Free piano lessons offered at SUU in Cedar City

Dr. Christian Bohnenstengel, assistant professor of music at Southern Utah University and creator of SUU’s “Piano Monster Concert” series, is offering free piano lessons for elementary school children. The classes will be taught by SUU students in Bohnenstengel’s piano pedagogy program.

Each participating student will receive ten free 30-minute lessons taught by music students at SUU who will offer youngsters a practical application to beginning concepts and keyboard techniques. The SUU students gain invaluable educational experience, while the youngsters taking the piano lessons discover the fundamentals. Classes will be taught in SUU’s music building.

Students must have access to a piano at home (either acoustic or electric) for practicing between lessons. While the piano lessons are free, parents will be responsible for their child’s transportation to and from SUU and the cost of the required method book, estimated to be less than $20. Parents are welcome to observe the lessons. Students must attend all lessons to ensure the best learning experience for both the child and the instructor. Having worked with many area students through the annual “Piano Monster Concert,” Bohnenstengel has watched youngsters in the community enjoy the experience of performing onstage and wishes to offer the opportunity to more children. As to the caliber of Piano Pedagogy students and this new program, Bohnenstengel states,

“I hold my students to the highest degree of professionalism. I will periodically observe the lessons and offer feedback and suggestions.”

Bohnenstengel received his Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in piano performance from Missouri Western State University. He received Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His studied the piano with Jerry Anderson and Mark Clinton and studied the harpsichord and organ with Quentin Faulkner.

Any parents who are interested in having their child receive free piano lessons at SUU should email or call Dr. Bohnenstengel.