Meet Richard Foltz of Pianopresto Plus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Foltz.

Richard, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story actually traces back to a young age in elementary school. I took my first piano lesson right before the age of 9, and then joined the school band in the 5th grade, in my home state of Illinois. So, I’ve been evolving in music ever since that time – teaching music full time in elementary school, earning a degree in music therapy, teaching piano and guitar lessons, and performing as a pianist and organist.

I truly believe that the accumulation of experiences that I’ve had in South Florida, has molded me into a person and teacher that has kept a positive and hopefully youthful approach. So, since 2007, I’ve combined teaching music lessons and performing, into my own business as Pianopresto Plus.

Has it been a smooth road?
Naturally, the road is smooth sometimes, and abruptly gets rough in other moments. I’ve tried to understand that the unstable times are just temporary, and that those challenges provide me with the knowledge to withstand another obstacle that is sure to come.

In music, many people enjoy or have a love for music. So, I encourage people to try to develop what they already have a love for, whether it’s a structured weekly lesson or just a single a la carte lesson. Then I try to be flexible as a teacher and a scheduler, so a person can achieve some goals they have (reading music; focus/attention; pure enjoyment; lifelong learning; therapeutic, etc.) Too many people quit for one reason or another, so retention is constantly an issue that I deal with.

And being your own boss, has its demands and time constraints. So, for me, if I get too stressed, I sit and play some classical or 1920’s jazz pieces, and go on with the day. Other times, I schedule time when I can perform with friends, clients, or other audiences.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pianopresto Plus story. Tell us more about the business.
At Pianopresto Plus, I primarily teach all levels of piano or keyboard. And I teach beginning guitar. My “Plus” means that I provide performances for a special event (wedding, liturgical, business, social).

My lessons are usually provided using standard music notation (reading music), In some circumstances though, due to a disability or age, the lessons can be structured using the ear, modeling, or improvisation methods.

I want my customers to enjoy lessons and learn as quickly as they can. I will use standard methods and repertoire, but definitely allow a person’s choice of songs that speak to them.

My business has some unique features – I have a home studio in North Miami Beach, but I also travel to homes as my schedule allows. I teach individual lessons, but easily adapt to group lessons when needed. My oldest piano student was in his eighties, and I just recently added my youngest, an infant of 9 months! (explain, right? It’s a time set aside for music immersion targeting her developmental milestones). Lessons are either 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Seniors always get a discount.

I’m always excited when I hear from former students, many times remembering a good experience from 10 years ago. And, I had one man who took private lessons, plays piano independently and became the adult choir director at his church.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Well, I think that any of the arts disciplines have a wide range of benefits from study at almost any age. It can encompass positive results in regards to discipline, health, IQ, math scores, reading scores, dementia, etc. So, I believe the benefits are significant in music, too. The media has been able to share success stories that more people are becoming aware of, and realize that it can be an investment unlike any other.

Contact Info:

• Address: 35 NE 169 Street,
  North Miami Beach, FL. 33162
• Website: http://nmbkeys.wixsite.com/pianopresto
• Phone: 786-468-9871
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pianoprestoplus
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pianopresto-plus-north-miami-beach

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