Thomas Saunders

With over 30 years of Guitar, piano, drum, bass experience and more than 20 years of teaching across diverse musical styles

4.7(133)

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Profile photo of Thomas , Piano tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of Thomas , Piano tutor at Wiingy
Piano learning materials by Thomas
Piano learning materials by Thomas

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Thomas Saunders

Diploma degree

/ 55 min

Thomas - Your piano teacher

With over 30 years of Guitar, piano, drum, bass experience and more than 20 years of teaching across diverse musical styles, Thomas S. is a dedicated and versatile music instructor based in Charlotte, NC. His expertise encompasses a wide range of genres, including Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Pop, R&B, Classical, and Latin, enabling him to tailor his teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student. A self-taught guitarist, composer, and writer, Thomas has honed his craft through extensive performance experience. He played with notable bands in New York City, such as The Albatross and Velvet Soul from 2000 to 2002, and collaborated with soulful folk bands like Eddie Kane and Melodic between 2010 and 2011. His talent has been showcased on local television, appearing regularly on shows such as *The Modern Renaissance Man* and *The Johnny Millwater Show* on Access 21 TV. Additionally, Thomas was honored to perform at The Harvard Alumni Club in the summer of 2011 and participated in various school productions from 2004 to 2005. Thomas's passion for music and the arts is reflected in his commitment to his students. He employs innovative teaching methods that resonate across cultural and generational lines, fostering an inclusive learning environment. His dedication to nurturing each student's musical journey demonstrates his belief in the transformative power of music. With a focus on personal growth and artistic expression, Thomas strives to instill a lifelong appreciation for music in every individual he teaches.

Your piano teacher skills

Music theory icon

Music theory

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Types of learners for piano lessons

Piano for beginners icon

Piano for beginners

Piano for intermediate icon

Piano for intermediate

Piano for adults icon

Piano for adults

Piano for kids icon

Piano for kids

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Piano teacher known for supportive style

88% students appreciate teachers patient, encouraging approach

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Consistent feedback from piano teacher

Parents receive regular updates on goals, strengths, and areas to improve

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Piano classes that boost confidence

86% students feel more secure performing after just a few lessons

Different types of piano lessons

Piano

Piano

Grand Piano

Grand Piano

Player Piano

Player Piano

Electric Keyboard

Electric Keyboard

Acoustic Piano

Acoustic Piano

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15 days Refund

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Piano concepts taught by Thomas

Student learned 1 day ago

The student and tutor worked on troubleshooting audio settings for online guitar lessons and began learning to read guitar chord charts. The tutor explained how to interpret fret numbers, muted strings ('X' marks), and open strings (yellow circles) to play chords, specifically demonstrating the G major chord. They also discussed optimal posture for playing the guitar.

Guitar Chord Charts

Proper Guitar Posture and Holding

Fretting Technique Basics

Audio Settings for Online Lessons

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Student learned 7 days ago

The student and tutor worked on fundamental guitar playing techniques, including identifying string names, understanding basic tuning concepts, and practicing finger placement on frets to form chords. They also explored musical patterns and the importance of practice and repetition for learning. The tutor discussed future lesson plans, emphasizing the student's interest and potential.

Basic Guitar Fretting and Plucking

Introduction to Guitar Chords

Guitar Fretboard Navigation and Dots

Music Theory: The Mathematical Nature of Music

Guitar String Names and Tuning

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Student learned 7 days ago

The tutor and student reviewed guitar chord progressions and scales, focusing on F major, E minor, D minor, G major, and C major chords. They practiced scales in different keys and worked on learning and executing a blues/rock riff, with plans to continue exploring new keys and songs.

Chord Voicings and Alternatives

Chord Progressions and Keys

Guitar Scales and Positions

Riffs and Blues-Based Rock

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Student learned 21 days ago

The tutor and student worked extensively on guitar chords and scales in the key of C major. They practiced playing various chords and scales, focusing on finger placement, transitions, and understanding the relationship between chords and scales. The student was encouraged to continue practicing these elements and to begin blending scales with chords.

Chord Voicings and Inversions

Blending Chords and Scales: Musical Conversation

Scales: The Building Blocks of Melody

Chord Progressions: The Foundation of Songs

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

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Ear Training Software

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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