Bob & Phyllis Dunne

Private Lessons

Phyllis offers private lessons in piano, voice and mountain dulcimer to students of all ages. Lessons may be scheduled for either 30 or 60 minutes. Students are encouraged to have one lesson a week with a minimum of 30 minutes daily practice. An additional 30 minutes of ear training, sight singing and music theory are available each lesson using sequential computer and taped materials. Students are encouraged to perform at three informal performance parties and one formal recital each year. Phyllis is a member of the Nebraska and National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). Phyllis is the current president of Nebraska Federation of Music Clubs. Through these affiliations, students are eligible for additional performance, adjudication and scholarship opportunities. Phyllis served as president for both Private Music Instructors of Omaha (now OmahaMTA) and the Nebraska Federation of Music Clubs.

Piano Lessons

Phyllis teaches students of all ages and levels of difficulty from beginning through moderately difficult. Phyllis offers a total college preparatory background with focus on applied music theory. (In 2001, three of Phyllis’ former students were studying to be music majors at UNO at the same time!) Phyllis majored in piano at UNO where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree and was certified as a K-12 vocal music teacher. Phyllis has also been trained in the How To Play The Piano Despite Years of Lessons method. She is a Pace certified teacher and has studied Dalcroze Eurhythmics at Julliard. Phyllis teaches both classical and popular music. Phyllis encourages creativity in composition and arranging. Phyllis understands the importance of playing music you like. Phyllis is a strict teacher with a good sense of humor.

Voice Lessons

Phyllis works with students of all ages to prepare for vocal performance in competition, adjudication, musical theater and karaoke. Phyllis has been successful with non-singers by using her own unique vibrational approach. Much emphasis is placed on diaphragmatic breathing, articulation, interpretation and performance skills. Phyllis developed her approach based on her own performance and recording experience and by working with high school students as artist-in-residence. Phyllis earned a minor in voice at UNO. mickey.jpg - 11172 Bytes

Mountain Dulcimer Lessons

Phyllis offers a ‘hands-on’ approach to strumming and flatpicking techniques for the lap dulcimer. She focuses on applied music theory stressing the balance in melodic, rhythmic and harmonic playing. Phyllis incorporates all styles and tunings in her instruction. Beginners do not have to read music in order to experience the joy of playing. Phyllis translates musical notation into plain English.

All students are expected to read and sign the policy statement

“Thank you for being patient and understanding…You’re a wonderful teacher. Thanks for teaching with such commitment.”

— Deborah Murray, mother

“It is my pleasure to inform you that Johanna Murray recommends you as the most extraordinary person of her elementary/junior high school years. She says of you, ‘You, Phyllis Dunne, have inspired me, Johanna Murray, in many different ways. You taught me something that I truly love, and I still learn every time I have a lesson with you. You helped me realize the importance of music in my life. Thanks to you music is now something I really can’t live without. You play a major role in my life and I feel that there is nothing I can ever do to completely repay you. I see you as not only an outstanding musician, but also as an outstanding person that I can model after. I am so grateful for everything you have done for me and I am looking forward to many more lessons filled with ‘Watch your fingering!’ and ‘Remember to lift!’ Thank you one more for everything you have done for me.’ ”

— Mrs. Sheila K. Haggas
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

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