By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

Wilsonville – Shelby County resident and experienced pianist Ellen Tweiten is now offering lessons in the Wilsonville area for individuals of all levels and ages.

Tweiten is a graduate of the University of Michigan and did post graduate studies at the University of Texas. Twieten received degrees in piano performance and was a pianist with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for 16 years.

Tweiten also studied piano at the renowned Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Most recently she has taught at Birmingham-Southern College.

According to Tweiten, she has taught everyone from advanced level pianists to children who have gone from beginning levels to becoming piano majors in college.

All musical styles are an option for pupils but Tweiten said classical is a requirement. “If you can play classical, you can play anything,” she said.

Tweiten believes piano lessons offer much different benefits than other hobbies. “Piano develops more discipline when compared to other passive endeavors. It simulates the brain and it’s a great educational tool,” Tweiten said.