Bomi Tunstall | DMA

Lessons

Thank you for your interest in piano lessons at my studio! To get started, please click the button below to send me a message, and I will be in touch with you shortly. If we arrange an introductory meeting, we'll discuss your goals, review studio policies, and determine whether we're a good fit for working together. In my studio, we value commitment and celebrate each step of your music journey. I look forward to the opportunity to make music with you!

-Dr. Tunstall

Let's Get Started!

Private Piano Lessons

Whether you are a novice, or serious about performing, you've come to the right place! K-12 & adults, beginner to advanced, each student has a truly customized lesson plan to fit their learning style best. Utilizing a good mix of standard curriculum (RCM/MTNA/Suzuki/Dalcroze) with student favorites of any genre or style, the focus is on correct practicing, confidence in expression, and strong music literacy. Private lessons are reinforced by ensemble rehearsals and recitals, leading to confident playing in different environments. All piano students must have an acoustic piano for practice. Visiting students are also welcome for drop-ins for audition/competition/proficiency test purposes. Lessons are given once a week for 60 or 90 minutes.

K-12: Students with previous private lesson experience of 3+ years
Adults: for both experienced pianists and beginners
Please note: 30- and 45-minute lessons are not offered.

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162 per session

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Music Theory & Ear Training

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Music theory lessons actively integrate aural skills (ear training) in order to develop skills and knowledge essential for students' musical activities, such as performing, composing, improvising, and listening. This instruction can be either topic-based or sequential, depending on student goals (local/state exams for K-12, high school AP music, college level, or teacher certifications, etc.). Topics include: rhythm & meter; major/minor scales; key signatures; triads & inversions; 7th chords; extended harmonies (9th, 11th, 13th chords); phrase structure and cadences; harmonic progression; modulation, form & analysis, voice leading, counterpoint, and harmonization.

Comprehensive Music Theory: Standard music major theory sequence, plus counterpoint.
Commercial Music Theory: Intro to songwriting, chord progressions, and the Nashville Number System.
Ear Training: Real-time analysis, dictations, contextual analysis. I am fluent in all three systems - the Number system, Movable-do, and Fixed-do.

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162 per session

Video Feedback

In addition to live instruction, I offer detailed feedback for piano students. I provide comprehensive critiques on all performance elements, including technique, interpretation, and musicality. Each feedback includes suggestions for next steps and focused areas for improvement. This is an excellent option for students with some prior lesson experience who wish to continue making progress but do not have weekly lessons. My adjudication experience includes evaluating university music majors for proficiency exams and juries, as well as judging for the Peabody Preparatory scholarship and piano exams. I have served as an adjudicator for Interlochen regional auditions, Young Artist Competitions of professional symphony orchestras, and NFMC and MTNA-affiliated associations at the local, district, and state levels.

Paper Feedback: A detailed PDF feedback and evaluation file sent within 3 days.
Paper & Video Feedback: In addition to the PDF, a walk-through video featuring a demonstration link sent within 3 days.
Rates are per submission for up to 10 minutes of performance time. For longer programs or full recital reviews, please contact me for a custom quote.

Paper Feedback: $60, Paper & Video Feedback: $85

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Adult Piano

The goal is to play something beautiful and fulfilling right from the beginning! Student interests take top priority, and I adapt the curriculum to meet each student’s unique needs. Benefits of study include a focus on natural and relaxed technique, cognitive and memory stimulation, and overall life enhancement—play the music you have always dreamed of! If you are pursuing a professional level of playing, or preparing for auditions, competitions, teacher certifications, or music degree program admissions—I would love to work with you.

Students with previous piano experience first 6 weeks:

Establish your new goals
3 focus techniques based on your new goals and make corrections on standard techniques
2 short expressive pieces (focusing on tone quality)
Learn how to practice efficiently using a proper practice routine
Proper use of wrists, fingers and arms

Beginner's first 6 weeks:

All 24 major & minor penta scales & root position triads
1 fast piece (orientation of keyboard geography & sense of Home (I) and Away (V))
1 slow piece (orientation of expressive tone quality through arms & upper body)
2-3 short reading pieces (intro to intervallic reading)
A sneak peek of how you can learn to play your favorite songs quickly

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162 per session

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Online Piano & Special Topics

Online lessons are a good substitute for in-person lessons for short-term, topic-based learning or in the case of inclement weather. High-quality microphones, an overhead camera, and a Focusrite interface are utilized to ensure a clear audio experience. Weekly online lessons are available for music theory (all levels) and piano (non-beginner).

Lesson topics offer a wealth of possibilities. Here are some examples:

6 Weeks: Intro to chord styling & improv - 2 prescribed excerpts, 2 songs of student choice (Level 2 & up)
6 Weeks: Compose an original song and be able to perform it on piano (Level 4 & up)
4 Weeks: Analyze 2 Bach counterpoint pieces such as Invention, Sinfonia & WTC (Theory)
4 Weeks: Practice real-time analysis on bass/chord movement of 8 excerpts (Theory/Aural Skills)
5 Weeks: Interval identification featuring excerpts from 10 Disney songs (Aural Skills)
5 Weeks: Learn Harry Potter theme and improvise your own solo on piano (Level 5 & up)

Private: 60-min/$110, 90-min/$162 per session

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Chamber Music Coaching

Playing with other musicians is fun, fulfilling, and offers a whole new dimension of understanding a composition overall. I offer coaching for standard chamber music repertoire from piano trios to larger ensembles with strings and woodwinds, as well as choir rehearsals. My students often play piano trios and quartets with professional musicians, including Charlotte Symphony Orchestra members. I also enjoy making special arrangements for piano trio/quartet in particular for intermediate level pianists to experience chamber music at an earlier stage in their development using masterworks and popular songs.

Standard piano trio with strings
Piano trio with woodwinds
Singers with piano (solos, duets)
Solo instrumentalists for auditions & recordings

60-min/$200 per small group