Tamra Stamm

Tamra has been surrounded by music for as long as she can remember. Growing up with a father who played guitar, some of her earliest memories are of running into the room whenever music began and dancing along. She started piano lessons at age seven, and by middle school, she was spending hours at the piano.

Her path to teaching began unexpectedly at age 15, when a neighbor who often heard Tamra practicing asked if she would teach her daughter piano. Before long, Tamra was teaching children throughout the neighborhood—and what began as a teenage job developed into a lifelong passion for music education.

Today, Tamra brings more than 30 years of piano teaching experience to her students. She holds a degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University and has also worked as an elementary music teacher, choir director, and accompanist. Her accompanying experience includes community musical theater productions, weddings, solo and ensemble competitions, dance recitals, and praise bands. In addition to piano, she plays flute.

Tamra describes her teaching style as student-centered, adaptive, and encouraging. She believes every child is a unique individual with distinct potential, and she takes time to understand each student’s personality, interests, strengths, and challenges. Her goal is to create a relaxed and positive lesson environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, working through difficulties, and developing confidence at the piano.

When progress feels slow, Tamra looks for ways to rekindle a student’s enthusiasm. She incorporates games to reinforce musical concepts and introduces music that students are genuinely excited to learn. For children who are shy, anxious, or easily discouraged, she places particular emphasis on building trust and providing gentle, positive encouragement.

Tamra also believes that parents are important partners in a child’s musical development. She uses a lesson notebook to clearly communicate what students should practice each week and stays in touch with parents about their child’s progress. She encourages families to remember that learning an instrument is a gradual process—much like learning a new language—and that consistent practice and family support make an enormous difference.

One of Tamra’s most meaningful teaching experiences reflects the lasting relationships she strives to build. She began teaching one student when the girl was seven years old and continued working with her throughout her school years, eventually helping prepare her for college. That student is now 22 and has become a piano teacher herself. They remain in contact every week—and today, Tamra’s former student teaches piano to Tamra’s own daughter.

For Tamra, teaching piano is about much more than learning notes and rhythms. It is about recognizing the potential in each child and helping that potential grow through patience, encouragement, and a lifelong love of music.