INSTRUCTION
Bill is a dedicated teacher with more than 50 years of experience. He teaches all levels of classical and jazz/blues piano, beginning to advanced jazz drums, beginning guitar, and also how to improvise on any instrument. Lessons include ear-training, classical and jazz theory, singing related to improvisation, and rhythms including several versions of clave (latin). Bill is also a jazz vocal coach providing skilled and sensitive piano accompaniment and instruction on how to sing in the jazz genre.
His teaching philosophy is to have students, over time, become more independent so that they can rely on their own knowledge and creativity. This includes the ability to develop technically and musically through personal awareness and assessment. Students are given the opportunity to perform for each other as well as for family and friends during the year. His music studio is in Hillsboro and he is willing to consider travel to a student’s home depending upon the location.
Bill has also been involved with music education outreach programs throughout his professional life. He has taught as a jazz instructor at summer camps including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Eastern Illinois University. Other special music education outreach projects have included his role as music director of the Duke Ellington Tribute sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit at the Champaign Library in Illinois.
TESTIMONIALS
“Great choice for us! He won the attention and desire of our twins to look higher. Be better. They looked forward most weeks to working with Bill to learn to feel and play music. Love music in your home? So do we and thank Bill for bringing his caring devotion into the lives of our children, Catherine and Chase, who are working hard to make beautiful music in our home.” – B Morley
“Bill French is an excellent teacher. He is relaxed and encouraging during lessons, and freely shares his enthusiasm and passion for music with his students. He is able to demonstrate piano music and technique from a wide variety of genres.” – J Cole
“Mr. French is a professional, but fun and inventive, as well as patient and encouraging, meeting the student at their ability and age level, but always with a plan for musical development and appreciation.” – N Westcott
“Mr. French is a great teacher with the ability to teach different styles and instruments. He has helped me learn jazz fundamentals while combining classical technique on the piano.” – S Plutchet
“I have been a student of Bill French now for two years. I feel fortunate to have found him and just wish I could have had a music teacher such as he when I was in school, I wouldn't have waited until I was sixty to start. He truly is an instructor for all ages and levels.” – R Dean