JANICE SAFFIR
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). I studied the longest in college with Joel Shapiro, to whom I am indebted for teaching me to logically interpret any piece of music.
From 1976-2007 I served on the faculty of Truman State University and at age 55, I retired from Truman State University to move 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.
From 1976-2007 I served on the faculty of Truman State University and at age 55, I retired from Truman State University to move 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
- Clavinova CVP 205
My teaching philosophy...
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)
Make-ups:
Withdrawal:
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Attending the Lesson:
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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.
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.)
(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 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. In most cases, I will ask you for a video of your playing. (Doesn't need to be polished or complete.) Masks required.
Questions? Call me at 719-282-8589 Because of the large number of nuisance calls, we only answer calls with known numbers. Please leave a message and we will return your call.
Or email me with the form below:
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. In most cases, I will ask you for a video of your playing. (Doesn't need to be polished or complete.) Masks required.
Questions? Call me at 719-282-8589 Because of the large number of nuisance calls, we only answer calls with known numbers. Please leave a message and we will return your call.
Or email me with the form below:
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