Gerard Smerek

Record Producer for Kid Rock, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and Bob Sieger

Our experience with Greg as a piano teacher is amazing. He is simply the BEST PIANO TEACHER ON THE PLANET!!! My daughter Callaghan has studied with him for over 8 years. There are many, many talented musicians out there but it takes a special person to possess talent and teach the skill to others.

Greg is not only one of the most talented pianist I've every had the pleasure to listen to, he is a teacher who gives his students everything he has. I highly recommend Greg Edmond. Your musical life will never be the same.

I have attached a video showing my daughter playing piano on one of her original songs.

Patti Dawes

Educator

You can't get better than Greg Edmond! I've tried! I have taken piano lessons on and off for nearly 30 years from various teachers, and had always maintained a beginner-player status. I already know more in 10 months with Greg than I did in all these years.

Truthfully, I have walked away from more than one lesson thinking, I can't learn this in one week, BUT I DO! He knows my ability better than I do....and that's what I need! Any student would benefit from his expertise and insight. (AND you get to hear him play from time to time, which is a real treat!) My family is amazed at my progress and so am I.

I am very grateful.

Cheri Najor

Motivational Speaker

Priceless. This is the one word that accurately describes the piano instruction provided by Greg Edmond. He went so far beyond the stereotypical piano lesson, I will do my best to use the most descriptive words possible to prove you with an honest assessment of all that he has done for my son and myself in a little over three months:
1.) Within two lessons, my 8 year-old son fell in LOVE with his piano. (That alone is unheard of in the age of addictive electronics.) This is due solely to Greg's teaching style which is truly unprecedented. I have never met a more patient and talented teacher.
2.) Greg provided music history lessons each visit, captivating the attention and interest of mother and son alike.
3.) Within two months, my son was playing boogie patterns with two hands, not only to his delight, but to the amazement of friends and family as well.
4.) Greg patiently and wisely taught my son music theory using the 2-5-1 approach, which covers most of the rudiments of music, including basic harmony, intervals, chords, cadences and music form. Students who are taught using this theory go FAR beyond reading music and playing to parental applause at school concerts.

Instead, they are taught the critical fundamentals that open countless doors in the world of music. By teaching students music theory, Greg shows you how to communicate musical ideas, explore music in whole new ways, and redefine the tremendous scope that entails the magical world of music. Five stars for Greg Edmond, an absolute hidden treasure trove of wisdom and talent... right in your own backyard.

Julie McIntosh

Educator

My daughter, Katie, began playing the piano two years ago. After going through two teachers, I was not happy with the progress that she was making. I did some online research and subsequently found Greg. By the very first lesson, I knew that we had found the answer to our search! As a former elementary school educator myself, I can spot a good teacher a mile away. Just because someone knows how to play the piano does not mean that they can teach! There are no such worries with Greg. He is the perfect combination of talented musician, knowledgeable musical historian, and gifted teacher who truly cares about my daughter.

Greg has a knack for taking challenging piano pieces and breaking them into manageable chunks in order to keep my child from feeling overwhelmed. His original arrangements of pieces make our daughter feel that she is doing something truly special. He encourages her to express herself creatively, to make pieces her own, to compose and improvise as appropriate. He has high expectations but always with a smile and a charming demeanor that makes my daughter want to please him. I wish we could afford to have a lesson with Greg every day! In short, if you are looking for the highest quality piano education, Greg Edmond is worth every penny. His is instruction that you cannot find in your local Teacher-in-a-Box piano store or well-meaning yet uneducated teenage teacher. This is customized instruction that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Stop right now and give him a call. I give my highest recommendation!

Tisa Johnson & Bernard Hooper

Hooper M.D. & Attorney

To the Prospective Parents of Piano Students: My family and I have been associated with the Academy of Piano and Mr.Greg Edmond for more than 11 years. During those years we have found his instruction, patience, expertise and professionalism to be second to none. Our children play a number of different instruments and have consumed lessons in both private, semiprivate and group settings. Mr. Edmond has offered without question an education in musicality and music theory that goes well beyond the typical piano instruction or standard private lesson.

Greg Edmond demonstrates excellence in both mentorship as well as personal development. His temperament is that of a true gentleman and he imposes his expectations of our child with positive and respectful reinforcement. He has assessed the talent of our child and has presented music theory that has extended to our child's involvement with other instruments, competitions and orchestras.

We have recommended Mr. Edmond and the Academy of Piano to numerous acquaintances and friends without even the slightest feedback other than delight. We do not hesitate to recommend the Academy of Piano with Greg Edmond for music instruction and trust that you will find nothing less than excellence in your experience with him.Very truly,The Johnson-Hooper Family

David Weaver

M.D.

Greg is a truly gifted piano teacher and musician. He has been teaching my 11 year old son for the past 5 months. During that time, he has taken my son, with 6 years of piano to a much higher level. Greg's enthusiastic approach has rekindled my son's passion for the piano.

