Brenda Wright Sheppard
My earliest memories involve music. My dad played piano, guitar, and sang. There were always rehearsals and impromptu gatherings around the piano when I was growing up. The name “Wrightings and Lessons” is in honor of Dad.
I began playing piano when I was ten years old. I played at church, in gospel groups, weddings, and school events. Dad taught me basic chords. I continued to learn to play by listening to music and figuring out how to play the chords and styles that I heard.
When I went to college, I studied music. While I had little experience playing from traditional music notation, I could analyze the music because I understood chord relationships from playing by ear.
I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and continued my education by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA). I taught Business Management courses to adult learners in career colleges for years.
I rarely used the music degree in my occupation until starting Wrightings and Lessons. I’ve used it on a regular basis serving in church and in my community. Living in the Nashville area, offers a unique opportunity to work with very good musicians. Thanks to musicians such as Glen Dickerson (see more about Glen in the Endorsements section), I learned to read and write charts using the Nashville Number System.
“Wrightings and Lessons” blends my background as an instructor and musician perfectly.
The Teaching Method
- Brenda Wright Sheppard
The method that I use to teach piano is not traditional. I do not normally incorporate reading music notation into my instruction.
In the first lesson, I teach the basic concept of the piano scale and how it relates to the number system. The student learns the notes and chords that correlate with the scale. During the first lesson, the student plays their first song with block chords. If the student is a child, we may start with playing one or two notes at a time, depending on the child’s age and fine motor skill development. In future lessons, they learn more scales, how to play in other keys, chord inversions, and much more music theory.
The student plays with songs on YouTube or a playlist. I transpose the keyboard to the key the student is learning to play in at the time. Because most of the students have keyboards instead of an actual piano, they transpose when they practice at home. The students enjoy playing along with their favorite bands and music, which assists in developing their timing. It also keeps them engaged in learning and they have fun.
If a student wants to learn to play using traditional music notation, I can help them get started, but may later refer them to another instructor. If, however, a student wants to play styles of music such as country, pop, worship, etc., I can teach them using my methods. My teaching method does not compromise or conflict with standard music theory.
If you are interested in learning to play, contact me at wrightingsandlessons@gmail.com or at 573.637.2235 (call or text).
