Stan Zenk Music, Piano Lessons

Accepting new students.

Piano Lessons
& Music Training

Fun and engaging weekly sessions. Ages 8-adult. Beginning to advanced levels. Individualized approach using variety of music and activities.

1 mile from Hwy 50
Near Placerville, Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills

Stan Zenk in piano studio

I teach piano and musicianship skills in a supportive enthusiastic atmosphere that engages the whole person and generates self-confidence, joy, and a desire to progress.

PERSONAL GROWTH & ENJOYMENT — Starting from any level or previous experience, students advance in note reading, keyboard technique, basic theory, musicianship, and music as a fun & worthwhile pursuit.
30 or 45 minutes weekly

ADVANCED ADD-ONS — In-depth theory, ear-training, beginning vocal, composition & song-writing, orchestration & arranging, notation software, basic computer music production—or combination of these.
1 hour weekly

FAQs

1What's my background?

I have a B.A. in Music with a composition emphasis, and a second B.A. in Interpersonal Communications. I've taught private music lessons on and off for a combined 30+ years (lost count!) and have written and arranged works for solo instrument, orchestra, choir and various media. I've produced music for albums and live events and done solo work on piano and organ.

2What do I charge?

Studio fees are by the month, regardless of how many lessons actually happen. For example, depending on the calendar, some months get 5 lessons. Illness or vacation may cancel a lesson now and then. No fee change for either example. I offer make-up lessons however when possible, and the occasional 5th lesson can balance a missed lesson. Same fees apply whether in person or Zoom.

1/2 hour weekly: $120/mo.
45 minutes weekly: $180/mo.
1 hour weekly: $240/mo.

3What days and hours do I teach?

I have a second home-based business so I am always here and available to give a lesson. I teach Mondays through Thursdays, mornings, afternoons and early evenings. My schedule is flexible.

4What about missed and make-up lessons?

I'm happy to arrange make-up lessons for whatever reason when you notify me in advance that you must cancel. Same day notification is okay.

5Will I travel to your home to teach?

I don't travel to teach. I love my studio space with vaulted ceiling, wood floors and great acoustics. Here, I have all my teaching materials at hand. Also, I run a second business from my home and have no spare minutes for unpaid travel.

Stan Zenk piano studio

6What methodology do I use?

My first focus is the student not the course materials. I don't impose a one-method-fits-all approach. Alfred's Premiere Piano Course is my unqualified first choice, but I use other materials too to fit individual needs. For teens and adults, we decide together on music that matches skill level and goals. For well-rounded playing, motivation and fun, I add jazz, pop, Broadway, movie music and student-picked music to the mix.

7Will I teach your 5-year old?

I believe young children benefit greatly by participating in music-learning activities and music play at an early age. But I'm just not THAT teacher. Note-reading and playing the piano require grasping semi-complex concepts, some reading skills, physical coordination, plus the ability to focus and apply learned principles for at-home practice. Bring me your 8+ -year-old and we'll have lots of fun and make good progress.

8Am I a vendor for charter schools?

No. Requirements for home-based vendors have become more costly. I have discontinued as a vendor. But I hope my finger-printing and clean criminal background check count for something!

9Why take music lessons when there's YouTube?

Millions of kids and teens are learning to play popular music on YouTube by watching finger patterns and imitating key presses on their keyboards. I think this is fantastic!

It's okay that most kids don't go beyond learning to play by rote. But some so want to go further, to read notes on the page so they can learn to play songs more quickly and explore a whole world of printed music out there. I'm here for them. Some want to figure out how theory works so they can create music for themselves. I'm here for them, too.

You can learn how to do just about anything by watching YouTube videos. But videos are not interactive (yet!). You can't ask a video to "hold on a minute" and explain in more detail, give instant feedback or individualized help.

YouTube is an incredible tool, but it can't replace one-on-one, tailored-to-your-needs private instruction. And it doesn't present on-going step-by-step lessons that build on what you know and take you forward in the best way for you.

And there's this: when has a video ever showed patience and encouragement in helping you get over that little hump blocking your progress?

10What's my #1 reason for teaching music?

#1 Reason 1: I like helping people grow, helping them fulfill a desire to learn something new, to go higher, to expand their potential, to find enjoyment in gaining new skills and new knowledge.

#1 Reason 2: When I was young and felt an exploding passion and hunger for music—to be involved with music in any and every way possible—I was never happier than when in the company of others like me. I craved colleagues, and I craved a mentor. Teaching music gives me the opportunity to be that kind of colleague and mentor to others.

#1 Reason 3: My other home-based business puts my degree in Communications to work. I'm a writer and editor. And I produce online marketing content for local businesses. This has potential to use up all my time and crowd any direct involvement with music out of my day. Teaching music brings balance that keeps me sane!

IN-PERSON OR ONLINE

I do in-person lessons. Zoom can work when needed for health concerns, transportation issues or family scheduling mashups. Flexibility keeps the music playing!

TESTIMONIALS

W e've had multiple teachers, and we are amazed at how Stan Zenk has taken our kids to the next level. They have all found practicing to be enjoyable with Stan's ability to help them find their love for piano. He has connected with each one of our kids in their different styles of learning. He sees each of their potential and tunes in to help them reach higher. We have found what we were looking for in a teacher.

-C. Hutchings

T hank you for all your great work with my daughters. If anyone is looking for a piano teacher, I will absolutely refer them to you.

-A. Thuesen

S tan Zenk's range of musical abilities as pianist, composer, arranger and orchestrator along with his great ability to teach from the most fundamental to advanced musical ideas makes him one of the Sacramento area's finest teachers. He teaches technique plus brings great insight into the musicality and expression of any piece. I have found him to be a patient, clear and supportive teacher. I have gained much from his musical insight and look forward to my continued working with him.

-C. Shoemaker

I came to Stan as an older adult. My only experience with music was fourth grade band 60 years ago. I remembered nothing and felt tentative and embarrassed to start such a formidable task so late in the game. I never thought I could be where I am today with only one year of lessons. Stan treats students, whatever their age, with respect for not only who they are now in age or talent, but for who they can become as a piano player. I highly recommend him to students of all ages and abilities.

-Sandy S.

I finished my first semester of college classes, including Music Theory, Sight-Singing and Dictation. Thank you for all of the music theory you taught me; thanks to your instruction, Music Theory was a breeze. The college class reinforced my knowledge on a few things, but it was mostly review. Thank you for teaching me, as it gave me a solid base for my music classes.

-J. Bauer

I think Stan is a great piano teacher because he helps me with notes and finger positions. He helps me if I didn’t realize I had made a mistake and corrects me. He’s also a very good judge on whether I passed a song or not. And that’s why I think Stan is the best piano teacher ever!

-K. age 11