-up lesson that same week if possible. If not, you’ll receive a credit for that lesson the following month.
Less than 48 Hours Notice: If a cancellation happens within 48 hours of your lesson time, the lesson will be charged as usual and will not be rescheduled or credited.
If I Cancel: In the rare case I need to cancel a lesson, you’ll receive a credit for that lesson on your next invoice.
Why this matters: This policy helps protect the time and rhythm of our teacher-student partnership—and keeps things running smoothly for everyone!

Late Arrival

If you arrive late to your scheduled lesson, there is no guarantee the time will be made up to you. For example... If your lesson is scheduled from 4:00pm to 4:45pm but you arrive at 4:08pm, your lesson will still end as scheduled at 4:45pm. Payment is expected in full although your lesson may only be 37 minutes in length.

Unprepared Lessons

All students are expected to come to their lessons with prepared assignments. Being unprepared is not an acceptable reason to miss the lesson. If the student comes to the lesson unprepared, the lesson time may be used for: (1) practice and review of current lesson assignment (2) working on problem spots in old pieces (3) improvement of note reading skills (4) rhythmic drills (5) theory (6) technique development (7) ear training (8) sight reading (9) any combination of these areas. There are always many new concepts and skills to learn, develop and discuss.

Parents / Siblings at Lessons

Parents are always welcome, regularly or periodically, to observe their child’s lesson. Please note that they should simply observe the lesson, as to not be disruptive to the lesson environment. Siblings are welcome with the same expectations.
Based upon experience, nearly ALL children are better focused and communicate more freely without parents present.

Open Door Policy

I am always available to talk with you about your child’s (or your) progress, or about questions concerning your lesson assignment.
For parents remaining outside, I will always pop out after their lesson for a quick hello and update!

Recital

One of the most important aspects of studying any instrument is to simply perform. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to see the progress in a student and additionally can provide an extra push or motivation for a student to achieve a larger goal. Additionally, the recital provides an opportunity for students and families to become attentive audience members! They can learn the ins & outs of performing, as well as learn to respect others during their performances on stage. It is asked that the youngest students through those in high school participate. All adult students are invited and welcomed to perform, but they should not feel any obligation to participate.
Date: April or May of each year, typically on a Sunday.
Time: 2:30pm
Location: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Address: 1500 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746

It is asked that all students and guests arrive 15 minutes early.. There is plenty of parking available. All family & friends are welcome! Take pictures… shoot video! There are refreshments and light food/deserts, etc. afterward, and all guests are invited to stick around for the reception! Dan Redner Music does NOT charge additional recital fees as most teaching studios regularly do. It should always be a teacher's responsibility to provide that opportunity for everyone, and I'm happy to do so.

Testimonials & Reviews

Please click the Review tab for testimonials written by current students and parents of students.

Location

I teach out of my home studio located in SW Austin. I am conveniently located only seconds off of Mopac (& Davis Ln). Loop 360, Hwy 71, & Hwy 290 are only minutes away.
I use my beautiful Yamaha G1 5'3" baby grand piano for instruction.

LESSONS​

LESSONS