Piano & Guitar Lessons

Vince Madison is a professional composer/pianist and an engaging and personable instructor. With 7 CDs of original piano music and over 80,000 CDs sold, Vince is a seasoned performer and recording artist. But, one of his great joys is sharing his knowledge of music with others. He is comfortable teaching all levels from young children just starting piano lessons to serious musicians wanting help with technique, composition or music software and technology.

As a professional, he knows how important the fundamentals are. He stresses good hand position and technique, rhythmic development, note recognition, and music theory. As a composer, he gives insight into how music is put together, adding much more dimension and understanding than simply "reading the dots". Most importantly, his enthusiasm instills an appreciation for music in his students that will last far beyond the lessons.

He is patient and encouraging with beginners, both kids and adults. He makes sure every concept is well understood before moving on. He also understands that different people have different learning styles, so he'll explain and demonstrate a concept in multiple ways until the student "gets it".

He also offers jazz and pop approaches; and as a composer himself, he encourages creativity in all his students. If you had lessons as a kid and now want to get going with piano again, Vince can help you regain your former abilities and help you learn how to play the kind of music you really enjoy!

Here is a brief summary of Vince's background:

- 1977 - bachelor of music composition degree from the University of Denver
- 1981-'82 - studied piano privately with Bertha Melnick of the Julliard School of Music, New York
- 1981 - studied arranging and orchestration with world-famous arranger and composer Don Sebesky, New York
- 1984-'86 - did studio work in NYC for Elektra, Polygram and Tommy Boy Records
- 1986-'90 - performed keyboards with various bands in the Reno and Las Vegas areas
- 1991-'95 - created and toured with a school assembly program, "Life Matters". It was a solo performance with positive messages for young people.
- 1992-'96 - artist in residence, Artreach Program, Denver, Colorado. This was a special program to bring creative artistic experience to school children. Vince worked with school children to help them create their own musical compositions and perform them in concert.
- 1998-2005 - founded "Firefly Records" with his wife, Marianna, and toured the country performing and selling his original music.
- 1992 to present - private music instructor

We charge the following rates:

* $35 for a 1/2 hour lesson (beginners)
* $65 for an hour lesson (advanced)

Reviews

• December 17, 2010

  

  Vince has been an incredibly patient and resourceful teacher for our two kids (now 11 and 14). He's also been extremely reliable and flexible when it comes to scheduling. We'd highly recommend him for both piano and guitar lessons. Be sure you make your kids practice between lessons. That's just simple courtesy for a guy this nice and dedicated to what he does.

  – David

• November 17, 2010

  

  Vince is great. He's got so much knowledge, and he's willing and able to share it. I really enjoy my lessons and have learned so much.

  – John

• November 15, 2010

  

  Both of our children are students of Vince's, and they truely enjoy their piano expereince. Vince is a wonderful teacher, so patient and knowledgable. We have had him as our piano teacher for over 2 years and have enjoyed everything about the experience. It is wonderful to find an instructor that comes into your home. We look forward to many more years of piano with Vince.

  – Michele

• November 14, 2010

  

  I started taking my first piano lessons at age 38, having very little musical knowledge. Vince is a patient and encouraging teacher, while being insistent that important concepts are understood and sufficiently applied before moving on to a new piece. He continues to investigate new methods of teaching. After each lesson, I feel motivated to learn more and keep practicing.

  – Vera

• November 13, 2010

  

  I have twin boys, one who plays piano and one who plays guitar. Vince has been their instructor from the beginning. My boys have been taking lessons from him for over 2 years now. Vince is such an awesome instructor. He really knows how to connect with the my boys. His style of teaching really keeps their interest and wanting to learn more. He teaches the "classic" way of learning but then allows the students to choose what they would like to learn. I feel it gives my kids the opportunity to find their niche and the freedom to be creative. It amazes me each time he sits down with one of them and listens to part of a song just a couple of times and can figure out how to play it (even though he's never played that song before). Not to mention, he comes to you! Since my boys have different interests in musical instruments, it would be a bit of a nightmare for me if I have to run one kid to a piano instructor and the other one to a guitar instructor. The fact that he comes to my home AND he teaches both instruments is fantastic! I absolutely love having Vince as my kids' music instructor and as an influential part of their childhood. I look forward to spending many more years with him teaching my boys.

  – Jennifer

• November 13, 2010

  

  Vince is a gifted and inspired instructor. My son has excelled under his tutelage. Last year, Bear (almost 18) created his own Jazz compilation; this year he learned Moonlight Sonata for his recital. The performance was fantastic - great for my son's confidence and quite well received by other parents. We have recommended Vince to friends and family. You will be very happy with his friendly instruction, fast communication and flexibility. ~ Bob

  – Bob

• November 13, 2010

  

  Vince has been a great mentor for my son. He has guided him in his own compositions of amazing pieces both on the keys of a piano as well as the keys on his computer. Vince is an inspiration and a wonderful teacher!

  – Yvonne

• November 13, 2010

  

  Amazing service! Vince taught my third son and now my fourth son in piano. He makes learning fun, is an effective and thoughtful communicator, and enjoys teaching. I am very fortunate to have him positively impact the lives of my children. My house is full of the sounds of music- a gift!

  – Suzanne

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