Listening House Studios - 636-219-9855

Hello, I’m Rhonda Barfield, and I’d love to help your child experience the joy of music through piano.

 I graduated with a B.A. in music education from Culver-Stockton College. But after student teaching, I realized I didn’t have the vocal strength for the classroom and I wasn’t sure what to do. We moved to Kirksville so my husband could finish his degree. That’s where I discovered my passion as an instructor in the Truman State University Piano Preparatory Program. Four years of one-on-one studio experiences solidified my love for teaching piano.

With a move to St. Louis, I joined the team at Beverly Milder’s Musical Arts in Chesterfield. Over the next four years, with 50+ students and a waiting list, my insights into effective teaching grew.

Then in the mid-‘80s, life took a turn when my husband and I had our first child. I put aside piano for several years to raise a family and homeschool our four children, K-12. During this time I also wrote and published five books on thrift and homeschooling. As an author, I appeared on national television and radio news and talk shows, as well as being interviewed in local and national publications.

As much as I enjoyed those experiences, my first love has always been sharing what I’ve learned about piano, instilling in others an appreciation for music. That’s why I founded Listening House Piano Studios in 2006.

How I approach teaching. . .

• I use individualized weekly lesson plans to develop students’ gifts, adjusting my teaching style as I understand the way they learn.

• I emphasize performance to build confidence in sharing their talent for others. Yearly events include a fall coffeehouse recital of popular pieces and compositions. A spring classical recital in a formal hall. And an online composition contest.

• I require students to keep their favorite songs memorized, performing both a fall and spring informal concert during lesson times for their families. This helps them remember the progress they’ve made.

• I encourage creativity to enlarge their vision of their potential. All students compose and write down their masterpieces in a notation app. They also learn to read lead sheets and make their own arrangements.

To view current student projects, click Student Performances- Youth and Student Performances- Young Adult in the header above

• I hone students’ practice technique and show them how to work up written music quickly and efficiently. It’s a great way for them to learn how to break big tasks into manageable pieces.

• I add depth and camaraderie to lessons through 10 minute overlaps, when possible, between students. We study stories of composers, perform for each other, share duets or trios, and learn practical theory together.

• I use apps and technology to teach note names, sight reading, written composing, rhythm, and duets. The more variety in learning tools, the greater chance of success.

Recommendations: 

"Two of my children recently started lessons with Rhonda. We love the variety every week. She uses not only traditional lesson books, but also incorporates various apps to facilitate a fun learning environment. We love Listening House Studios and Mrs. Barfield!” 

~Daphne Boyce, Pianist, First Baptist Church St. Charles’ pianist and homeschooling mom

“I appreciate the excellent piano instruction over the past two years. Wren long ago surpassed my skill level on the piano and has continued to grow in music literacy, history, and creativity. I am in awe of the teaching and learning that takes place in Listening house Studios.”

~Elizabeth Cook, parent

“[Mrs. Barfield,] you inspired me and encouraged creativity. I can confidently say my love for piano and writing music is thanks to you.”

~Nick Tilford, former student pursuing a college degree in creating music for video games

“Rhonda Barfield is a very accomplished pianist, caring and devoted teacher.  She is excellent at tailoring the goals to the level of the child, yet is able to challenge them.  We especially love the blend of theory and "playing by ear" and her commitment to full musical knowledge. We really appreciate how encouraging she is with our children. She takes time to work with each individual personality. We couldn't recommend Listening House Studio more highly!”

~Shelley Simon, former music teacher at Providence Fine Arts Center and mom to four LHS students