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Paul Howard Burns, Piano Instruction and Coaching

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Instrument student plays
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About
Very few pianists in the Detroit metro area were as fortunate as myself to have studied with the late Prof. Boris Maximovich at Wayne State University. He was the most extraordinary piano instructor I have ever known and imparted the "Arm-Weight Piano Technique" to me during eight years of advanced study. The ability to transfer my musical knowledge to students one-on-one, helping them solve problems to improve their piano-playing makes the whole experience of teaching very enjoyable!
Overview

Hired 31 times

Background checked

Business hours

Sun11:00 am - 8:00 pmMon11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and PayPal.

Services offered
Subjects of interest

Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.)

Harmonization

Counterpoint

Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training)

Level of experience

No experience

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Instrument student plays

Piano

Cello

Other

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.

Exceptional 5.0

16 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

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Read reviews that mention:

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Karen E.

Oct 15, 2015

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Hired on Thumbtack

Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
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Sarah B.

Mar 7, 2015

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Hired on Thumbtack

I was extremely nervous to start piano lessons as an adult and being a rather reserved person I knew that getting the wrong piano instructor would be a major setback in my learning. I feel truly lucky to have found Paul. He is very professional and consistent in his teaching, and also such a wonderful person. He takes his teaching and my goals very seriously and as a result I have felt my own perseverance and drive to learn piano increase. But Paul always lets me go at my own pace and builds upon and solidifies what I am currently working with. I highly recommend Paul for anyone who is serious about learning piano and is looking for someone who will get them towards this goal.
Piano Lessons
pro avatar
Karen A.

Apr 22, 2013

As a busy professional in my early thirties, I missed having piano as an important part of my life. I had taken lessons for ~12 years when I was growing up, but school and life eventually got in the way. When my husband gave me piano lessons last Christmas, I was overjoyed! I didn't know how lucky I was, though, until I met Paul, the music teacher my husband had selected. After my childhood of learning, I have the basics down pretty well, but Paul is helping me deepen my knowledge of music theory and really concentrate on technique - two areas that were not part of my early music education. He is helping me to look again at playing the piano with fresh eyes and a fresh approach, and helping me enjoy it all the more. Paul has been flexible in adapting to my schedule, and there's never any pressure about not having practiced enough. His goal is to help me advance in my knowledge and capability, even if the time I can dedicate to practice and preparation varies from week to week. I deeply appreciate that! In short, Paul's knowledge and skill run deeper than any piano teacher I've ever had, which allows my own knowledge all the more room to grow. I would highly recommend lessons with Paul!
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Ana S.

Dec 17, 2013

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Hired on Thumbtack

Paul is a wonderful piano teacher. My nine year old daughter is shy and really wanted to try piano lessons but we were unable to travel to class. Paul comes to the house and is nice yet firm and she has already learned so much in a very short time. He is talented, professional and a lovely person. We highly recommend!
Piano Lessons
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Lisa B.

Dec 7, 2014

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Hired on Thumbtack

My 9 year old son has been taking lessons for a few months now with Mr. Burns. He had previously been with another teacher but she fell ill and we had to find someone else. Mr. Burns was able to pick up where my son had left off while still going back to certain basics and making sure my son develops a good foundation. He is the type of teacher who will spend time to have the student develop good practice skills such as working on hand/wrist positions, choosing the best fingering, learning each hand separately, and playing slowly until he or she is confident to progress to a faster speed. I believe his techniques will make my son a much better pianist in the long run. Mr. Burns is very pleasant, on time, and respectful. I would highly recommend him as a piano instructor.
Piano Lessons
Credentials
Background Check

Paul Burns

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    I will only accept new students within a 5-10 mile radius of Auburn Hills, Michigan. In order to get started with your piano lessons, you must have a piano with a weighted, full-size, 88-key keyboard that is functional.

  • What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

    I have Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Piano Performance as well as 45+ years of teaching and performance experience.

  • What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

    Only that you need to set aside enough time to practice the piano each day and develop the patience to work toward your goal. I guarantee that if you follow my advice and guidance, you will make the kind of progress you desire.

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