Pianist • Teacher • Arranger • Accompanist
Liz Joy is an accomplished pianist, teacher, arranger, and accompanist in the Los Angeles area where she has lived with her husband for 44 years, and raised two sons. Liz studied piano in Oregon for 12 years and began teaching piano at the age of 16. After getting married, she moved to Los Angeles where she has continued her private piano teaching career for the past 49 years. As an accompanist, Liz finds herself in demand to accompany instrumentalists at recitals and competitions, fill in as guest keyboard/pianist for various church worship bands, as well as orchestra work for musical theater in Los Angeles. She has arranged several piano pieces, including the perennial favorite "Jingle Bells", as well as sometimes arranging music for students. Her gifts and talents in music theory are also in demand by her composer husband who turns his scores over to her for music editing before being published for performance.
Teaching both children and adults, Liz teaches with a strong emphasis on theory and technique to enable her students to be proficient in both classical and contemporary music. "I want my students to be well-rounded and equipped to play anything they'd like to play," she says. Liz endeavors to equip each student with solid knowledge in the mechanics of music that will serve as a foundation to their talent and creativity whether or not they decide to pursue music at the professional level.
In addition to theory and technique, Liz also instructs her students in the art of improvisation which, she says, is an essential skill in any musician's toolbox. "There are many times when pianists are called to play something for which there is no written score, just chord charts. A well-rounded pianist should feel comfortable in any situation, and I teach my students to feel secure with both the written score, and the lead sheet."
Many of Liz's students go on to play for their church worship services in both traditional services with only piano and organ, as well as contemporary services that utilize keyboards in worship bands. Her students also play for church and school choirs, and even for themselves when performing as solo artists.
"Music is fun," she says, "and is something that is at the core of every person. I enjoy bringing out the musical gifts in my students, finding their hidden talents and helping them develop into the best musician they can be."
From her home in the West San Fernando Valley, Liz teaches children and adults. as well as those who are transferring from another teacher. Transfer students are requested to come for a 30-minute evaluation prior to scheduling lessons so Liz can determine the skill level and needs of the student.* All students are invited to participate in an annual recital where family and friends may come and hear them play.
*There is a small fee for the interview which is applied to the student's first lesson.
Teaching both children and adults, Liz teaches with a strong emphasis on theory and technique to enable her students to be proficient in both classical and contemporary music. "I want my students to be well-rounded and equipped to play anything they'd like to play," she says. Liz endeavors to equip each student with solid knowledge in the mechanics of music that will serve as a foundation to their talent and creativity whether or not they decide to pursue music at the professional level.
In addition to theory and technique, Liz also instructs her students in the art of improvisation which, she says, is an essential skill in any musician's toolbox. "There are many times when pianists are called to play something for which there is no written score, just chord charts. A well-rounded pianist should feel comfortable in any situation, and I teach my students to feel secure with both the written score, and the lead sheet."
Many of Liz's students go on to play for their church worship services in both traditional services with only piano and organ, as well as contemporary services that utilize keyboards in worship bands. Her students also play for church and school choirs, and even for themselves when performing as solo artists.
"Music is fun," she says, "and is something that is at the core of every person. I enjoy bringing out the musical gifts in my students, finding their hidden talents and helping them develop into the best musician they can be."
From her home in the West San Fernando Valley, Liz teaches children and adults. as well as those who are transferring from another teacher. Transfer students are requested to come for a 30-minute evaluation prior to scheduling lessons so Liz can determine the skill level and needs of the student.* All students are invited to participate in an annual recital where family and friends may come and hear them play.
*There is a small fee for the interview which is applied to the student's first lesson.