Greg not only focuses on the basics, but he also puts emphasis on the importance of music theory. His interesting discussions regarding the foundation of Classical, Blues, Jazz, Rock and New Age music provides the framework for a truly extraordinary experience. We are fortunate to have Greg mentoring our son. I say mentor, because Greg is so much more than just a teacher!

Allison Johnson

Banking Specialist

I have been taking piano lessons with Greg for a little over a year now. I first began my lessons at his studio, but my job relocated me to California (no problem, Greg does SKYPE lessons). When I first began, I couldn't imagine how far I would come in such a short time! In the past I took lessons with teachers who used very traditional methods, but their techniques resulted in my memorizing a lot of songs but never knowing how songs work and not progressing very far.
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With Greg, I learned the mechanics of songs and chords from the inside out and now I am writing my own music! His techniques, coupled with his intriguing stories and endless patience have made the learning process fun and enjoyable. Right from the beginning we jumped into theory and started mastering the building blocks that would later be applied to all types of music across all genres. Now when my friends ask me to play something on the piano, I can confidently choose from a wide repertoire of songs I know, or even play the songs I wrote. And if my friends wanted to know why the chords work so well together to make such a great song, I could explain that to them too! - all thanks to the way Greg has taught me.

Please don't waste time memorizing another song, try lessons with Greg Edmond and let him take you further in your piano study than you can imagine.

Paul Marvin

Professional Pianist

I have taken lessons from Greg Edmond for almost eight years now. After a year's worth of unsatisfactory lessons from a nearby music store, I switched to Greg at the age of 6. I progressed incredibly fast, and it wasn't long before I was proudly performing for my family and friends. The professionalism and patience he demonstrates creates an ideal learning environment, one in which I look forward to visiting weekly.

Less then eight years of his teaching has brought me six blue ribbons (top honors) at Michigan's Solo & Ensemble competition, and a weekly gig at an upscale local restaurant (and I am only 14 years old). These are achievements I am very thankful for, and will take me very far in life. I can confidently say that Greg's teachings are the best you will find! If you are looking to accelerate as a pianist and musician, look no further!

Corey Quinn

Professional Pianist

Greg Edmond is a professional with a great teaching style and sense of humor. He really made an impact on me because he opened my eyes to the world of Jazz and music improvisation. Now I'm a professional pianist who plays for many events and my confidence comes from Greg's teaching. THIS GUY IS THE REAL DEAL!!!

Jane Wilcox

Recruiter

Greg Edmond is by far the most talented pianist I have personally known, but also is the very best piano teacher as well. My son who has had lessons for several years has grown more in five months with Greg then years with former teachers. His teaching is not traditional; his patients and warmth is coupled with theory and music history, with lots of tips and tricks of the trade mixed in.

His goal is not just to teach you to read notes on a page, but to truly be a musician that can improvise and embellish any melody you may want to play and do it beautifully. He will teach you to play what you love and do it with flair, finesse an beauty for the listener. You will not be taking lessons for years before you can sit down and play impressively. His methods will have you up and running before you know it. So worth the investment!!!!!

Dave Latka

Educator

If you are looking for the best piano instructor around, then look no further than Greg Edmond at the Academy of Piano.His skill as a musician is well beyond what you will find in most teachers. He is an accomplished concert pianist, studio musician and teacher. He worked in the public school system for many years and is great with our 7 year old daughter. He has several older students (up to and including adults) too and works great with them. Sometimes you get what you pay for and here is no exception.

You will pay more with Greg than with most other teachers. You or your child will progress at 3 times the pace of those teachers though. Starting as a complete novice, after 10 months of instruction, my daughter is playing chords, doing improvisation and adding flourish to her playing that you wouldn't normally find in students even after years of lessons. I almost didn't want to write this review, because I am afraid his schedule will fill up once the word about his teaching gets out. But you owe it to yourself to get the best teacher if your intention is to really be good at piano.

David Vigna

Attorney

I am a 60 year old lawyer who has been talking for years about taking piano lessons. We have an upright piano in our living room (a well preserved-because it is never touched- relic from 20 years ago when our children took piano lessons). Recently, my son Bryan decided those lessons would make a nice gift. And because he knows that with many things I'd rather do without than drop to the second shelf, he began an extensive research and interview process, from his home in Chicago, to find a great teacher for me.

On Christmas morning 2012 I opened an envelope containing a gift certificate for two prepaid lessons with Greg Edmond. I used the first two lessons in January, and have continued, and will continue, as long as I can afford to. In most disciplines there are those who engage in the game, and those who teach, but because of the difficulty of doing both well, it is rare to find someone who can excel at both. Greg is that rare breed. He is absolutely the perfect blend of performer, instructor and professor. As Greg would say, Bravo, Bryan.

Andrew DeHerder

The concept of Learning Piano is very broad and consists of numerous levels. Learning the notes on the keyboard, reading music, understanding counts in a measure are the basics. I think that is where most piano teachers reach their limits. Having played music since I was a teenager, I wanted my son to have more than a basic teacher. We needed an educator that not only understands, but can teach the following: chord & scale relationships, music theory, how to apply that knowledge to improvise on the spot, embellish a piece of sheet music to make it come alive and create song arrangements.

