Championing the individuality and neurodiversity of each learner.

References for Piano/Organ Teaching

Ellen Jepson is the reason that my 9-year-old son (who has both ADHD and Autism) stopped fighting and crying about lessons and practicing and now bounces with excitement when he is told that we get to see Miss Ellen that day. Since she tailors the curriculum to each individual child’s needs (and has seemingly endless patience), she is the perfect teacher for kids with ADHD and/or Autism. The laid-back atmosphere in her studio means that the students don’t have the stress and anxiety that typically go along with music lessons and performances. She works hard to make sure that the kids are having a good time while still learning a good mix of theory and performance. Though I have a music education degree and come from a line of instrument instructors, and Ellen is the only person I want teaching music to my son.

Caroline C.

Ellen is an absolute joy! She exhibits exceptional skill in fostering a love for music in young learners. Her patient and engaging teaching style captivates my wild child making learning both enjoyable and educational. My son has blossomed with Ellen’s lessons that balance theory and practical skills, which fits my son’s inquiring mind. My children could not be more different but Ellen creates a supportive environment, nurturing each child’s unique talents and interests. As a parent, I appreciate her ability to showcase my kids in a low-stakes recital and community opportunities to play in front of others. Overall, I would recommend Ellen to anyone who is looking to develop a love of music in a comfortable and enjoyable way.

Leah S.

We LOVE Ellen! She has the ideal knack for connecting with each individual student and meeting them exactly where THEY are at. She is so easy to work with! She makes every lesson fun and the student walks away feeling like a winner no matter what they accomplished that lesson! We wouldn’t trade her!

Mary O.

Ellen is fabulous with our daughter! She is engaging, very upbeat and positive. She makes piano interesting and fun for our 8-year-old.

Tricia S.

Ellen is a knowledgeable and talented piano teacher! She has a gift of making each piano lesson fun and personalized. Our son has learned so much from her and looks forward to his lessons each week. We’re excited to see him continue to progress with the piano!

Christie B.

She explains really well and makes fun games to learn. She helps me learn piano my way, because I like games and stickers.

Izzy S.

Ellen is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the organ. She ensures her students begin with gaining a good understanding of the fundamentals, so that they are equipped with a great foundation to build upon. Ellen is also a kind, caring, and fun teacher who takes great personal interest in her students and their success.

Anna B.

Ms. Ellen is so positive, patient, engaging, flexible, warm, and experienced! She does a great job making piano lessons fun and helping my kiddo learn and grow.

Maxine P.

If you are looking for a FANTASTIC piano teacher. . .we have the best person for you! Ellen Jepson has been teaching our kids this year and is phenomenal! She is so encouraging and helps them to be their best. She also gets them songs they LOVE – Hamilton, anyone? Mandalorian theme? She has found the best ones for each of my kids personalities :). If you are looking for a piano teacher for your kids – she is simply amazing!!!

Jen B.

Miss Ellen is a fun piano teacher for my 5 year old. She tells stories, plays games, and keeps my student engaged and having fun.
She is always punctual and ready to teach. She takes things in stride and is ready for whatever my child throws at her!
We enjoy Miss Ellen very much!

Yoko K.

References for Storytime

Library storytime with Miss Ellen is one of my favourite memories from when my children were preschoolers. We especially enjoyed when Miss Ellen incorporated music into storytime with her auto-harp or piano. Years later I still remember how much my son enjoyed doing the actions for “The Grand Old Duke of York” and how my favourite was “The Alphabet of Nations” song. We always enjoyed Miss Ellen’s choices of books and engaging ways of storytelling.

Jennie B.

Watching Miss Ellen engage the children during storytime was a real treat. My daughters were 3-6 months of age when we first met her. Miss Ellen chose books, music, puppets, activities, and more whose themes went together and were very appropriate for the season and local cultural celebrations. Not only did the kids have fun but they learned a great deal. Thank you, Miss Ellen! ()

Jill W.

What I remember the most about your story times is what you brought musically! I will never forget how much fun we had at your Christmas sing-a-long. You introduced me to some of the classic lullaby’s and rhymes that I still sing with the kids today.

Blair C.

Myself and my daycare kiddos, along with my oldest grandson have been blessed (for quite a few years) to have enjoyed Ellen Jepson’s story times at the Appleton Public Library. Miss Ellen doesn’t read just the usual books nor sing the usual kid sings. She exposed the kids ( and adults) to a wide range of authors Mo Willems, Jan Brett as well as a wide range of music. Some favorites are They Might Be Giants-ABC of Nations as well as Simon and Garfunkel-59th Street Bridge. The story times were fun and energetic each week. They included books of course but also sing alongs and movements. We had a wonderful time.

Nicki M.

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About Me… I’m Ellen Jepson.

I’m an Ontologist full time, with an awesome job I love. I offer private piano & organ lessons during after school and evening hours in the Rochester, MN area. I truly enjoy teaching young children as well as adult students! Read on to learn more or contact me via text or email to talk about scheduling!

Find my music related blog entries here! https://thoughtprovokingreads.com/category/piano-organ-books/

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you teach in home?

I teach all piano lessons in my home studio located at 515 8th St SW in Rochester. Organ lessons are taught at the 16th St LDS Chapel.

What is your music experience?

I started learning the piano at the age of 4. I began accompanying choirs in the 5th grade. I participated in Solo/Ensemble Contests for Piano Solo and went to State Competition several times, earning a 1 or 1*. Organ lessons started when I was 18. I studied with Carol Dean and Parley Belnap. These lessons continued throughout my four years at BYU and into my graduate school years at UW Milwaukee. I have a minor in Music from Brigham Young University. (My degrees are a BA in Linguistics, and an MLIS in Library & Information Science).

I love to sing–I sang in choirs in junior high and high school, as well as accompanied those choirs on the piano. At BYU I sang in University Chorale under Gary Broomhead and Ryan Murphy, and in the Russian Choir under Bona Belnap. In Milwaukee, I sang with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, a highlight of my singing career. I now sing with the Rochester Symphony Chorale. I strongly believe that learning to sing at an early age is incredibly useful. It is also important for music education. Folk songs in the United States are dying away. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to find a way to bring them back.

What is your teaching experience?

I have taught private piano lessons off and on throughout my life, starting as a teenager. I honed my teaching skills as a public library children’s librarian. I led Storytimes throughout my years as a librarian and learned how to work with all types of students.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I have a unique goal for all lessons to be tailored to meet the needs of each individual learner.

I only include activities that I believe will be beneficial to the student. I want students to be successful and enjoy the process.

If I am not the right teacher for your student, I will be completely forthright and tell you. (After a generous trial period). Not every piano teacher is right for every child, and I DO want your student to be successful.

Recitals!

Find upcoming recitals on Facebook events.

We enjoy celebrating our progress. Twice annual recitals, plus additional performance opportunities happen at local nursing homes and care facilities.

Ask Me About On Demand!

What is On Demand Piano? It’s a great way for adults to study the piano, and for kids to make up missed lessons! Adults don’t need weekly lessons like kids do, and because of the jobs adults have, a lesson at the same time every week just might not be possible. Teens have sports and drama which are equally important to their music lessons. How can we mitigate this?

Enter the On Demand Lesson! Schedulista is available for you to find a piano lesson time that works! Sign up for the slot that works for you during this particular week, and that becomes yours!

Schedule Now

Would you like to know when I add new classes and new opportunities for students in Rochester? Do you have questions about my services? Ask me here!