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Michelle Opoien is a mother of two who lives in Lone Tree and has been a piano lover and student since she was 5 years old. Michelle began teaching piano lessons when she was in college. After graduating from college she took a "regular" job in corporate america. She tried to teach piano out of her house and do her regular job but it proved to be too much, so she gave up teaching.

Michelle unexpectedly lost her job in corporate america last April. After a lot of soul searching, she decided she wanted to teach piano again. So here she is...a year later and loving every second with her students.

Michelle's teaching philosophy is the same as her childhood piano teacher. She teaches the basics and encourages her students to practice the "standard" lessons so that they can learn how to read music. She strives to always make it a positive and fun learning environment. She holds recitals in the spring, which is good exposure for kids to get in front of people and a great way to show off all their hard work.

Michelle believes private lessons have many advantages over the studio environment:

• Private lessons are much more personalized to each student's learning style and lessons can be tailored to their specific needs. Every child is different and struggles with different concepts at different times.
• Private lessons offer more flexibility for Michelle and her families. 
• Private lessons allow Michelle to be able to communicate with the parents of her students.
• Private lessons are more personable and relaxing for the students.
• Michelle conducts make-up lessons whenever it is convenient for both student and teacher. Many times it's a hassle to reschedule a lesson in the studio environment.
• While Michelle wants you and your child to be committed to piano lessons if it's a good fit, she doesn't require a multiple year commitment like most studios and music academies do.
• Michelle allows parents to bring younger siblings to the lesson if they need to. The younger children can play in the basement while the older child is having his/her lesson.
• Michelle offers a free introductory lesson to all her potential students.

Michelle meets with her students once a week for a 30-minute session and each session is $20. This is long enough to play the material they were assigned to practice the prior week and also go over new songs and concepts that they will then practice the following week. She is able to spend quality one-on-one time with each individual, which allows her to see where their strengths and weaknesses are and find ways to help them enjoy learning the piano while not feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. She tries to make lessons fun and is very easy-going with her students. She takes kids as young as age 5, so it is very important to make sure they have fun learning the piano and that they see it as a positive experience...and something they can work to learn and have a gift that will last them a lifetime.

Michelle's short-term goals for her students is to give them a great solid foundation to build upon. She teaches them proper technique and how to read music early-on so that they see it's not a hard thing to learn with a little practice and dedication. Her long-term goal for students is to find out what music means to them in their life. Michelle wants her piano students to truly enjoy playing and have a desire to share what they know with others. She strongly believes in making sure that her teaching style is a good fit for your child and family. 

If you are interested in piano lessons for your child with Michelle, contact her at 720-258-6599 or flygrl78@yahoo.com.  

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