“I am an adult learner returning to the piano, and my experience studying under Ms. Butler’s guidance has been transformative. It has been a gift to find her at this stage of my musical journey.
Under her guidance, I have developed a healthy and sustainable piano technique that enables me to explore more challenging pieces and play more expressively. Not only has my ability to solve technical problems improved (including playing leaps, octaves, and ornaments with accuracy, as well as finding creative fingering for challenging passages), but also my tone, voicing, phrasing, articulation, and the use of pedal have become more refined. Unlike instructors who primarily focus on technical drills, Ms. Butler has taught me to play musically since the early stages of learning a piece. I have even witnessed her very young students perform expressively and confidently during her spring recital, which speaks volumes about the quality of her teaching.
Besides being an accomplished pianist and professional singer, Ms. Butler is also a world-class master piano pedagogue. Her exceptional ability to convey the process of music-making in words and then demonstrate it in practice is truly impressive. Thanks to Ms. Butler, I have developed an awareness of the hand, finger, and arm movements needed to interpret classical music without tension.
In addition, I have developed the ability to memorize challenging pieces by analyzing musical patterns, harmony and musical structure. She has also taught me the importance of silence in music, how to listen attentively to the subtle sound of color nuances, and engage the imagination, all while exploring a world of possibilities when interpreting music. Her studio is like a laboratory of sound, where I always learn and discover something new. I leave every lesson with an immense sense of gratitude for the insights and encouragement she provides. “
Karla C. Swartz
“Ms. Angela Butler is the best teacher of any subject I have tried to master from kindergarten through Ph.D. From Ms. Butler I have learned to understand and interpret piano music. With a deep appreciation for many aspects of the piano, I have grown to love playing even more, which provides the motivation needed to keep practicing and trying to improve. Ms. Butler’s integrated method is balanced between developing technical skills, reading, and memorization. I especially appreciate memorization, since it freed my attention from reading music, enabling me to pay more attention to improving my technique and hearing what I am playing. Ms. Butler has met and worked with many of the great musicians worldwide and her personal stories about observing and interacting with them brings some of the music I am learning alive.”
Grace Wyngaard
Biosciences 1028A
Department of Biology – MSC 7801
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
phone: 540-568-6668
“Truly, I cannot overstate my appreciation for Ms. Butler! With over two decades of experience, she offers an incredible wealth of knowledge and technical expertise. She consistently demonstrates immense care for her students, and her enthusiasm for music is infectious. From my first lesson, I could tell Ms. Butler was exceptional. Watching me play, she was able to identify what initially seemed like minor issues with technique but which, when addressed, quickly transformed my sound. Consistently, she offers thoughtful and constructive feedback, nurtures focus and dedication in her students, and finds joy in their success. She is intentional in her approach, and her passion for the piano is sincere and energizing. I highly recommend Ms. Butler and the Classical Piano Studio!”
Adam Greczkowsky
“Ms. Butler at the Classical Piano Studio is a fantastic instructor! My children started taking lessons with her when they were young and over the years she has fostered amazing growth. She is patient and kind all while teaching the skills and discipline necessary to become skilled pianists. I would definitely recommend The Classical Piano Studio!”
Betsy Christenson