Greg Edmond is the kind of teacher I wanted for my son. We did go to an older lady that knew the basics, but nothing else. Playing piano is more than just reading and playing the exact notes on a page. I think the ultimate goals are to be able to Improvise and create your own music. Being able to improvise over any chord progression is the pinnacle of playing. Creating music can be augmenting a piece of sheet music to make it uniquely your own or writing your own songs. Without the skills offered by Greg, those ultimate goals would be very difficult to reach. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. If you want to be great, learn from someone who is great. At our initial lesson, Greg sat at the piano and improvised a jazz piece. Right then, I knew he was the person to take my son on a journey beyond the basics.

Tim Koos

Greg has been my teacher for about four years and I can truly say he is the perfect teacher for the older adult. I'm 67 years old and have been taking lessons for the very first time. His best attribute for someone like me is his ENORMOUS PATIENCE! Moreover, he's flexible and has a good sense of humor, which always helps. Did I mention that he's PATIENT? Finally, no matter how frustrated one gets, he remains positive and supportive. Did I mention that he's PATIENT? I can't recommend him highly enough.

Ed Kersch

Retired Business Owner

I have been a piano student of Greg Edmond's for approximately 7 years. I am 83 years old and have been retired for about 15 years, previously having been a professional urban planner and later a small business owner.
I've had many piano teachers in my lifetime, but my studies with Greg Edmond have been most satisfying.

From Greg, I have gained a greater insight into scales, chords and their role in creating innovative music. My goal in beginning studies with Greg was to gain a greater competency in both jazz arrangements and classical music. Under Greg's tutelage, I feel that I have made great progress in both endeavors. Greg has worked with me on music from the great songbook and has structured for me innovative arrangements of music in jazz, Latin, and romantic genres.

His explanations on structure and arrangements have been most enlightening and has allowed me to improvise on my own. Also, his direction in classical music has been very helpful. Greg's knowledge of music and composers has given me a greater understanding of the music that I am currently playing.I highly recommend studying piano with Greg Edmond

Don Draheim

Manager Partner at Draheim Holdings

Greg Edmond is a great piano teacher. I am an adult beginner piano player that just goofed around on the piano for years, but I never could really play anything. I finally decided it was time to find a piano teacher. I really did not want to go down the traditional path because I thought I would be bored quickly.Greg teaches all music styles, Classical, Jazz, Pop, etc… and works with all skill levels, beginner to professional piano players. My goal is to learn to play the piano in the shortest amount of time and I am convinced that Greg is the teacher for me.

Alexis Klask

College Student

I have been taking lessons with Greg since I was a little girl. After leaving the state for a bit and using other instructors, I realized how great of a teacher he is. I returned to him when I moved back to Michigan and he was more than eager to get back into the swing of things. He is professional yet genuine. He teaches efficiently and effectively. Using Greg, you will learn proper techniques to not only play the piano, but to create your own music. His lessons aren't cookie cutter lessons. I look to him as a wise mentor and friend. Greg is prestigious and has absolute talent that he is willing to share with the world and for that, I thank him.

Misc. Student

If you're looking for the absolute finest piano teacher in Michigan, look no further. Greg Edmond redefines what it means to take piano lessons. His unique teaching method will accelerate your learning in ways that will leave you astounded. Always the consummate professional, Greg sets a new standard you won't find anywhere else. And unlike most piano teachers who don't play professionally or compose their own original music, Greg does both. Do yourself and your children a favor. Schedule a session with Greg today.

Misc. Student

Excellent instructor I have taken my daughter to 3 other piano instructors and we are thrilled with Mr. Edmond's teaching technique. She has learned more from him in the last 6 months then she has over the last 3 years. If you are making a commitment to learn this instrument and willing to spend a few hours a week to practice, you have to have the best instructor so you do not get discouraged. Mr. Edmond is this instructor.

Misc. Student

By far the best instructor in Michigan. Greg has the capability to take your piano skills to a whole new level in a very reasonable period of time. He has unmatched patience so if you have children, like I do, you won't have to concern yourself with an unprofessional/unproductive lesson. If piano is what interests you there is no better teacher to work with. Thank you for everything Greg!

Virginiaw1

I have always wanted to learn how to play the piano and finally decided to pursue my dreams now that children are raised. I have been trying to find the right instructor for over a year. I was not happy with my first 2 piano instructors. Their teaching technique was boring and their knowledge of music was limited. My third try, I discovered Greg Edmond, he is exceptionally talented and an excellent instructor.

I have learned more from Mr. Edmond in the last few months then I had from my previous two instructors in over a year of my time. If I am willing to devote my precious time to learning something, I want to learn from the best. Mr. Edmond has been teaching for over 30 years, he is the best.

Guest85048

Mr. Edmond is an outstanding pianist and teacher. I have taken my 15 year old daughter to multiple piano instructors and Mr. Edmond is by far the best. He demonstrates patience, understanding of subject matter and the ability to help the student work within their own capabilities and beyond. TWO thumbs up from us.