Garret Fernandez
Piano Lessons with Specialized Instruction from University of Jamestown Educator




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Garret Fernandez
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Garret - Your piano teacher
Teaching piano is more than just a profession for me — it’s a lifelong passion and a way to share the joy, beauty, and depth of music with others. I bring kindness, patience, and years of experience to every lesson, and I strive to create an environment where students of all ages and backgrounds feel supported, inspired, and truly heard. I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of students ranging in age from 3 to 80. Each person comes with their own story, learning style, and musical goals, and I believe in meeting every student exactly where they are. Whether you're playing your very first note or returning to the piano after many years away, I’m here to help you grow at your own pace and in your own direction. I am classically trained and deeply in love with the music of the Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and Modern eras. My teaching draws from this broad range of styles, and I often help students explore the expressive language of composers like Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, and many more. My lessons go beyond technique — I aim to help students develop a sensitive ear, a deep understanding of musical structure, and a connection to the emotional world of the music. If you’re looking for a teacher who is experienced, gentle, supportive, and deeply committed to helping you grow as a pianist and musician, I’d love to work with you. Whether your goal is to master the classics, write your own music, or simply enjoy playing for yourself and others, I’m here to guide and encourage you every step of the way. Let’s begin this musical journey together.
Garret graduated from University of Jamestown


Your piano teacher skills
Piano Technique
Pedaling Techniques
Scales and Arpeggios
Chord Theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Performance Skills
Rhythm and Timing
Ear training
AI 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
Piano lessons at a glance
My teaching style is rooted in clarity, patience, and a deep respect for each student's individual learning path. I approach piano instruction with the belief that every student deserves a strong technical foundation, a comprehensive understanding of music theory, and the encouragement to develop their own musical voice. At the core of my teaching is a commitment to building solid technique. From the very first lesson, I emphasize posture, hand position, finger strength, and freedom of movement. I believe that good technique is not just about playing faster or more accurately—it’s about physical comfort, expressive potential, and long-term health at the piano. I help students become aware of how they use their bodies while playing and guide them toward efficient, relaxed movement. Scales, arpeggios, chords, and etudes are essential tools in my curriculum, but I make sure they are not practiced in isolation. Instead, I show students how these elements connect directly to the pieces they’re working on. Theory is woven into every aspect of my teaching. Rather than treating it as a separate subject, I integrate it into our work with repertoire, technique, and improvisation. Whether we’re looking at a Mozart sonata or a modern composition, I guide students to recognize patterns, harmonic progressions, formal structure, and motivic development. Understanding the architecture of a piece helps students memorize more easily, play with greater confidence, and make more informed interpretive decisions. Above all, I want my students to develop a lifelong relationship with music—one that includes curiosity, discipline, expression, and joy. I meet each student where they are and support them every step of the way.
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Electric Keyboard

Piano concepts taught by Garret
The Student and Tutor focused on practicing the piano piece 'Locker', working through right-hand technique, chord identification including C major second inversion, G7, and F minor second inversion, and hands-together coordination with attention to dynamics. Homework was assigned to complete the entire 'Locker' song with specific technical requirements and practice scales hands together.
Chord Recognition & Transformation (Major/Minor/Inversions)
Dominant 7th Chord Resolution (G7 to C Major)
Reading Complex Notation (Clef Changes & Fingerings)
Dynamic Control and Expressive Phrasing
Effective Practice Methodologies
Digital Sheet Music for Piano
Student and Tutor had a piano lesson where they reviewed and practiced C, G, D, and A scales, focusing on finger crossings, hand posture, and wrist alignment. They also worked on three pieces: "The Lonely Pine," "Liliza Jane," and "Jingle Bells," covering concepts like ties, hand shifts, and precise counting. Homework involves practicing all scales and songs with an emphasis on steady tempo and gradual speed increase.
Fundamental Piano Technique & Posture
Major Scales Progression: C
G
D
A
Interpreting Musical Notation: Ties
Shifts
& Pedal Markings
The Student and Tutor reviewed fundamental music theory, including the rules for forming major scales using whole and half steps, and constructing major chords with specific half-step intervals. They applied this theory to identify and play B and F major scales and chords. The session concluded with hands-together practice on the song "Black Socks," focusing on rhythmic counting and recognizing underlying chord patterns in the left hand, with a plan to review all scales and complete the song next time.
Major Scale Construction
Major Chord Construction (4-3 Half-Step Rule)
Understanding Musical Intervals
Recognizing Chord Voicings and Inversions
Rhythmic Counting and Hands-Together Coordination
Student and Tutor reviewed the piece "The Entertainer," focusing on technique, rhythm, and chord analysis, including identifying specific chord types and progressions. They also practiced all white key scales and their associated chords. The session concluded with the introduction of a new piece, "La Candeur" by Burgmuller, with an emphasis on sight-reading and counting, and plans for further scale development and advanced chord studies.
Seventh Chords and Their Resolutions
Refining Piano Technique: Wrist
Pinky
and Hand Balance
Effective Practice Strategies for New Repertoire
White Key Scales: Mastery and Progression
Introduction to Intermediate Repertoire: Burgmüller Études
Student and Tutor reviewed C, G, and D piano scales, emphasizing hands-together practice and memorization. They then progressed through existing pieces "Classic Dance" and "Young Hunter," focusing on counting and note reading. New pieces, "The Lonely Pine" and "Lil Liza Jane," were introduced and practiced for initial note recognition, hand positioning, and time signature understanding. For homework, the Student is to practice the C, G, and D scales hands together, work on "Lil Liza Jane" at a faster tempo, and practice "The Lonely Pine" without looking down; the Tutor will review "Mr. Blue Sky" for the next session.
Fundamental Practice Principles
Independent Piece Learning Strategies
Expressive Playing & Dynamics
Articulation & Harmony: Tied & Doubled Notes
Understanding Sheet Music Notation
Scale Mastery: C
G
D Major
The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, specifically correcting scale fingerings and practicing two songs. They reviewed the E, B, and F scales, emphasizing correct finger usage and crossing rules, and worked on the B chord. Detailed right-hand fingerings and repeat structures were practiced for the songs "Hole in My Bucket" and "Black Socks." The Student was encouraged to practice left-hand parts and integrate counting for "Black Socks," and to consider future song requests.
Universal Scale Fingering Rules
Specific Fourth-Finger Crossings
F and B Major Scale Fingering (Advanced)
B Major Chord Construction
"Black Socks" Right Hand: Navigating Repeats and Hand Positions
"Black Socks" Right Hand: Strategic Ending Finger Swaps
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Backing Track Libraries
DAWs
Metronome Apps
Piano Tuner Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Looping Software
Interactive piano lessons
Open Q&A
Note taking
Weekend lessons
Mobile joining
Pets are welcomed

Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
