Gabrielle Tee

Bio

Gabrielle Tee, music instructor and ensemble leader, has a passion for creating and teaching music. She started piano lessons at age 6, and began composing original songs at age 10. While her peers were playing dress-up, she was playing ‘piano teacher,’ and would recruit any willing family member and friends to be her students. She officially began teaching piano lessons at age 16, ran an independent music studio for 5 years in Kansas City, and has taught at Asheville Music School since 2010. She typically sees 40 students a week, ages 6 to 60, all with unique interests and goals. Her ultimate goal is that each student will leave lessons inspired to practice, and be given the tools to be successful and truly enjoy creating music.

In the vibrant jazz scene of Kansas City, she honed her jazz arrangement and composition skills, and has recorded several albums, including two full-length solo projects, “Try Me” and “Find My Way.” In 2017, Gabrielle completed her BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Music at UNC Asheville.  Passionate about learning and growing as a musician, she earned her master’s degree in jazz studies in 2020. Throughout all these experiences, she strives to inspire her students by including them in recordings, performances, presentations, and college visit days.

LESSONS WITH GABRIELLE

I will work with each student to understand their unique interests, needs, and motivation. I bring my love for composing, arranging, theory, and music history into every lesson. I especially enjoy working with students who are interested in contemporary music styles such as pop, rock, and jazz. I also have many years experience serving as a mentor for music-related graduation projects. Helping teenagers and young adults prepare for college auditions and theory tests is a challenge I greatly enjoy!

A typical lesson includes learning a student’s favorite song, while incorporating theory and technique to reinforce concepts from their traditional repertoire. I empower students by helping them set meaningful goals and celebrate all milestones with great joy- be it a performance in a talent show, or the first song they’ve memorized. My ultimate goal is that each student will leave lessons inspired to practice, and be given the tools to be successful and truly enjoy creating music.

Testimonials

“Gabrielle is probably one of the best and nicest piano teachers anyone could ever have.  Every time my mom takes me for lessons I feel all happy and excited.  She’s taught me so much, and whenever I get a compliment from her, I feel more and more happiness coming into my life.  It feels good to be taught by her”

– Eli, age 12

“Whenever I feel sad, music cheers me up. I play my favorite song and it brightens my day.  You’re the person who brought this talent into my eyes. From learning the keys to recording a song, you have helped me achieve my goals and believe in myself”

– Aislinn, age 11

“Gabrielle is a fantastic teacher that has not only given Aislinn the gift of learning music, but has also given her the gift of someone who believes in her, someone who cares about her, hears her and encourages her to use her own voice. She is a wonderful teacher, role model and person, who is not afraid to show the students how much she believes in them.”

– Rachel

“You taught me not only how to play, but to love music.  I also learned to go for my dreams, do what I love, and be myself”

– Grace, age 13

“Gabrielle works hard and goes above and beyond expectations.  She is a patient, knowledgeable and fun instructor, but she also makes sure the work gets done.  My daughter, Grace, has gained confidence in knowing that she is unique because she is a musician.Gabrielle truly delights in kids making music and having fun doing it.”

– Alicia

“I Love Piano Lessons!”

– Cameron, age 5

“I love having you as my teacher and am so grateful for you to have gotten me this far! I love that you love piano so much and I’m glad to be your student!”

Lily, age 12