I teach from my home studio in Westbrook, Maine.  

​I often have openings for new students, young and old and everything in between. Please contact me for more information. I would love to hear from you.

Everyone knows that piano lessons take work, but they can - and should - also be fun! I love working (and playing) with both children and adults, and my goal is to help put my students on a lifelong pathway of creativity, self-expression, and connection with others through music.

Along with a strong foundation in the traditional elements of classical music education, my teaching emphasizes creativity and what I call the "street smarts" of music: improvisation, playing by ear, practical music theory, making up your own songs, and making music with others. I believe this creative approach opens up ears to the full offerings of music and highlights the human nature - love and darkness and silliness and everything in between - that is at the heart of all good music. My goals is to cultivate creative, independent-minded musicians who love what they do, whether they play for themselves or with others. Read more about my music and teaching philosophy.

I embrace not just classical music styles, but blues and jazz and pop and folk and just about any other style you can think of. You can read more about my background and training.

​If you're curious about the nuts and bolts of piano lessons you can read my most recent studio policy.

​The first session is always free, so come visit me at my studio to discuss your musical goals for yourself or your child. Drop me an email or give me a call so we can chat and I can answer any questions you may have.

Westbrook from above.

My piano studio.

Piano recital on the 1892 Steinway at The Old White Church in Bar Mills.

After a piano recital.

The dog ate my homework. No, really.

---

Testimonial

My 15-year-old daughter, who took an interest in the piano after several years of playing violin, has been taking lessons from Bess for the past two years. I have been so impressed with Bess's ability to motivate my daughter by tailoring her teaching style in a way that fits her personality and interests, while also incorporating improvisation and music theory. I am proud to say that my daughter has developed into a passionate, disciplined, and talented pianist. I could not have asked for a better experience for my daughter and feel so very thankful that she has had the opportunity to have Bess as her teacher. 
          -Nancy Sandhu

I'm often in touch with my students and their families during the week between lessons.  Here are some snippets from their emails to me... and, yeah, this stuff makes me feel pretty good (warm and gooshy, to be precise).  

Thank you for being such an amazing and uplifting teacher!
          -Erika Cooper

Hi Bess, I just wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful recital!  It was superb!  And it showcased your amazing teaching ability, which has been the guide for all these students' improvements.
          -Erika Cooper

You have been the most perfect beginning for Ivory. Your style is just what she needed for getting started and interested in piano. I seriously couldn't have imagined a better fit...  Ivory needed that mix of the technical learning with the freedom in the way that you give. We were and are very blessed to have you as her teacher.
          -Marie Nordeng

Bess, thank you so much for being the kind of teacher to go the extra mile and organize a recital like this one.  This is our first experience doing this and both kids loved it!  Your piece was amazing and all of your students played well, it shows that you are a great teacher.
          -Stacey Koch

Hi Bess, I want to let you know how happy we are with the lessons that you are giving Will.  He has really blossomed with his love of the piano since you began teaching him.  He likes to practice and sits down at the piano many times a day to just "noodle around".  Thank you so much!
          -Jessica

I wish we could move to Maine to continue with you.  You are an extraordinary teacher!  I can't imagine finding anyone to teach Will that will hold a candle to you...  I love the way that you don't just go through the books, but you select pieces that are interesting...  He can play many pieces from memory simply because he understands how the music has been written.  I am so happy with how he has progressed with you!
          -Jessica

You are most definitely counted among our blessings this Thanksgiving!
          -Sherry Block

Dear Bess, we love our piano lessons with you!  It's amazing how you have live unicorns in your studio, and Sally loves how she gets a kitten for each scale she learns.  We are so excited to hear her play Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 3 with the New York Philharmonic on Saturday - after only three weeks of lessons with you!  We couldn't be happier.
          -Just Kidding

I love working with adult students.  They are so appreciative of what they are learning and can give kids a real run for their money when it comes to "childlike wonder".  Also, they often come with some specific ideas about directions they want to go in with music, styles they want to pursue, and we have so much fun figuring out how to make these things happen.

Amidst working full time, I love taking time for piano lessons each week. Bess knows how to appeal to each student in a unique way, not only finding what fits best with your interests and ability, but realistically working alongside your other commitments.  I come away from lessons every week even more fulfilled than when I came.  Not only does Bess teach the theory, creativity, and basics, she teaches you how to learn to love playing the piano.
          -Elizebeth Voell

As an adult learner, I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to introduce me to the (sometimes intimidating) world of piano. On the music theory side of things, Bess helped me understand the principles behind what I was learning, but she also encouraged creativity and making mistakes as a part of the learning process, which empowered me to keep practicing.
          -Elin Amundson