TESTIMONIALS:

    "Sam has been a great, clear and patient teacher for me as I've taken up the piano, post-retirement.  I'm brand new to both organized music instruction as well as the piano. Sam has really helped me feel comfortable, I'm having fun and I'm actually learning how to play!  What could be better!!" ~ Ted, adult student

    “I haven’t been this excited about piano lessons maybe ever!” ~ Josh, adult student

    "We have known Sam for the past several years as the very accomplished pianist at FUUSB - it has been like going to a concert every week! When we saw that he had openings in his teaching schedule, we jumped at his offer for a trial lesson. From the first moment of the lesson, Sam graciously worked his magic with my 'shy' 8-year old son, finding ways to connect and engage him on a personal level before even sitting at the piano. When they did begin to play, Sam offered very lighthearted and engaging options for my son to try - as a result, we were both hooked! From that first day, Sam has continued to offer encouragement and appropriate challenges through an effective teaching style and welcoming persona. Highly recommend." ~ Christine, parent of student

    "A fantastic piano teacher who is patient, persistent and an amazing inspiration, Sam Whitesell has been teaching our daughter piano for two years and he has brought piano lessons and even practice alive for her. I highly recommend him and he's also just a great human. If you, your child or someone you know is looking to begin, continue or take your piano playing in a new and inspired direction, the humble and talented Sam is your man." ~ Rebecca, parent of student

"I came to Sam for piano lessons with a large list of skills that I hoped to acquire including playing scales and chords, improvising and playing classical piano. Not only did I hope to learn all of these techniques, but I also only had 6 months time to do so before graduate school applications were due! Sam graciously set to work with all of my requests by gradually introducing technique, music theory, improvisation exercises and by choosing a classical piece that I would be able to play within 6 months time. Sam was able to provide enough information for me to have plenty to work on between lessons, however, he was also mindful of my beginner student status and never overloaded me to the point of overwhelm. 

     After 6 months time I have learned basic blues improvisation, scales and fingering, a short classical piano piece with pedal work and a number of helpful home practice techniques thanks to Sam’s skilled teaching. I am grateful to Sam for both inspiring and pushing my piano practice and for graciously balancing his curriculum with my personal goals for piano." ~ Liana, adult student

     "We have been taking weekly lessons with Sam for the past year and 1/2. We are amazed by the progress our 10 year old son has made in such a short time.  Sam uses a variety of lesson strategies to keep my son engaged and interested. This approach has supported his learning and love of music.  Sam is professional and patient and brings good energy and cheer to each lesson. He is a skilled teacher and a gifted musician. Our son has expressed feeling a great sense of accomplishment as a result of taking lessons with Sam.  Thank you, Sam!" ~ Nina & Paul, parents of student

     "Samuel is a great teacher with a wonderful disposition and I highly recommend." ~ Ben, parent of student

ABOUT ME AND MY TEACHING APPROACH:

At Burlington Piano Lessons, I strive to maintain a teaching environment that is safe, supportive, welcoming, nurturing, and compassionate, empowering kids (and adults!) to be their fun, authentic, wacky, creative, imaginative selves!

I believe imagination, play, and freedom of self-expression are all important aspects of the creative process of music learning, and that music itself is a natural form of creative self-expression.

Working with kids with ADHD and other neurodivergencies and/or who otherwise have an abundance of energy and imagination is a special passion of mine!

I also really enjoy supporting retired adults in rediscovering their musical dreams of which they may have lost track, helping them find self-fulfillment, develop confidence, overcome self-criticism and self-doubt, and get in touch with a deeper sense of Self.

I subscribe to a whole-person approach to music study integrating Body, Mind, and Spirit. With adult students especially, we even sometimes explore music study as a meditative practice.

An avid life-long learner, I enjoy staying on the cutting edge of both in-person and online music instruction!

I love to stay up to date on the brain-based science of learning and it’s practical application to music study.

I also love keeping up with the ongoing scientific exploration of ADHD and other neurodivergencies including Autism Spectrum--the unique gifts they bring, and  their potential impacts on learning and child development.

As a performing pianist, I perform regularly most Sunday mornings as pianist at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont.

I also love supporting the community as pianist for local middle school and high school students in performances and auditions.

I teach lessons both in-person and online out of my inviting home studio near the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain.

I look forward to exploring together all that music lessons can offer!