While the answer is both yes and no, for the success of a long-term musical journey, it is highly beneficial for a student to have access to a piano or a weighted keyboard/electric piano at home. This provides the opportunity for daily practice, which is essential. However, here are some temporary alternatives to consider until you are able to secure a more permanent solution, which ideally should be within the next few months:

• Check with family, church family, friends or neighbors to see if they are getting rid of a piano or keyboard in the near future.
• Check with your church or a nearby church to see if they have an extra piano or weighted keyboard they’re looking to get rid of. If not, maybe they will agree to let you practice there daily. If they’re unable to help, don’t worry. There’s always a church somewhere that’s open daily. If you have your heart set on learning how to play the piano, call around to local churches – don’t be afraid to explain the situation and your need. Be prepared for them to ask you to pay a fee for the use of their facilities if this is a long-term solution for you.
• Check your local paper for pianos – yes, there are folks that prefer to list ads in the paper!
• Check Facebook marketplace. They always have free pianos. When you find one, go inspect it carefully. If you still want it, you’ll need a truck, trailer, straps, and extra people to move and transport it safely.
• Check WMU! Western Michigan University Surplus Sales gets rid of used upright pianos for a nominal fee. You haul it away.
• Check West Michigan Piano! If you are looking to get a used piano with a warranty…and delivered within 100 miles of their store.
• Check the following online stores: eBay, Reverb, CraigsList, Piano Adoption,

Music is a lifelong journey that can be embraced at any stage of life. It is never too late to begin, and the pursuit of musical expression can enrich the soul at any age. Cultivating a love for music early on is particularly essential, especially when a child shows a natural affinity for it. In such instances, it becomes even more vital to nurture and encourage that passion. Furthermore, I wholeheartedly advocate for the exploration of music therapy as a valuable alternative for individuals facing developmental, physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual challenges.

Each student will need a standard-sized 3-ring binder with lined paper in it, a sharpened/mechanical pencil, and any learning materials discussed prior to or during the lesson(s). For kiddos, please remember to bring their “Inchworm Redeemable Practice Card” .

Indeed, I can confidently assist with this, having navigated and overcome these challenges firsthand. With more than 30 years of experience in public performance, I have had the privilege of serving in a broad range of musical and speaking roles. My background includes public speaking, choral conducting, and competitive solo piano and band performance. I have sung across multiple choir sections—first soprano, second soprano, alto, and tenor—and performed both solo and in ensemble settings on a wide array of instruments, including clarinet, alto and baritone saxophone, lap harp, guitar, drums, and piano.

In addition, my experience encompasses piano accompaniment, harpsichord, pipe organ, acoustic guitar, and percussion. This extensive and diverse foundation enables me to approach challenges with a nuanced understanding of how emotion influences both learning and performance.

While my love for the Lord is deeply rooted in my heart, I respect your personal journey and will never impose my beliefs upon you. If you have questions about faith, I will do my best to offer thoughtful answers or direct you to the right resources if I am unable to provide them myself. Should you ever request prayer, I will humbly offer it. Above all, my primary goal in the WGM Studio is to guide you in your musical journey, tailoring my approach to your unique learning style so that you can progress more quickly and find success in your craft.