Testimonials from Parents

From Jamie Stott (Daughter's name: Madison)

Madison was a shy, quiet kid who played viola in orchestra. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she decided to joined the Unami theater program in Middle School where she started in the Ensamble in 7th grade and in 9th grade received a lead role in that years show. To prepare for that role she worked directly with Mr. Beal. 

As she entered high school she wanted to take piano lessons. Having worked with Mr. Beal previously, we reached out to see if he would be available for private piano lessons. He responded and they began virtual lessons once a week.  On Zoom video, Mr. Beal not only taught by working through the piano books, but helped her picked songs that she really wanted to learn. They eventually started working on playing the pieces on the piano and singing them as well. Still nervous and shy, Mr. Beal worked with her on a piece that she sang and played for his winter concert. She participated in one concert virtually and another by playing in person. 

As she continued lessons, their conversations opened up into discussions about her love for music and her thoughts of pursuing music as a career. Mr. Beal always fostered these conversations and had a huge hand in helping her as she made her decision to pursue music education in college.

On that journey, Mr. Beal once again held a paramount role in helping her with audition prep for college auditions (even as a student with a focus in strings/viola), discussions about music theory and aural skills, mock education lessons and sharing ideas as musicians and colleagues.

Lessons with Mr. Beal have had a huge impact in helping Madison unlock her love of everything music and her potential as a musician. By creating a close personal connection he has not only given her the fundamentals and skills of piano/singing but also giving her valuable advice, provided inspiration, and prepared her for her future as a musician and educator.  We can’t thank him enough. 

From Tricia Chambley (Son's name: Finn)

How has working with Mr. Beal helped your son on his journey as a musician and a person? 

Since Finn began working with Mr. Beal, I’ve seen tremendous growth not only in his musical abilities but also in his confidence as a person. As a teacher myself, I deeply appreciate Mr. Beal’s thoughtful, supportive, and highly effective teaching style. He has given Finn the tools to take ownership of his own musicianship—he no longer just plays or sings what’s on the page; he understands it, interprets it, and makes it his own. Beyond the music, Mr. Beal has been a trusted mentor and sounding board, encouraging Finn to push himself while also providing the kind of support that helps a young person believe in their own abilities. 

How impactful has it been for Finn that he could work with Mr. Beal on voice, guitar, music theory, and songwriting lessons all with one teacher?

The flexibility of being able to take voice, guitar, songwriting and music theory lessons all with the same teacher has been incredibly impactful for Finn. It means his learning is interconnected—skills in one area naturally complement the others. Mr. Beal understands Finn’s strengths, challenges, and goals across all disciplines, which allows him to customize lessons in a way that keeps Finn engaged, challenged, and inspired. This variety has kept Finn’s enthusiasm for music alive and growing.

What would you share with other people that are thinking about working with Mr. Beal as an online music instructor? 

If you are considering working with Mr. Beal, I can’t recommend him highly enough. He is not just a skilled musician and teacher—he is a mentor who truly invests in his students as whole people. As someone who works in education, I recognize how rare it is to find a teacher who can balance structure and creativity so well, adapting lessons to meet a student where they are while still inspiring them to reach higher.

How can this new program help your son have a more impactful and transformative music education experience? 

I believe Finn will thrive in Mr. Beal’s new program. The combination of a weekly group virtual lesson and a monthly private one-on-one lesson is the best of both worlds. The group setting gives Finn the chance to perform for other students, share his own music, and be inspired by his peers. It also builds accountability—students are motivated to come prepared because they know they’ll be sharing their progress. Then, the private lesson each month allows Mr. Beal to meet Finn exactly where he is, work on his specific needs, and guide his individual growth. I think this format will deepen Finn’s understanding of music and expand his creativity even further.

What do you see as the strengths or benefits of the new program Mr. Beal is offering to his current students, and eventually, students from anywhere? 

One of the greatest strengths of Mr. Beal’s new program is that it blends flexibility with a clear sense of direction. Students can explore multiple areas of music while benefiting from both the community of a group lesson and the personal attention of a private session. Performing for peers builds confidence, sharing original music fosters creativity, and regular check-ins create accountability. For current students, it’s an opportunity to grow in ways they might not have imagined. For new students—no matter where they live—it’s a chance to have a comprehensive, personalized, and inspiring music education experience from someone who truly cares about their growth.

Testimonials from Students

From Tyler Patasnick (Student of mine for 10 years!)

Working with Mr. Beal over the years has been such an important part of both my musical growth and my personal growth. I remember how much he always encouraged me to push myself, but in a way that felt supportive rather than overwhelming. He helped me develop not just as a pianist and gutarist, but also as a musician who could really understand the why behind the music.

One of the things that made lessons with him so unique was how flexible they were. Some weeks I’d be working on piano, others on gutair, and sometimes we’d dive into theory or prep for auditions.. I never felt like I had to choose just one path  I could explore everything.

If someone is considering working with Mr. Beal, I would say without hesitation that you will be supported, challenged, and inspired. He has a rare ability to meet you where you are and give you exactly what you need, whether that’s technical coaching, confidence-building, or just reminding you why you love music in the first place.

Looking at his new program, Having weekly check-ins and the group component would have helped me stay even more connected and accountable, while still having the one-on-one time to focus on personal goals. It really combines the best of both worlds individual attention and community support.

I think the biggest strength of the new program is how much consistency and connection it provides. Instead of waiting for the next lesson, students can feel engaged every week and build relationships with other musicians. That kind of environment is so valuable, and I know it will be a huge benefit not only for his current students but also for anyone joining in from anywhere.