PLAY PIANO

Private Lessons

Katie O’Rourke sitting beside a grand piano with her arm on it

My role is to help you uncover your innate musical potential by cultivating strong connections between mind, body, and sound.

Whether exploring creativity through improvisation and composition or diving into the rich classical tradition, you will grow through a process that’s rooted in somatic understanding and aligned with your unique goals.

In each lesson, I aim to create an experience that’s both exciting and empowering—one that inspires you to live your best musical life with passion, purpose, and joy.

INJURY PREVENTION

Technique Evaluation and Retraining

Hand on piano keys in front of sheet music

In a technique evaluation, I help guide you toward healthy, efficient movement which is essential for both injury recovery and artistic expression. Through increased body awareness, we will access your natural ability to move with power and ease, using skeletal support rather than unnecessary muscular effort.

While I draw from Taubman Technique and the Feldenkrais Method, I also integrate insights from psychology, human development, and holistic health. This multifaceted approach allows me to tailor sessions to each client’s unique needs—whether you're recovering from injury or looking to develop virtuosity for the first time.

This service includes a video recording of the session, as well as written notes and suggestions for future self-study.

ALTERNATIVE KEYBOARD

Narrow Keys for Small Hands

As a specialist in small-handed piano technique, I’m thrilled to offer pianists the opportunity to play on a D.S. Standard 5.5-inch keyboard. With an octave span that feels like a sixth, this revolutionary design eliminates the strain of overstretching, making full octaves and chords more easily accessible.

Surprisingly, it is not difficult for most pianists to immediately adapt to the size of a narrow keyboard, and the experience is transformative. The instantaneous feeling of freedom opens the door to a richer experience and renewed joy in playing. On this piano, we will work together to build sustainable technique that can be readily applied to a traditional sized keyboard.

IMPROVE POSTURE

Functional Integration®

Woman laying on floor and having someone stretch her arms

Ease in playing isn’t just about the hands—it's about the whole body. What your hips, spine, and shoulder blades do matters just as much. In a Feldenkrais® Functional Integration session, we will explore your playing in a holistic way by bringing posture to the foreground.

Through gentle touch, you will be guided through a series of new and unfamiliar movements to improve the communication between your brain and body. Sessions may take place at the piano or on a mat, always in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you’ll discover what works best for you. Ultimately, we’ll return to the piano to integrate your renewed sense of ease into your playing.

GROUP LEARNING

Wellness Workshops

As a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, I regularly lead workshops for private music studios, music teacher organizations, and universities to promote musicians wellness. Each workshop centers on somatic experiences to improve ease in playing and optimize learning.

Below are some ideas from past workshops, but I’m always excited to create fresh, customized experiences!

  • Tackling Challenges Using the Feldenkrais® Approach - WWU Jan. 2025

  • The Feldenkrais Method® For Musicians - Suzuki “Move Better, Play Better” Workshop - Oct. 2024

  • The Right Brain’s Role in Music Making - WSTMA Conference June 2024

  • Clarifying the Role of the Shoulders - WWU Feb 2024

  • Enhancing Musicianship Through the Breath - WSMTA Conference June 2022

Please contact me to book a custom workshop or presentation or join the mailing list to learn about upcoming public classes and workshop.


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