Piano and Music Theory Lessons

contact for price

Zip code

Student age

Lesson length

Musical style

Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.

Check them out

Introduction: Hello, I'm Paula. I have 25 years of experience in teaching piano and music theory to students ages 4 -70+ in both private residences and my studio. I enjoy teaching students to appreciate the instrument using a variety of teaching methods and sheet music. I customize material to suit each student's unique musical interests. I encourage my students and their families to study the piano and music theory to promote well-being, stress relief, and academic and personal achievement. Many of my former students have continued their education to become professional music educators themselves. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Overview

Hired 17 times

1 employee

35 years in business

Payment methods

Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.

Featured Projects

4 photos

Specialties

Musical style

, ,

Reviews

3.7

3 reviews

67%

33%

Nizandra M.

Jun 8, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

When I reached out, via Thumbtack, for piano lessons for my 7 year old son with autism, I mentioned that whomever responded would need to be patient. My son is very delayed with his fine motor skills and sometimes it is difficult for him to understand instruction. It also takes time for my son to be comfortable with someone new in his life and to learn the piano. When Paula Hess responded to my inquiry, I was extremely excited! My son played on the piano every morning (playfully of course) before and enjoyed it so much. Paula told me she had experience with other autistic children and that even her nephew was autistic. She seemed certain that she could and would teach my son to play the piano professionally, no matter how much effort it took, because it was her "forte," of course. We set up to start having lessons on Saturdays from 2:15-2:45. She was willing to work with me price wise. I really believed she would be kind, patient, and loving towards her craft and those she taught. Her voice is very soft and soothing, but very condescending. For his first lesson, I brought my boyfriend and friend along because we were so excited to watch my son at his first attempt playing the piano. When we walked into her house, after a few minutes sitting in her dining room, she asked everyone's relationship to my son, after she had already I was his mother. My boyfriend is not my son's father but is a strong manly figure in his life. She told me, in front of them, to next time come alone. Her tone was not comforting and I thought her short interrogation session was irrelevant and rude. They even felt so uncomfortable they walked out. We were not rude to her or loud. Not the slightest amount of disrespect was given to her because, again, this is for my son. After they left, she began to proceed with the lesson. My son wasn't feeling well and he was not familiar with Ms. Hess so he was resistant. I told her it would take him some time to learn the piano and that he struggles with his fine motors skills. After about 20 minutes she decided that we give it a try the following week, since he wasn't feeling well. She didn't even charge me for the lesson because there wasn't much they accomplished. I was very grateful at that point. Then, she asked me what medicine he was on for his autism. I was shocked that she even felt it was okay to ask that question. I told her he wasn't on medicine and didn't need medicine. He didn't have behavior issues. I was absolutely offended. Going against my better judgment, I decided to see her the following week, since my son was in good spirit and his cold/allergies went away. She began to teach him and it was difficult for him to do what she was saying. he was sitting in place and she kept asking him to touch certain keys. He had a hard time with this. She kept telling him "I know you know how to do this," and "you're going to have to pay attention/ play the piano because if not you're going to waste your mommy's money." My son is a 7 years old, high functioning, autistic child who does not understand the concept of what she was saying. Yes, he has trouble staying focused. She thought it was best, after 20 minutes, to end the lesson because he wasn't paying attention and cooperating. She then proceeded to ask me AGAIN what medicine he was on and the last time I had seen a neurologist (the one who diagnosed him with autism). She told me that most of her autistic students were on medication. I almost jumped out of my skin because I honestly could not believe how rude she was. She told me there was no use in charging me for the lesson because they didn't get anything accomplished. Not all autistic children are the same. They all have different needs and strengths. My son doesn't have behavioral issues but he is developing slowly with his learning abilities. For anyone who knows anything about autism, they know that autistic children need routine. These lessons were not a routine yet to my son. Paula Hess was still a stranger to him, so yes we was resistant. Yes, he needs people with patience to teach him. No, he does not kick and scream and get physical with people. SO WHY WOULD HE NEED MEDICINE?! I told her I would not be going back to her in the future and left it at that. She called me on my way home to let me know I had left one of his piano books at her house and if I wanted to go and pick it up. I told her she could keep it and once again, she brought up the medicine subject. She pretty much said I know you seem strongly against medicine but you should think twice. The reason I SPECIFICALLY stated that I needed a teacher with patience because my son is autistic, was exactly for that reason. I do not want my son to be a robot just so he can learn the piano. I felt so offended and disrespected. I was heartbroken that someone judged my son and his abilities before even giving him the chance to succeed.

Piano and Music Theory Lessons's reply

After two piano lessons this young child was unable to press even 1 key on the piano. As a service to his Mother I decided not to charge this single Mom for either lesson. This young child hadn't been evaluated by a phychiatrist in the past 4 years. I decided to terminate this student until an evaluation is made. I suspected that medication was necessary but only a Doctor would know for sure. My patience was never an issue. It is truly not about me. I don't allow friends of students' parents to be present during a lesson. Only one parent may be present during a session. I do understand how difficult it is to be a single parent. I also am a single parent. I wish this Mom and her child well in their search for a new Doctor and eventually a new teacher.

Piano Lessons

Ken H.

Jun 9, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been a student of Paula Hess for approximately 8 years and she has been a superb teacher to me. I consistently refer her to other friends and family given her professionalism and excellence. She is a degreed professional and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has trained me from an intermediate to now an advanced level via difficult repertoire (Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy, and more). I originally went to Mrs. Hess as my first teacher primarily taught via method books. She was able to quickly accelerate my progress and teach me difficult classical music. Part of her success is due to her willingness to allow students to sometimes choose different pieces for themselves and guide their direction in learning. While some students may want to play show tunes, other students may want to focus on a more classical path. Mrs. Hess is able to make a "plan" individualized for all students. Mrs. Hess teaches all levels; however, I have enjoyed her advanced approach to teaching me music. I started with Mrs. Hess at an intermediate level. She is not a piano teacher who will simply take your money regardless of the student. She truly wants her clients to succeed, practice, and grow. If you are looking for a teacher who will keep you accountable, will truly teach piano, and will accelerate your instrumental skill, she is certainly the teacher you are looking for. She is very patient; however, she does encourage growth and consistent practicing. All teachers should expect this out of their students. In regards to her ability to teach special needs children, she has extensive years teaching children in this population. In fact, some of these students play at recitals. She prides herself on the ability to teach students of this population. As a physician assistant who is very cognizant of special needs children and there needs, I would have full confidence in going to Mrs. Hess. In conclusion, for those who have had other problems with teachers, without a doubt, I recommend Mrs. Hess.

Piano Lessons

Leonard d.

May 8, 2017

Hired on Thumbtack

Ms. Hess is very professional and holds me accountable for the lesson assignments. Her practice advice has been very helpful and insightful!

Piano Lessons

FAQs

What types of customers have you worked with?
I teach piano and music theory. Students will be supplied with lesson books. They will have several songs to play per week in addition to a special song they will use for annual recitals.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I would advise a customer to compare years of experience and cost. I have 35 years of experience and price my services competitively.