Beth's Piano Studio
3790 Kersdale Place
Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-420-6367
bakloes@gmail.com
About Beth
Beth started taking piano lessons at the age of 8, but played and read music for several years before that. She studied with Margaret Strahm of Kenton, Ohio through High School. In college, she took lessons with Rosemary Williams at Ohio Northern University and William Buelow at Marietta College, earning her B.A. in Music and Elementary Education at Marietta. Further study includes graduate work at Ohio University, studying with Gail Berenson, and completing O.U.’s “Certificate in Piano Pedagogy” program. She is also a nationally certified teacher through Music Teachers National Association.
Beth earned the “Certified Teacher of the Year Award” from Ohio Music Teachers Association Southeast District in 2000. She also started the district’s website and was chairman of the District Music Fair for a number of years, as well as serving in several other offices. She also has held several State Offices and designed and maintained the first OhioMTA State website for several years. She is now active in the Central East District (Columbus area) of OhioMTA.
Beth has served as organist and both adult and children’s choir director at a number of different churches. She has also accompanied, directed, and composed music for children’s theater groups and accompanied several community theater productions. In addition to piano, she also plays organ, guitar, and is now learning to play the violin!
Beth teaches piano lessons for all ages and levels, including young beginner groups (ages 4-6), private adult students and adult beginner groups. She has also helped college students prepare for piano proficiency exams and helped other teachers and college students work on Music Theory.
About Beth's Studio
Music is for everyone and piano lessons should be fun! In Beth’s Studio, a wide variety of music is offered in addition to the traditional method series which is the basis for learning music. Students will learn to sight-read well and work on memorization skills with most pieces they learn, but will also be given the opportunity to try a variety of other skills such as harmonization and composition and will have the chance to play both new music and music which is familiar. Basic musicianship skills and theory are also an important part of understanding music and examples are related as much as possible to the music which is being studied. Computer and iPad activities are also a part of the learning experience to make it fun for the student!
If a student reaches the intermediate and advanced level, they will have the chance to try music by a wide variety of composers from different musical periods. Background information will also be offered on the composers and on the musical instruments they used.
Motivation is an important part of any activity and contests and small prizes are a regular part of the studio activities. Students play for each other in “Piano Club” meetings just for Beth’s Studio (Beth plays also!) and students are also asked (but not required) to participate in at least one non-competitive event each year, as well as the annual recital in spring. Many events, including more competitive auditions are also available for students who wish to do more.