Do I take a class, an individual lesson, or both?
All students begin with a small group piano class. Classes last one hour. A parent or accompanying adult needs to be on the premises for the duration of the class.
As students mature, they may add an individual private lesson once they reach 2nd grade, with a minimum of 3 years of piano classes. Individual lessons come with a commitment to regular attendance and practice at home.
Middle and high school students may opt to take class + private lesson or a 1-hour private lesson. More information below.
What happens in the lessons?
Classes include activities in musicianship, music literacy, piano technique, keyboard skills, creativity/improvisation, and learning piano pieces.
How much do piano classes cost?
The tuition rates are determined based on a full school-year calendar of 30 weekly lessons. Some months have lessons every week and some months may have fewer. Monthly tuition has accounted for the unbalance in the number of lessons given each month and tuition is set at $160/month no matter how many lessons are given that month.
Monthly Plan
$160/month for 10 months. $1,600 annually
Semester Plan
$775/semester for 2 semesters. $1,550 annually ($50 annual savings)
Annual Plan
$1,500/year. $1,500 annually ($100 annual savings)
How much do individual private lessons cost?
These lessons are for students in 2nd grade and up, who have taken a minimum of three years of piano classes. The following rates are for 30-minute private lessons and are in addition to the required class tuition. Middle and high school students may take a 1-hour lesson (double the tuition rate below for 1-hour).
Monthly Plan
$100/month for 10 months. $1,000 annually
Semester Plan
$475/semester for 2 semesters. $950 annually ($50 annual savings)
Annual Plan
$900/year. $900 annually ($100 annual savings)
What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers all classes/lessons, studio recitals, supplemental repertoire, technology, materials, administrative & lesson planning time, and so much more. The following document is a more complete list of what tuition covers:
What are the other fees?
A once per year registration and books/materials fee: $50/year.
Playing event (participation is optional) registration fees: $15/event.
What happens if I miss a class or lesson?
All makeup lessons are taken care of in the summer during June and July. Makeup lessons are capped 3. If you miss more than 3, you forfeit those classes/lessons without refund.
If the teacher needs to cancel anything due to illness, one of the “flex” weeks will be used to make up the class.
Do we take lessons during the summer?
The piano calendar is based on a 10-month schedule with 30 lessons over the course of the year. (See the piano calendar.) June and July are not required, but “a la carte” summer lessons are available on a pay-per-lesson tuition plan.
Any missed lessons not made up during the regular year (up to 4), but can be made up during the summer break, which begins mid-May.
Why do you only take students under 7?
I’ve been teaching piano for many years and have had opportunities to teach in a large variety of settings from private lessons to group classes to high-tech piano labs at the university level. I have learned that I am meant for early childhood music, I am meant to start as a musical guide and, over time, develop mutual trust and respect so that I can successfully bring children into formal music study and continue to guide them to more advanced learning and playing.
All the research, and my personal experience, have shown me how important these early years are for creating neural pathways that support music learning. These early years are also an important time to develop the teacher/student bonds that support a lifetime of more serious music study that may come later.
Do you continue teaching students after they turn 7?
Oh yes! I teach students of all levels. I don’t exclusively teach children age 4-6, but I do want them to START informal guidance lessons at age 4-6. As long as students are enjoying music study and are able to continue lessons, I will keep guiding them towards more advancing repertoire, keyboard skills, and audiation development.