More Than Just Piano

Vanessa Bohner is not only a music teacher, she is a mentor.  She recognizes the positive impact a diverse student body/clientele can have on the overall experience of her students. Whether the lessons are in person or virtual, it’s the fresh perspective that her students bring that’s key.  Vanessa was incredibly integral in helping me develop talents that I didn’t initially recognize in myself.  I’ve taken piano off and on throughout my life, never sticking with it, and at 56 years of age, I’ve discovered the most relevant piano teacher in Vanessa.  I see myself taking piano lessons with Vanessa into my retirement.  As an adult student, Vanessa employs methods that keep me focused and wanting to excel at a pace that does not lead to frustration.  Her style is consistent and changing at the same time.  That structure and support methodology provides me with stability and improvement.  Vanessa’s ability to teach the youngest students to those of us more seasoned in life is a talent not all teachers possess.  

As evidenced by her two recitals, the classically trained Mrs. Bohner has the ability to teach all ranges of abilities, and she has a profound sensitivity for special needs children. My son's lessons were an appropriate blend of piano and music appreciation. She has a variety of packages that contain differing lesson length, content and price point. Highly recommend.

Vanessa has been helpful in unlocking our sons musical abilities. She is very patient and observant with our son. We started piano in the hopes it would help increase speech and communication. But we have been amazed by the progress and gains he has made in learning the piano. Vanessa has helped our son fill a void with passion for music! We are forever grateful and highly recommend her for music lessons and instruction.

Our 8-year-old son with autism started piano lessons with Vanessa just two months ago. He has shown a natural ability for music from an early age, but his excitement about going to piano lessons is electric!! Vanessa is encouraging, patient, and understanding with Owen, and it allows him to relax and enjoy the lessons and show off his skills. We attempted lessons with a traditional piano teacher, but Owen felt constrained and pressured to follow a typical lesson structure. Vanessa allows Owen to direct the flow of the lessons while providing enough structure to teach him new skills. We're so grateful we found Vanessa and are excited about Owen's future in music!!

I have two boys that have loved music since they were infants and I thought that they might be interested in learning to play music.  But they would never be able to take lessons from a “normal” music teacher.  My sons have some disabilities that require a special teacher who is used to working with emotional and intellectual challenges.  Vanessa has the patience and skills to teach children to play the piano.  My sons have learned more than I could have imagined.  She gives positive reinforcement and lets them grow at their own individual pace.  They would never have learned without her.

"My son, who has Autism, is musically gifted. As a musician myself,  I was skeptical of finding an understanding, flexible-yet-firm piano teacher who would "get" my son's needs and appreciate his unique gifts. I was so excited to learn about Vanessa from my local Autism Society listserve. My son has grown musically and emotionally, and has gained confidence in himself and his musical ability. Vanessa has high expectations while being kind and compassionate. She is open to suggestions from my son regarding what he wants to work on, and maintains good communication with him as well as me and my husband. She offers solutions, such as a piano chair for his posture, when we seem to hit roadblocks.  We are going on 6 years of piano lessons with Vanessa and we couldn't be more pleased. We are looking forward to what my son accomplishes next!"