Springs Piano Lessons
  • Home
  • Dr. Saffir
  • Mr. Stephens
  • Free Lesson
  • Student Performances and more

JANICE SAFFIR

Piano Studio with grand piano
I grew up in the Chicago area and studied piano with Herman Spier of the American Conservatory through high school. My college piano study was with Stanley Fletcher, Joel Shapiro, and William Heiles at the University of Illinois School of Music (B.M. and M.M. in Piano Performance), and Kenneth Amada at the University of Iowa (D.M.A. in Piano Performance).  

After serving on the faculty of Truman State University for thirty years,  I moved with my husband to Colorado to start a new life as a private piano teacher.
​
Although I do not work with young beginners, I teach pianists of most abilities and ages.  I have had students in elementary school all the way up to a ninety-four year-old!  Some of my students are children at early intermediate levels, some are high school students at early to advanced levels (some preparing for a college major in music), some are piano teachers seeking to bring their performing and teaching to a higher level, and some are adult hobbyists working to improve their skills (some of whom have not played piano in many years.)  Some of my students have won competitions and performed with regional and professional orchestras.

I am an active performer, I serve regularly as an adjudicator, and I am active in Pikes Peak Music Teachers Association.


Our teaching facilities...

  • Six foot Steinway Model O Grand Piano
  • Seven Foot Steinway Model B Grand Piano
  • Clavinova CVP 307​
 

My teaching philosophy...

Piano student playing piano

​Studying music should be enjoyable, fun and rewarding, but it also requires discipline, thought and commitment from both the teacher and student (and parents for pre-college age students). My studio objective is to provide an atmosphere for each student to reach his or her highest potential in a unique way, with appropriate encouragement to build confidence and self esteem. A physically relaxed approach to the piano is necessary, along with ​understanding the principles of musical ​performance, technique, and music theory.

​The advantage of a private lesson is to use a slightly different approach for each student by taking into account their unique abilities, learning styles, preferences and weaknesses.  I also encourage students to study a variety of styles of music depending upon their interests. 

​Piano is fun for students when they gain confidence in performance and develop enthusiasm for piano and music in general.
​​


 

Fees and lesson policies...

Fees & Lesson Policies (Dr. Saffir)
  •  45-minute lesson, $60 per lesson
  • 60-minute lesson, $70 per lesson
  • Payment for the month is due at the first lesson of that month.
  • ​The cost of music, competitions and festivals will be in addition to the lesson fees.​
  • Lessons are usually once per week. Adults who are at an intermediate level or above may choose lessons scheduled every two weeks, or on call.

​Make-ups:  
  • If I am given at least twenty-four hours notice that a student will be absent, I will try to arrange a make-up lesson. If a make-up lesson cannot be scheduled within a reasonable time, then that lesson will be credited to the next month.
  • There is a maximum of six make-up lessons per school year.  
  • If I must cancel a lesson, it will be made up at a time that is convenient to all parties or credited to the following month's tuition. 
  • Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time, prepared to be free from interruptions and distractions. Since the time passes whether a student uses it or not, a lesson missed is time lost. 
  • If the student is ill, please have them stay home in consideration of others. 

​Withdrawal:
  • A student who wishes to withdraw may do so at any time.
  • A refund will be made if any is due.
Asian piano student performing on grand piano
Attending the Lesson:
  • Please ring the bell and I will greet you.
  • Please remove your shoes and put on slippers and/or wear socks. (We provide a variety of slippers.)
​Parking instructions:
  • Please park on the very left side of our driveway.

Student performances...

Congratulations Annie, student of Dr. Saffir, on being chosen as Winner of the 2019 Colorado State Music Teachers Concerto Competition, Junior Division. Annie performed in concert with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra on May 19, 2019 at the Aurora Fox Theater in Denver.
Anne Ziegler, student of Dr. Janice Saffir, performing on grand piano
Congratulations, Anne. She performed in the Winners' Recital, Schmitt Music Piano Competition ​Advanced Competitive Division, in Denver, 2016.
(This is the complete Winners' Recital.  Anne's performance is at approximately 6 minutes and fifty seconds into the video.)


Diary of a Gnome, Performed and Composed by Austin 
Stefan, student of Dr. Janice Saffir, performing on grand piano
Stefan performing Kuhlau Sonatina Op. 55, No 1, First Movement

More performances coming!

Getting started...

FREE TRIAL LESSON
Arrange a short trial lesson. Call or email me with some information about your background and goals. Then we can set up a time to meet. 
Questions? Call me at 719-282-8589
 Please leave a message and I will return your call.

Or email me with the form below:
    I am interested in studying with Dr. Saffir
Submit
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by Lunarpages
  • Home
  • Dr. Saffir
  • Mr. Stephens
  • Free Lesson
  • Student Performances and more