About
Beethoven's Apprentice Piano Academy
"To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable." Ludwig Van Beethoven
Beethoven's Apprentice is a boutique-style piano school located in Lincoln, Nebraska! Individuals have different goals when they sign up for lessons. Some strive to become very accomplished pianists. Others rarely practice, but they enjoy the lessons and learning new pieces. At Beethoven's Apprentice, we encourage creative individuals to achieve the highest level of success and reach their goals! Our students thrive while learning correct technique, music in all different genres, theory, and have fun performance opportunities (take a peek at our RECITALS page)!
Sherri Dawson
Sherri is the founder, administrator and head instructor at Beethoven's Apprentice. She is a classically trained pianist, having studied at Schubert Conservatory of Music in Parana, Brazil and earned her BA in Music Education at Asbury University. Sherri has experience teaching in both public and private schools, and opened the doors to Beethoven's Apprentice in 2012!
Joseph Fick
Joseph, the oldest of five Fick brothers, is an accomplished pianist, having studied under Sherri Dawson since he was young. Joseph is very skilled at grand pieces such as,“One Winged Angel” by Nobuo Uematsu which is one of his favorites he has performed. He is a junior at UNL and is majoring in Emerging Media Arts with a minor in Music. Joseph’s witty humor is endearing and he is a great addition as an Apprentice Teacher!
Caiden Henton
Caiden is a highschool junior at College View Academy. She was selected for an apprenticeship due to her dedication to excellence in piano, her fun & sweet personality, her character, and her commitment to the fine arts. These qualities make her a great addition to Beethoven's Apprentice group of Apprentices.
Evan Ngo
Evan started his apprenticeship Summer of 2025. He is a dedicated pianist and theory wiz. Evan attends East High School and is very excited about his new role.
Vianney Boever
Vianney Boever also began her apprenticeship Summer of 2025. Vianney was invited to become an apprentice because of her joyful spirit, kindness, and dedication to her piano studies. She is a very talented pianist and is one of the many Boever siblings who take lessons with Mrs. Dawson. Vianney is a High School junior and is homeschooled.
Dameer Gustafson
Dameer, a gifted pianist & violinist, is a Substitute Apprentice at Beethoven's Apprentice! Dameer is a graduate of Glenn Korff School of Music at UNL with a BA in Music Education. Dameer was a piano student under Sherri Dawson for 11 years and apprenticed for 6 years.
Elijah Fick
Elijah loves being challenged and his dedication to practice as well as natural talent has made him an exceptional pianist. Two of Elijah’s favorite performance pieces so far are a rendition of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Liszt’s “La Campanella.” Elijah has been taking lessons from Sherri Dawson since age 7 and is enjoying being a Apprentice Substitute Teacher! Elijah is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln campus, majoring in Pre-Med & Business.
