Ryan Krause
Train with a Columbia College Chicago graduate guiding you through a comprehensive musical journey.
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Ryan Krause
Masters degree
/ 55 min
Ryan - Your piano teacher
I'm Ryan Krause, a seasoned Piano tutor with over 5 years of experience. Holding a Masters degree in music, I offer personalized Piano lessons for kids, beginners, adults, and all levels of expertise. My specialities include Chord Theory, Ear training, Improvisation, and more. I aim to make learning engaging and supportive, fostering creativity and patience in mastering the art of music. Whether you're delving into the fundamentals or seeking a deeper understanding of advanced concepts, my guidance has led many to success and fulfillment. Ready to unlock your musical potential and embrace the joy of music? Let's embark on this incredible journey together. Book your session today, and let's create beautiful music harmoniously.
Meet Ryan
Ryan graduated from Columbia College Chiago
Your piano teacher skills
Rhythm and Timing
Scales and Arpeggios
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Chord Theory
Piano Technique
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for adults
Piano for kids
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Home schooled
Piano for beginners
Piano lessons at a glance
As a piano tutor, I offer a unique teaching approach that integrates music theory, performance coaching, creativity, technique enhancement, and ear training into engaging and motivational lessons. I specialize in teaching a wide range of subjects including classical piano, jazz piano, digital piano, and more, catering to students of all levels from kids to adults. I utilize a variety of tech tools such as DAWs, ear training software, metronome apps, and virtual piano apps to create interactive and personalized online learning experiences. By combining these tools with a tailored curriculum based on individual student needs and preferences, I ensure that each student receives a customized learning plan to help them excel. My teaching style is supportive and patient, focusing on enhancing students' skills and confidence while providing constructive feedback. I aim to make lessons fun and interactive by incorporating backing track libraries, chord & scale reference apps, and looping software to keep students motivated and engaged throughout their piano learning journey.
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Player Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Piano concepts taught by Ryan
The Student and Tutor engaged in an in-depth discussion on advanced music theory concepts, including chord identification, non-chord tones, secondary dominants, and harmonic analysis of pieces like "To a Wild Rose" and Chopin's E minor prelude. They also covered effective practice strategies for complex piano pieces and explored avenues for finding a musical community. The Tutor assigned a music theory course for the Student to review, and they plan to cover arpeggios in the next session.
Non-Chord Tones: Passing Tones & Suspended Chords
Chord Qualities in Major Keys
Secondary Dominant Chords (V/V)
Dominant V Chord in Minor Keys
Contextual Music Analysis & Interpretation
Optimized Practice Strategies
Student and Tutor focused on foundational piano skills, specifically rhythmic accuracy and note reading. They reviewed the importance of equal beat division, the difference between ties and slurs, and introduced a linear method for reading notes on the staff. The Student will apply these concepts to re-learn a piece of music for the next session.
Differentiating Ties and Slurs
Slur (⌒) - Connects **two or more different notes** (though sometimes the same note if other notes are between them). - Indicates that the notes should be played smoothly (**legato**) without any breaks or articulation between them
often under a single breath or phrase. - Each note under a slur is played separately
but connected seamlessly. - > 📝 **Example:** A curved line over D-E-F indicates playing D
E
and F smoothly
flowing from one to the next without interruption.
Eighth Note Counting & Equal Division
The Student and Tutor reviewed piano technique, scales, and two pieces. They practiced C minor scales and arpeggios, refined rhythmic and dynamic elements in "Mrs. Magic," and completed a Mozart piece. The session concluded with the introduction of a new Mendelson piece for future practice.
Expressive Dynamics: Text Painting in Performance
Minor Scales and Harmonic Variation
Tackling New Repertoire: Mendelssohn & Blocking Chords
Introduction to Octave Playing Technique
Rhythmic Foundation: The Quarter Note Heartbeat
Advanced Wrist Technique for Piano Speed
Student and Tutor focused on refining the Student's performance of a Beethoven piano piece. They addressed advanced concepts such as dynamic control, voicing, and rhythmic interpretation, particularly the use of triplets. They also discussed technical issues with the Student's piano and reviewed A-flat major scale fingerings. The next session was scheduled for the following week.
Dynamic Voicing & Beethoven's Expressiveness
Text Painting in Instrumental Music
Understanding & Practicing Triplets
Piano Action & Tonal Quality
Strategic Dynamic Planning (Roadmap)
A-flat Major Scale Fingering (Left Hand)
The Student and Tutor had an extensive piano lesson covering advanced techniques. They discussed the nuances of arpeggios, strategic pedal usage considering acoustics, and performance psychology, including how to recover from mistakes gracefully. The session also focused on refining transitions, practicing scales/arpeggios with varied tempos, and developing trill technique through wrist flexibility and creative hand-separate exercises.
Arpeggio Practice & Tempo Control
Dynamic Pedal Application & Acoustic Awareness
Performer Mindset: Embrace Mistakes
Skip Apologies
Mastering Musical Transitions
Advanced Trill Technique & Independent Hand Training
The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique and musical interpretation during this session. They worked on improving arpeggios, scales, trills, and chromatic scales through specific exercises and conceptual adjustments. Additionally, they practiced musical pieces by Schumann and "To a Wild Rose," incorporating harmonic analysis and interpretative guidance. The Tutor provided homework, including video recording practice and applying new interpretative approaches.
Chromatic Scale Sprints (Major Thirds)
Arpeggio & Wrist Technique Refinement
Visual Strategy & Harmonic Analysis in Performance
Sculpting Musical Phrasing & Chord Articulation
Independent Trill Development
Strengthening Scales & Finger Independence
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
Piano Tuner Apps
Backing Track Libraries
Ear Training Software
PDF Sheet Music
Interactive piano lessons
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.