Club Piano and the 5 Es with Charlene Shelzi Jarvis
Show Notes and Links
Hey, thanks so much for “eavesdropping” on my conversation with Charlene Shelzi. Her energy is contagious and her friendly yet firm approach to practice is inspiring!
Charlene Shelzi Jarvis is an independent piano teacher residing in Scottsdale, Arizona. She co-authored numerous piano teaching materials as co-owner of TCW Resources (Three Cranky Women), which are internationally published through the Neil A. Kjos Music Company.
Charlene is a former faculty member of the Utah State University Youth Conservatory and adjunct music faculty. She is past president of her Utah MTA Chapter and has presented at the MTNA National Conference, National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, and Music Ed Connect repeatedly, as well as numerous state conferences.
Since her arrival in Arizona, Charlene directed the inaugural Arizona Youth Piano Competition. She’s active in the Phoenix MTA and served on the State Board as editor of all state publications. She is one of very few to be selected as a “Featured Teacher” for the Yamaha Passport to Music program; which teaches piano on the Crystal Cruise Line. This has sent her all over the world teaching what she loves with students from over 30 countries!
Charlene studied at BYU Idaho and Utah State University where she was a student of Gary Amano. Charlene is active as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer. Before a grisly ankle injury involving a ladder, balloons and 5 inch wedges, she had been running marathons in her spare time (21 to date), however, she is now running after her 3 darling grandsons and husband to stay fit!
The Five E’s of Charlene’s Club Piano
Charlene and her students at Disneyland
Exclusivity - As Club Sports has gained popularity across the US, I figured, why not frame high achieving piano studios the same way? Being selective for me means nice families and students willing to work. Natural ability or "talent" is not high on my list.
Excellence - High expectations and standards for students encourages great outcomes. My tagline on my website is Superb Teaching+Dedicated Students+Supportive Parents= Outstanding Results!
Experiences - Offering multiple opportunities for student growth is a must. Feature recitals, contests, parties, interactions with one another to encourage each other and motivate practice.
Every Day - Consistency in practice and teaching is required. The 100 day practice streak has been incredible.
Encouragement - Students will thrive with honest encouragement. Tell them the truth. Be positive and encouraging. Almost is a great word! Don't settle.
Links
Charlene mentions Marco Polo to track her students’ practice. Learn more about it here.
By the way, Tonara, my favorite new way to create and deliver assignments, could be used as Charlene uses Marco Polo.
Charlene’s two favorite books she couldn’t teach without: The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature by Jane McGrath and Mindset by Carol Dweck.
Charlene’s two favorite podcasts (and I’d have to agree!): Hidden Brain and Cult of Pedagogy.
Check out Charlene’s site here: www.clubpiano.com
For the technic progress charts her students use follow this link: https://kjos.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=TCW+Technic+charts
Find all things TCW including the fabric keyboard on KJOS Publications: https://kjos.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=TCW+
Charlene’s logo is below. She hired Vista Print to get the job done. Check out the purple shoes!
