At Sykes Online Piano Studio, our specialty is popular piano:  rock, jazz, and blues styles. Learn chord theory 
and improvisation, plus stylistic tips to make you sound like the pros.  Music theory is strongly emphasized; 
pop songs offer practical applications of music theory.  

All beginners, ages 8 through adult, are welcome. You will receive a solid grounding in technique and all the 
basics.  

Become a keyboardist capable to thriving in a variety of settings: church band or neighborhood rock band, 
choir accompanist, family song leader, club jazz combo, composer via your computer. Or play simply for your 
own personal enjoyment.  

Online learning is effective and convenient.  All you need is a tablet or laptop (or even a smartphone).

Sykes Piano Studio offers annual recitals, plus opportunities to participate in contests and achievement 
exams  sponsored by Minnesota Music Teachers Association.

Cheri earned her B.A. in classical piano from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her 
master's work at Emory University in Atlanta further deepened her knowledge of music 
history and performance practice.  Cheri has studied jazz piano with Laura Caviani of 
Minneapolis, Sean Turner at the McNally School of Music in St. Paul, and Ted Howe 
in Atlanta.  She is Master Certified with the Minnesota Music Teachers' Association 
(MMTA), where she helped produce the ground-breaking Popular Styles Exam Syllabus.

Cheri has received statewide air-play performing Bach on Minnesota Public Radio.  At 
the other end of the spectrum, her funk-jazz performing group Wild Honey 
(www.wildhoneyandthelocusts.com)., with Cheri as leader and arranger, has been 
featured on KBEM Jazz 88 FM's program, "Jazz and the Spirit," as well as KARE-11 
television's morning program, "Minnesota Showcase."  

Cheri actively performs solo jazz piano and rock keyboard for private parties.  She also 
offers educational programs to seniors on historical jazz piano (ragtime, 
stride, blues, and boogie-woogie). Finally, she is a longtime church music director, 
specializing in organ and leader of contemporary worship.