Connect
To Top

Meet Jeffrey Ouper of Dr. Jeff Music Lessons in Tempe

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Ouper.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeffrey. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I taught a few private lessons on clarinet here and there through college and high school, but I never thought I’d become a full-time piano teacher! Teaching piano started randomly when a college friend asked me to sub for him at a music store teaching two students. I had never taught piano before, and I quickly realized that it was a great opportunity for something bigger. My friend moved away, and I took his position at the store and accumulated more students. Eventually, I made the transition of acquiring a piano and teaching lessons in my home.

In three years, I refined my policies, communication, and teaching style, all while expanding my musical diversity and gaining valuable teaching experience. Without my students, past or present, there would be no life for me. Teaching is now my full-time job, and I have just added a new grand piano to my studio. I want students to have the best experiences, learn, appreciate, and love music.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, it was difficult to collect students. Once I had experience, reviews, and an online presence, it was no longer a problem. A few years ago, my apartment was burglarized, and almost all of my instruments were stolen. I got most of them back miraculously, and I moved to a much better location as a result. When I moved to my current location, it was hard to say goodbye to a lot of wonderful students who weren’t able to come to the new location.

One of the hardest parts of being a professional piano teacher is standing your ground and setting rules. Occasionally, clients will challenge you and expect special treatment with extra conveniences at your expense. I’ve figured out where my boundaries are, and I make sure they are very clear and fair, but not everyone cares or pays attention to rules and regulations until it affects them. I go above and beyond when I teach, but sometimes people expect extra favors I can’t give. Clients who challenge the business side of lessons are almost never an issue.

Dr. Jeff Music Lessons – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I teach private piano lessons, but I also can teach flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, basic singing, songwriting, music theory, and music composition. I have a Masters and Doctoral degrees in Music Composition, so that’s my specialty. It’s rare that I have students who are looking for a teacher solely for guidance in writing their own music, so I like to incorporate this kind of creativity in piano and instrumental lessons.

Most students love this aspect of music, and it gives them an outlet from a style of learning that can sometimes be too academic and restrictive. I teach humanistically and I am not a “one size fits all” type of teacher. I teach everyone differently according to their personality, musical tastes, abilities, interests, learning style, patience, attention to detail, etc. I’m very good at analyzing students and helping them progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and finding music they enjoy that’s at the right level.

I have a couple of students that I teach in a non-traditional manner, and I’m really proud of them. Others prefer a strict, old-fashioned structured lesson. I’m like a chameleon that way! It’s fun to teach differently and have new challenges. It’s also important to me to teach in an organic fashion, where students learn what interests them when they are ready and see the value. This way, learning is genuine, and they learn to love music and follow intrigue.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I’ve recently made a big change by moving and purchasing a grand piano. I don’t think there will be any more big changes for decades. I’ve sometimes thought about expanding my business to include other teachers, but it would be hard to find quality teachers, and it’s not worth it financially.

Pricing:

  • 30 minute lesson = $30
  • 45 minute lesson = $45
  • 60 minute lessons (weekly) = $55
  • 60 minute lesson (biweekly) = $60

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in