Ovation Academy of Music

A native of Singapore, Piano instructor Eileen Hickey has been teaching at Ovation Academy of Music since 2001 (when it was known as Keyboard Kids).  She enjoys teaching from classical to popular music to students of all ages, creating independent musicians who can problem-solve and practice on their own, thereby equipping them for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.  She loves teaching beginners, instilling in them good habits right from the beginning, as well as working with busy teenagers and adults, helping them achieve great results in spite of their busy schedules.  Under her guidance, Mrs. Hickey has successfully prepared her students for recitals, contests, and auditions.

Mrs. Hickey started music lessons from Yamaha Music School in Singapore at age 7 and was trained as a teacher there after graduation.  Her lessons with students were often recorded or observed for use in training new teachers.  She also holds ABRSM Music Theory and Performance Grade 8 (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music-UK) certifications.  She studied under Nancy Peterson for Suzuki Piano Teacher Training units when she moved to Minnesota. 

 

Her goal is to make each student a well-rounded independent musician who can enjoy music for the rest of his or her life.  She helps her students to connect to the piano technically, musically and physically.  She is fun and engaging but firm.  She expects her students to dedicate time to practicing in order to be successful.  To support this, Mrs. Hickey shares practice tips with students and parents to make practicing easier, which in turn can help motivate students.  She focuses on refining quality of tone, developing proficient technique and fostering musical expression while teaching basic music theory.  Mrs. Hickey encourages solo and collaborative performance opportunities.

Mrs. Hickey believes education is a lifelong process, that all students have individual talent, and that the role of the teacher is not just to impart knowledge, but to serve as a mentor.  Mrs. Hickey is grateful that she is able to combine both of her passions, music and teaching, as part of
her daily life.  Music strengthens the mind, lifts the spirit, and improves communities.  It is essential for the well-being of children, adolescents and adults.

Mrs. Hickey lives in Minnetonka with her husband Steve and her only child, Oliver.  She is also a foster parent for numerous dogs and volunteers for an animal rescue in Minneapolis.