Julie Badowski

Julie is a pianist and piano teacher based in Rockford, IL. After graduating from Judson University in 2009 with a degree in music ministry and piano pedagogy, she chose to focus on fulfilling her lifelong dream of running her own piano studio. She started teaching lessons at Judson's Community Music School, and has been teaching independently since 2010. She has also taught at the local YMCA and with a local studio.  Her passions are helping young children (ages 4-6) learn to succeed in private piano lessons and helping adults refresh long forgotten piano skills.

Julie believes that students learn best in a relaxed environment where they are free to try new things and make mistakes without fear of being reprimanded. She works with her students to find realistic practice requirements based off of what each student is trying to accomplish while still ensuring continued progress. Students participate in various activities that allow them to learn to read music with confidence, learn how to play off of lead sheets, and some freedom in chosing what music they want to play.

In lessons, you will most often hear things like "I like how you kept both hands in correct place for the whole song and how you played all of the correct keys. Please play it again, but this time, make sure to hold your long notes for their full value." My goal is not just that you learn to play the piano, but that you learn to LOVE the piano and LOVE making music.