Piano Lessons - Boulder CO

Thais Nicolau moved to Boulder in 2008, and is currently preparing herself for DMA (Doctoral Musical Arts) auditions under the orientation of Andrew Cooperstock.  Thais received her degrees from the State University of Campinas in Brazil (Bachelor in piano), National Music School in Havana, (Performance diploma) and from The University of North Dakota (Masters of Music).  She has performed and participated in music festivals in several countries such as France, Russia, Cuba as well as throughout the U.S. and her home country, Brazil.  Thais has won important competitions in Brazil and has recieved the MTNA award for her academic achievements.

Thais approaches piano teaching according to each and every student's needs and interests, and has experience teaching various ages and styles.  She is excited to join The Lesson Studio and guide her students into achieving their musical goals.

Ayo Awosika

Ayo is a seasoned performer of various contemporary styles including jazz, pop, soul and folk. She has had extensive performance experience in both traditional and recital repertoire.

Ayo received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and Improvisation from Berklee College of Music and studied Classical Voice at the University of Indianapolis for two years prior.  She has studied with well known jazz vocalists Robin McKelle, Bob Stoloff and Peter Eldridge (of the New York Voices.)

In addition to performing in various bands around Colorado (including well-known, Boulder based, 12 piece, funk band, Funkiphino), Ayo is also a songwriter and performs much of her original music in various venues in the Denver/Boulder area.

Ayo welcomes students of all ages and offers combined piano and voice lessons for students who want to learn to accompany themselves while singing.  She works with students to design a personalized course of study that is suited to their individual goals and needs, and wants her students to be excited about the music they choose to work on.

Megan Marino

Ms. Marino has studied piano with Robert Glover at the University of Southern Maine and Jane Heintelman all throughout her formative years.  She has a BM in Vocal Performance from USM and an MM in Vocal performance from the University of Colorado. 

"As a young professional singer and voice teacher, I use my piano skills every day, whether I'm accompanying a student, learning music or playing for the love of music.  I am supremely grateful for my fluency on the piano.  Piano was my first intrrument."

Meg's teaching theory is simple, stick-to-the-basics.  She focuses on reading music, music theory and laying the foundations of a solid technique.

Donna Deininger received a Bachelor of Music in music education from Ithaca College. After Graduating, Donna taught for 11 years in the public school system. She taught general music to elementary students and choir to children in grades four through twelve. During this time she taught many private piano lessons and enjoyed watching each student grow and achieve their personal goals.

As a performer, Donna has sung for many years with the Ars Nova Singers and was a lead singer with the legendary Nikators, a popular cover band from the Boulder area. Donna has also performed in many musicals including, The Sound of Music, The Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie. She has also performed with various jazz bands through out the years.

As a piano instructor, Donna emphasizes technique, theory and interpretation in each lesson. She teaches each student how to get the most out of their practice time at home. Her number one goal is that all students have a successful learning experience while studying at The Lesson Studio.

Ms. Compton's piano lessons are grounded in technique, music theory and developing musicianship and expression. She focuses on meeting individual interests and needs by utilizing a variety of methods that help student progress and achieve their goals.

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