teaching – pedagogy – music theory – entrepreneurship
Custom 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly lessons offered both in-person at my studio, or online via zoom. Private students study a variety of repertoire with a combination of technique and music theory study. In the lessons, I’ll also incorporate improvisation & composition skills, and instill a lifetime love of learning music. Students may opt to study from the Royal Conservatory of Music syllabus or through a more casual learning track.
Virtual Lessons – the advantage of private lessons combined with the power of technology. I can offer virtual lessons to any student around the world! You’ll get weekly video piano & music theory lesson plans created just for you. Spend the week working on them at your own pace, and send me your progress back through video. I’ll comment on the video exactly as I would in a private lessons, and send that back to you with a new video assignment.
Are you a fellow teacher who is looking for advice on how to run your studio more effectively, or how to integrate solid pedagogical skills into your teaching? Would you like to gain access to my online music theory courses to use in your own studio? Are you looking for monthly resources to infuse your teaching with new and creative ideas? I have solutions for you!
lessons, resources, & consulting
Piano Teacher . Entrepreneur . Course Creator . Business Consultant . Mom
BM Piano Performance, Trinity University; MM Piano Performance, Southern Methodist University; DMA University of Texas - Austin, Piano Pedagogy
I know firsthand the steps it takes to learn piano – how important it is to lay a firm foundation of music reading with music theory, and infuse it with exploring music that students love with a dash of creativity through improvisation and composition. Combine this all with laughter and fun, and you have the perfect recipe for a lifetime love of music.
Hi, I’m Dr. Kathy Winston, and I bring a lifetime career in music to my teaching. I wear both the professional hat, holding 3 university degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy, and the entrepreneur hat, building two businesses in music from the ground up. I’m passionate about teaching, technology, and bringing music instruction to students all over the world through live and virtual lessons. And I love consulting with other teachers and musicians in perfecting their business and pedagogical skills.
I have taught piano, group piano, and music theory at Trinity University, St. Edward’s University, and Baylor University. I founded and ran Velocity Music Academy, a community music school with and enrollment of 350+ students and 18 teachers from 2010-2020. I currently work as an adjudicator for the Royal Conservatory of Music, write online curriculum for my music theory courses on PianoProgram.com, teach in my home studio, and work as an organist at Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin.
When I’m not teaching or working on my music businesses, you’ll find me being mom to my two amazing teenagers, supporting their interests and activities, and pursing my other passions – gluten free cooking, gardening, traveling, and hiking.
Digital Resources & Professional memberships that I use in my studio.
Royal Conservatory of Music – Certified Teacher
Music Teachers National Association – Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
2021-2022 ADMTA Music Teacher of the Year
What to expect as a student
learn to love music for a lifetime
Imagine walking into piano lessons with excitement – knowing that you will leave that lesson with a smile on your face, and a firm plan in place of what to work on that week. My goal as a teacher & pedagogue, is to create an excitement for learning in all of my students – from beginning to advanced student. I want my elementary students to learn good practice habits and have a smile & laugh as they play music games with me. I want my teen students to keep piano lessons going during the busy teen years while increasing skill levels & using piano as an outlet. I want my adult students to approach lessons without stress. I do all of this with a strong background of education & teaching skills – making sure all of my students learn correctly and have fun. In this way, I approach lessons with expertise, care and love.
I love teaching – it will always be my passion. I offer lessons in my studio, but I also teach students in different states and countries. Technology now allows me to reach piano students all over the world. With my 3 camera setup, laptop, microphone, headphones, & digital resources, I can bring my lessons across state and national lines. Lessons can be live via zoom or through a series of shared videos and custom crafted curriculum. It’s an amazing way to share my love of music.
So if you are looking for lessons that are engaging, educational, & fun – I’d love to hear from you. Let’s put together a plan of study – from a serious RCM curriculum to a casual lifetime approach to lessons. I’d love to be there for you or your child.
what my students & entrepreneur clients say
Fellow teachers & entrepreneurs – I’ve been there in your shoes and I’d love to help you.
I know how hard it is to fit everything into a weekly private lesson yet how important a good music theory foundation is, so I created my online Piano Program Music Theory Courses & Workbooks to use in my own teaching. You too can take advantage of these courses for your students.
I know how time consuming preparing for virtual lessons can be, so I started sharing my own digital teaching resources in my Piano Program Box.
And I built an 18 teacher, 300+ student commercial studio from the ground up and ran it successfully for over 10 years all while raising a family. I know how to put systems into place so that your business can run like clockwork so that you can focus on the things you love. I like to pay back my knowledge and expertise to other teachers and entrepreneurs through personal coaching and courses.
Let’s work together.
Studio Location – Cedar Park TX
Virtual Lessons – Worldwide
512-496-7741
Interested in Piano Lessons, Teaching Resources, or Pedagogy/Business Consultation? Contact me below for more information or to set up an interview.
