About Dr. MichaelVeech

“Dr. Veech is brilliant and knows so much, yet he is oh-so-patient, always encouraging me to be the best I can be. I find my fingers going where I never thought they could go! He has opened a whole new world to me. I look forward to every lesson!” –Jeri C.

Michael Veech received his PhD in music education from the University of Arizona. He holds a Masters in Piano Performance from Drake University. His teaching experience ranges from preschool to retirees in both public and private settings.


Dr. Veech has had the privilege of performing in a wide variety of settings. He competed in piano competitions through middle school, was the featured soloist in the Illinois Wesleyan University Concerto Competition as an undergraduate, played pit orchestra piano for the Broadway show Guys and Dolls, and performed in a variety of large and small jazz and rock groups in the Midwest, Colorado, and Florida.


Dr. Veech’s philosophy of teaching is a student-centered approach. Students are exposed to the classic literature of the piano, but also have the opportunity to explore music that is of a particular interest to them. Helping students achieve their potential and accomplish their goals is his passion.

Dr. Veech’s Studio Policy

1. PRACTICE. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day. How this practice time is accomplished will vary according to the age and attention span of the student. 

2. ASSIGNMENTS. Students should bring a small notebook which will be used by Dr. Veech to write down each week’s assignment. This will help the student remember what was discussed in the lesson as well as to inform parents as to the student’s progress.

3. PREPARATION. Students should be prepared for each lesson and are expected to make satisfactory progress. The rate of progress will vary for each student because of the unique individual differences each student brings to the lesson. Playing the piano is a psychomotor activity (i.e. a skill) and as such requires consistent practice in order to achieve success at any level.

4. LESSONS. A lesson is 45 minutes or 60 minutes in length, depending on the literature and the needs of the student. Ideally, lessons should occur on a weekly basis. This frequency, however, is negotiable depending on the individual student’s situation. Lessons are $40 for 45 minutes or $50 for 60 minutes. Lesson fees for the month are due at the first lesson of each month. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR MISSED LESSONS. A missed lesson is defined as a “no show.” Lessons may be rescheduled (as needed) at a time mutually agreed upon by both Dr. Veech and the student (parents). 

5. MATERIALS. Music materials for the lessons will be purchased by the student. Dr. Veech will acquire the necessary music and the student will reimburse him in a timely fashion for the cost of the music plus tax. 

6. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT. Parents are encouraged to participate in this process of learning to play the piano by:

  • Helping the student find a consistent, regular practice time and being faithful to it.
  • Asking Dr. Veech for clarification of any written or recorded directions.
  • Providing positive reinforcement for a job well done and motivation to carry on when needed. 
  • Attend a lesson from time to time. Your presence will send a message to your child of how interested you are in him/her and the activity he/she is engaged in.

Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns. 

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