Jean Kountz

Playing the piano has been a part of my life since preschool, when my older sisters taught me some simple duets by ear. I’ve found that the Suzuki technique is likewise a wonderful and natural way to learn piano. The younger Suzuki student plays by ear until they are ready to read music, just as a child learns to speak before they read books. West Chester University awarded me their Certificate in Piano Pedagogy in 2017, and I have completed twelve years of private lessons. My Suzuki training was with Joan Krzywicki, Sue Vasquez, and Mary Craig Powell. I was privileged to observe lessons at the Suzuki Institute in Japan in 2017. I also take part in frequent workshops offered through local music organizations and serve as the Secretary of the Main Line Music Teachers Association.

My format is weekly individual lessons and five group lessons during the school year. Individual lessons draw on Suzuki and other traditions as appropriate to the student, and enrich the repertoire with improvisation, duets and other selections. In a typical lesson, we cover working (newer) pieces, followed by polishing pieces, finishing with some repertoire review. When the student is ready, I add reading at the beginning of the lesson, using the Music Road series, which dovetails well with the Suzuki Piano repertoire.

My group lessons begin with students sharing a polished piece, to develop their performance skills in a comfortable setting. Group lessons also may include drums and percussion, rhythm, ear training and ensemble play. We also work on transposing and reading, sometimes using games to practice their developing skills. My students take part in Master Classes, Festivals, Concerts and Graduation with local music organizations. I host occasional Master Classes in my studio, and a Studio Concert in the spring.

As the mother of two musical children, I appreciate that music also builds math, organizational, and social skills. Teaching piano is my second career; I was a public health dentist for twenty-two years, including organizing school dental health programs. I occasionally perform in local venues and accompany high school musicians. My favorite music includes classical, rhythm and blues, and Latin styles.

Memberships
Suzuki Association of the Americas
Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association
Music Teachers National Association
Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association
Main Line Music Teachers Association