Billy Pearsley

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Introduction: I have a fantastic and unusual background in Music. My teachers have all been very unique and varied. My experience is also a strong factor in my success at teaching. I didn't actually believe in hell until I taught in the secondary schools in the U.K.. I am pretty sure that I did not suffer from PTSD from confronting 180 disaffected youth though I wouldn't be surprised. I developed strategies for kindling and rekindling a passion for music. My supportive and caring method of teaching can disarm the skeptics and repair damage from overly strict former teachers. I love Music and it seems to have an infectious quality on all of my students.

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Hired 13 times

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Exceptional 5.0

5 reviews

100%

Laurierattan R.

Jul 20, 2015

The world has lost a very talented caring person . Your love ❤️Laurie

Bill M.

Apr 26, 2013

Hired on Thumbtack

Here's the deal: If you are looking to learn how to play music from a nun-like creature weilding a ruler who whacks you every time you miss a note, this guy is NOT for you. Billy is NOT a Marine-esque typing instructor teaching you how to play notes by making you do endless drills. Not at all. No. Billy is a more like a musical flight attendant -- no, more than that but less sexy. He's a Sherpa. He's Yoda. He's a Ken Kesey-esque mystic. He's a smokey character yanked from the pages of a George Orwell novel for the express purpose of exploring your soul. He's not here to teach you how to play music, he's here to split you open and help you find the music within. Here's me: A guy with a brick tied to the back of each hand trying to play piano. My prior musical instruction is limited to playing one song on the zither in first grade: G7 G7 Am C. I am the musical equivalent of a stumpy piece of chalk. After our first lesson, I was reading music -- yes, really -- and playing a short piece. After two lessons, I was reading music and playing four short pieces -- and I wasn't learning how to play the notes, I was learning how to play the composition, a HUGE difference. Our lessons are more like therapy than a music class. Mostly we discuss...everything. Music, yes. Poetry, sure. Impressionist painting, absolutely. He opens my brain and dumps things inside. Important things. Meaningful things. We talk about how the world is made of music. We listen. He gives me listening assignments to pique my interest and excite me about what we're doing. After four lessons, I am composing my own short piece. Hey, let's be real, this is stunning progress. I'm doing something I thought I was in no way capable of doing, and I'm enjoying every moment. Most importantly, I haven't quit. In fact, I see no end in sight. I'm on a musical journey with Billy as my guide. I do see this: Me someday playing any piece of music I want to play. That's stunning. Yes, it's still very early, and it's not like I'm suddenly Ray Charles-ing out or knocking off Bach pieces with my ears closed. But I believe I can do this, I now know I can. I may never be able to play like Billy -- he doesn't play the piano, he turns the keyboard into a swarm of butterflies, bees and bluegrass -- but someday relatively soon I'll be a guy who can sit down at a piano and play something pretty darn sweet, and I'm not sure you can give a piano instructor a higher recommendation than that.

Piano Lessons

Stephen K.

Apr 19, 2013

Hired on Thumbtack

I have had three lessons with Billy in the last week and all I can say is he is the best. From the beginning, he is focused on having his students play like a concert pianist; appreciate the power of music as a language; and of having the student do his/her own music composition for each lesson. His in depth knowledge of all kinds of music is remarkable and informative. I strongly recommend Billy as he is a unique teacher who will open up music and piano like no other.

Piano Lessons

Deborah L.

May 21, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

Billy is 100% engaged and passionate about teaching my 10-year old son. In addition to having full knowledge of classical piano, composing, technique, ear training and more, Billy is always looking to find ways to motivate my son and set him up for life-long relationship with music. Importantly, Billy is charismatic and a powerful music force (and funny) - so my son looks forward to seeing him!

Piano Lessons

Rahul G.

Jul 6, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

I am heartbroken that I only got to experience a few lessons with Billy. He was a caring and hilarious teacher, and he inspired me to learn music as a language rather than a skill. Rest in Peace, Billy Pearsley.

Piano Lessons (for adults)

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What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Try having an initial lesson so that you can get a feel for the way that the teacher teaches and what you needs are. After the lesson, ask questions and discuss what your expectations are. Ask the teacher how would they assess the lessons. What did they think were your strong points were as well as what were the areas of opportunity. Discuss what are your aims/goals are. What is the direction you would like to take in Music. Also name specific targets e.g. particular pieces you want to learn or particular styles e.g. jazz, blues, classical. Ask the teacher what is a realistic time frame for you to achieve these goals.

Billy Pearsley

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