Phoenix Feather Academy Of Music

My daughter has been learning the keyboard at Phoenix Feather Academy of Music for three years now and I have nothing but the highest regard for Miss Kirsten. She is tough, has high expectations for every child, and is committed to having every child learn to play with excellence! She does it all with a unique sense of humor and silliness that keeps the children (parent’s, too!) engaged and inspired! As an educator, I understand how challenging it can be to motivate children to do anything but Miss Kirsten has perfected the art! My daughter has a particularly wild spirit and likes to do everything «her way», but Miss Kirsten’s storytelling has made an impression and serves to keep her from veering too far off track! The solos in front of the class are another exceptional aspect of a group setting. It keeps my child on task and accountable because she wants to be ready every time she needs to play for her peers. Lastly, I am extremely grateful that Miss Kirsten invites students to submit videos and is always responsive to questions posed or comments made. She is a truly wonderful human being and an exceptional teacher! Learning to play the keyboard almost feels like a «side-​note» with all the fantastic and meaningful «lessons» that take place in Miss Kirsten’s classroom!!!

My older two started with Kirsten at Phoenix Feather Academy of Music almost 3 years ago now and we have loved it from the first week. She teaches in a group setting which could so easily be horrendous but it works. It works beyond belief.
Kirsten herself is very friendly and funny. She is also serious about her teaching. So her class runs on equal parts humour, instruction, and buckle down and work. It takes a few weeks for the students to get into the groove of the classroom, but once they do, it’s a beautiful thing.
Each class consists of students at the same level. Some or all started together. A few may have joined over the years if they had prior experience (or shifted from the alternate class — there are two identical classes a week for each level), but regardless, there’s no waiting for newcomers to catch up.
The class consists of some basic warm-​ups (scales etc), playing current pieces that are being worked on – both as a group and also solo when necessary, sight reading, music theory, and singing. All playing includes solfege which helps with remembering the pieces. There are solos at different points where students take turns to play set pieces before the class. There’s also graduations from level to level where students complete a theory exam and some practicals.
Kirsten does a brilliant job of gently introducing kids to music and practice with no real pressure. As their confidence builds, the expectations slowly increase until after a few years she has them working seriously. By that point it’s completely normal to them. She also does a brilliant job of making it fun. Something to enjoy and be proud of. She is respected by all the students and also loved.
A couple of «bonus» features. As I mentioned, there are two identical classes each week for each level. Students can attend both if they feel the need for reinforcing something that week. If they are going to miss class, they can arrange to attend the alternate.
Also, Kirsten does do skype if needed. Contagious kid that isn’t sick enough to miss class? Arrange to skype in and don’t miss the lesson. Out of town? May not have a keyboard with you but you can arrange to skype in and still participate in the rest of the lesson — this is great when you get further along and things start getting harder.
Once your kid’s graduated from the 5 years of group lessons, s/​he can move onto private. There are a number of teachers at the school that handle private lessons. When my girls get to that point we are going to be quite sad.

Ms Kirsten rocks! After 4 years of group piano lessons I’m more impressed than I was at the beginning. Group piano is very disciplined but Ms Kirsten keeps it fun and funny. My daughter gets lots of compliments on her playing and is not shy to play in front of others because of the weekly practice in front of the class. Ms Kirsten has gone out of her way several times to help my daughter get through a difficult spot. And there’s piano theory homework so that after her program they have a very solid understanding of music theory. I highly recommend Phoenix Feather.

Ive been taking my kids here for many years, and am delighted with the lessons. I have one in group piano, and my two other kids took private guitar with oliver althoen. The atmosphere is happy, but there is also rigor. The concerts, where students at all levels play in front of an audience, are awesome. We bring the whole family, and they just love it. It’s really nice to see your kid perform on stage at every level. I couldn’t give a higher recommendation for the phoenix feather Academy of Music.

My kids attend group piano lessons at Phoenix Feather. Orginally I was reluctant to have my kids in group lessons but after three years, I really see the value for the students. I would recommend this program to people are dedicated to learning and want a comprehensive piano experience.