My name is Linda Coad. I play and teach piano at my studio located in North Vernon, IN. I am influenced by classical and christian music. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Ball State University where I majored in piano performance. I have over 40+ years of experience teaching piano. I enjoy accompanying soloists, ensembles and bands/orchestras. Playing piano has been a big part of my life since I started taking piano lessons at the age of 6. I work with students of all ages and levels and love incorporating fun games and activities into lessons. I currently work for the Jennings County School Corporation as a pianist for the high school music department. I also play piano for church services at First United Methodist Church.

My aim as a piano teacher is to spark a student’s musical joy playing all types of music. I do this by introducing a variety of music styles and genres in each lesson. I use the Faber Piano Adventure series and Alfred’s Premier Piano Course with beginner students focusing on note reading, rhythms, time signatures and key signatures. Theory is also included in each lesson. I love watching a student have a ‘lightbulb’ moment when they get the understanding of a musical concept. I teach piano because it brings me joy as well and I want to share that joy with the students I teach.

I want to give everyone a chance to become a musician. It’s my way of giving back. I was inspired from a very young age in hopes of influencing the next generation of pianists. Piano recitals are held once a year and are themed events, such as Halloween or Spring. This gives the piano students a chance to play for supportive parents and other relatives and builds their confidence and self-esteem. The students also perform for an elder-care facility in North Vernon 2-3 times for year. This gives them new people to play in front of as well as hear some feedback. This activity results in piano students becoming more creative, learning collaboration and developing critical thinking and perseverance. Skills the piano will use the rest of their lives include: higher SAT scores, gainful employment, earning higher education degrees and are twice as likely to graduate from college. Student’s memory improves, their aural skills expand and their concentration and focus sharpen. All of the above are the reasons I love to teach piano. I hope the piano students can take this love in the ways it will make life a little more enjoyable.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

My previous piano studio, Southport Piano Studio, was active from 2011-2016. There were 20 students taking piano lessons when I closed the business to move to North Vernon.

I have accompanied a choir that toured Scotland, Wales and London; an all-male chorus that performed yearly; Up With People and a female chorus at Ball State.

I have taught general music at Monrovia High School and in the Indianapolis Public School system.

I have played for many churches throughout my life as well.