FunKey Music Piano Academy is a vibrant piano education program designed to make learning music fun, engaging, and effective for young students. Through a blend of traditional piano instruction, innovative teaching methods, and modern technology, the academy encourages creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Project goals and mission
The mission of FunKey Music Piano Academy is to inspire the next generation of musicians by:
- Providing an engaging and supportive learning environment for young students.
- Integrating technology and creative activities into piano lessons to make learning enjoyable.
- Empowering piano teachers with innovative resources and tools.
- Cultivating a love for music and performance in children from an early age.
By combining fun with effective teaching techniques, FunKey Music Piano Academy aims to nurture well-rounded musicians.
About the teacher
The academy is led by Heather Nanney, a passionate and experienced piano educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She believes in combining traditional techniques with creative strategies to bring out the best in every student. With a commitment to making piano lessons enjoyable and impactful, the teacher integrates interactive tools like games, apps, and hands-on activities into every session. Their dedication to encouraging both skill and imagination ensures that students thrive in a positive and dynamic environment.
Courses and resources
Discover the wide array of programs and tools offered by FunKey Music Piano Academy, designed to inspire creativity and encourage musical growth.
Piano lessons
Offering private, group, and preschool classes, the academy caters to a wide range of young learners. Each lesson incorporates flashcards, games, and digital tools to keep students engaged and excited about music.
Technology Lab
Equipped with cutting-edge educational software and apps such as Piano Maestro, GarageBand, and My Note Games, the technology lab reinforces musical concepts through interactive activities.
Workshops and clinics
From summer workshops on technique and improvisation to unique events like the “Science of Sound” and “Careers in Music,” students have access to immersive learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.
Performance opportunities
Students are encouraged to showcase their skills through recitals and annual trips to local theaters, where they can experience live musical productions and even take backstage tours.
Teacher resources
For educators, the academy provides valuable tools, including free printable resources, lesson ideas, and studio activities designed to inspire creativity and enhance teaching effectiveness. Additionally, resources are available to support piano parents, offering guidance on how to support their child’s musical journey at home.
Testimonials
Our daughter Lily has been taking piano lessons with Heather at FunKey Music Piano Academy. Heather has my daughter hooked on piano! She has made so much progress in the last two years. Heather makes piano practice fun. We drive 30 minutes to her lessons and would gladly drive even further.Cindy S.
My 12-year-old son has been taking piano lessons from Heather for five years. She has not only taught him the fundamentals and theory of piano, but she has also instilled in him a love for music. He has performed in front of numerous audiences, competed in the Mid-America Music Association Festival, and played with a real band arranged by Heather. Her teaching technique is gentle yet encourages her students to push themselves and try new things, such as singing along or performing duets. Her extraordinary talents on the piano make her a joy to listen to and a wonderful example for her students.Karen V.
FunKey Music Piano Academy is a fantastic place to learn how to play the piano well. My eleven-year-old daughter, Jaida, began her lessons in 2013 and has continued to progress beautifully. She quickly learned how to read music, understand theory, and play with confidence. All of this is because her instructor brings out the best qualities in her students. Heather is organized, patient, and encouraging, always complimenting Jaida as she works on new skills during her weekly practice. I can’t say enough great things about Heather and FunKey Academy. We have enjoyed the many opportunities for our daughter to showcase her learning at spring, Halloween, and Veterans’ recitals, as well as her ability to compete in the MAMA Festival this past summer. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to have Heather teach our daughter.Rachael B.
Both of our children have been taking lessons with Heather for the last several years… and they LOVE IT! Heather has a great musical background and is able to work with kids of all ability levels. Students are constantly learning new and challenging music as they progress through their lessons. To keep it fun, Heather is constantly organizing recitals for her students to perform new music. These recitals always have a theme. Students are always allowed to pick the music they want to learn. Picking their own music gives her students ownership and keeps learning new music interesting. Heather is great with her students. She is very positive and is continuously challenging them to do their best. Our children truly enjoy the weekly lessons with Heather. Both have grown tremendously while taking piano lessons with her over the last few years. We would highly recommend Heather to anyone looking to either begin or continue piano lessons.Ed & Jennifer D.
Heather Nanney is a wonderful example of a professional piano teacher. She is continually improving her own skills and honing her teaching style. In addition to the traditional side-by-side teaching, she successfully engages her students through games, group lessons, and guest lecturers. Her exemplary patience and use of positive reinforcement reaches even the most challenging children. She gives her students the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues – from informally playing at nursing homes, to more structured concerts for family and friends, and if the students choose to they can perform at the Mid-America Music Association Festival. Heather currently teaches five of our children and over the last three years they have progressed measurably. We have been very pleased to learn from her, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to students of any age with a desire to learn the piano.Rachel M.
My oldest son started taking piano lessons when he was in first grade. He went through three different teachers until the 5th grade when we finally found Heather. Now, my oldest is in eighth grade, and I have three children who study with Heather. In those three years, they have all made so much progress. When I was a young piano student, I dreaded lesson day like a sinner dreads the judgment. My children look forward to lessons – Heather always has a fun game or a fun reward in her bag for the kids. She motivates with her sparkly personality, enthusiasm for music, and amazing talent on the piano. She is so patient with the kids and really knows how to teach music, not just how to play it. She can explain complex music theory concepts so the kids can understand them. Heather also takes time to find songs that the kids like to play. Right now, my fourth-grade son is playing the James Bond theme and still regularly plays the theme from Rocky that he learned last year, he loves it so much. Heather also provides many opportunities for students to play in front of an audience – my children have played for older people in nursing homes, for judges in competition, for parents and friends at recitals, for customers in restaurants, and of course, for other students in her group lesson settings. We couldn’t be happier that we found Heather and FunKey Piano Academy!Erin R.
Stay inspired and tuned
FunKey Music Piano Academy is more than just a place to learn piano – it’s a community dedicated to nurturing the musical potential of young students. We are proud to host this project on our site to support and promote innovative music education. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops, programs, and resources.
To learn more or join the academy, subscribe to Pianist’s Compass newsletter or reach out directly to Heather Nanney for lessons and updates. Discover how fun and creativity can transform music education for your child.
