Background, professional training and performance history
Elaine Schultz has been a professional singer/pianist for many years. She began her early training as a child and graduated with a degree in music from LIFE College in Los Angeles. Elaine performed and toured nationally with the group the Arranger’s Trio for over 10 years. She has recorded her music, including several cds, had performances featured on television, and played large auditoriums. Elaine has taught piano and voice to students ranging in age from 4 to 89 at The Shedd Institute for 7 years.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“Former students describe me as ‘a kind and patient instructor.’ I enjoy developing a personal relationship with each student, and seeing them flourish. As a teacher, I encourage my students to find the joy in music and hope that they practice not because they have to but because they want to! I specialize in popular music, Broadway, gospel and light classical, as well as performance training. I try to stay current with new musicals, popular songs and various styles. In teaching, I use a unique chord method (a kind of shorthand) that allows students to play without reading the left hand notes, in addition to adding runs, fill-ins, octaves, three part harmony and rhythm. If what is written is better than we can improvise, we would choose that method. If our chord method is better, we would expand upon that to make the music as full as possible! Several of my students have gone on to win local, national and international competitions. I enjoy sharing my love of the piano with students of all ages and abilities.”
Instruments & classes taught
Private and semi-private piano, voice, and Beginning Group Piano Classes for youth and adults.