“Dear Deborah, This was one of the best Group Lessons we have had! All the musicians played beautifully – it filled me up with awe and inspiration! … Thank you so much – both my mom and mother-in-law listened and loved it!”
Dr. S. Campbell,
Asheville, NC
Note from a student after 4 months of study: “Playing piano and my lessons with you have been an absolute life changer for my enjoyment, creative expression and stress levels!”
Aaron Guillotte,
VP Next Click Partners
Here’s an email exchange with a family:
I wrote to them:
“Dear Family of M & W,
Congratulations on keeping it together amazingly well over the unexpected 3 weeks off from lessons! M & W were by far the most well-prepared of all my young students (AND some of the adults!) after all that time without support. Great Work!”
Their reply:
“Wow what an email, thanks! My husband and I were talking this morning about how great a presence you are in our children’s lives. Our children feel comfortable talking with you about their life concerns and see you as a safe and trusted person, you affirm their gifts, and you challenge their intellect. Thank you for your ongoing relationship in our lives.”Family of M & W,
Asheville NC
I thank you again for your patience. Luckily it’s contagious and I’m becoming more patient. Damage had been done to my brain in ways that I never noticed. I came to realize that good habits were vital. After my brain accident the really solid patterns weren’t completely broken. So what you are having me do is essential not only to play the piano well, but for my continuing physical and mental health.
Thanks.Barbara Lenschmidt, Retired
Asheville, NC
I have studied piano with other teachers in the past, but I always lost interest. Deborah Belcher is the first teacher who held my interest and inspired me to keep at it. She has taught me to relax, trust myself, and to have FUN. Instead of sitting down at the piano and saying “Ah! This is hard this is stressful I’m confused”, now I say “Ahhhh… This is easy as pie and I get it. Now let’s make some music.”Deborah’s most outstanding quality as a teacher is her ability to bring the practice of body awareness and mindfulness to piano. This allowed me to not only play better, but to enjoy myself while playing! After a year as her student, I look back on all that I have learned, and I look forward to all that lies ahead!Arielle McIntyre, Massage Therapist & Yoga student
Asheville, NC
“As a student of Deborah Belcher I learned to love practicing technical exercises. We dove into my pieces with detail. I developed a strength and form that flowed from beyond my fingers. I became one with the instrument and the music. Deborah changed my approach to piano forever. The skills she taught me allowed me the confidence to go on and teach beginning piano, knowing I was giving my students a firm foundation. Deborah is thorough and patient, lighting the qualities of good musicianship in her students. She is an excellent teacher with outstanding technique.”
Jennifer Schroeder, Founder, Jiggy Jog Press
Holland, MI
“When I started considering taking piano lessons again at the age of 50, I still had flashbacks of my stern teacher and nerve-wracking recitals from elementary school days. But I knew I wanted to develop my creative side more, so I decided to jump back in.
What I love most about working with Deborah is that she meets her adult students where they are. Every week is different, with different demands on my time, but she is always patient and understanding during the periods when practice time is limited. She allows me to choose the pieces I want to work on and helps me break them down into small chunks to work on so I am not overwhelmed.
By working with Deborah for almost 2 years, my skills have advanced tremendously and I am able to get out of my head and into the music so I can really use playing to relax. Deborah encourages me to take imperfect action and enjoy the process of learning and playing. And best of all, my sixth-grade flashbacks are gone!”
Dr. Anna Garrett, Chief Mojo Officer, My Mojo Magic
Asheville, NC