PIANO

• Can my preschooler begin piano lessons?

We begin lessons with students as young as three years old! The youngest students begin with the Wunderkeys curriculum which gives students the chance to learn musical and math concepts at the piano! Students who can recognizes numbers 1-5 and letters A-G may be ready to begin the My First Piano Adventures Curriculum which uses fun songs and games to teach beginning piano technique, and students usually learn to play something fun at the first lesson!
*Also check out our Intro to Piano class for ages 4-6 for a lower cost alternative to private lessons!

• What curriculum do you use?

The curriculum varies from teacher to teacher and student to student, but some favorite methods that we use are Alfred’s, Alfred’s Prep Course, Piano Adventures, My First Piano Adventures, and Piano Pronto. Students often use supplementary books for classical studies and for jazz or pop music that they wish to learn. All lessons are customized to a student’s needs and interests! Most of our students also do the Pittsburgh Piano Teacher’s Association STAR Evaluations curriculum for Performance and Theory.

• What are the STAR Evaluations?

STAR Evaluations are a program run by the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association. Students learn theory, scales and performance repertoire for their level, and then they attend the event the first Sunday in May and play everything that they have prepared for a judge and earn a score. Students can earn certificates with bronze, silver, or gold seals based on their score. The highest scoring students in each level are invited to participate in an honor’s recital.

• Can we begin lessons with a keyboard?

Absolutely! Beginner students can begin with a keyboard at home to practice on. There are a few requirements for an entry level keyboard. The keyboard should have full sized keys, and the keyboard should be touch sensitive. The keyboard should be on a stand so that it is at the proper height as well. We can help you to select a keyboard, electric piano, or acoustic piano. We even do offer three electric pianos in the $500-$1000 range. If you are interested in purchasing an electric piano through us, just let
us know!

• Do you offer daytime lessons for homeschoolers and adults?

We do! We would be happy to work with you to schedule a lesson time that works best for your schedule! For Homeschoolers we also offer a daytime Intro to Piano class!

• Are there any other costs associated with lessons?

Tuition prices are posted on our website, and we do not charge any registration fees. Books, recitals, accessories, instrument, and instrument up keep are costs to keep in mind as you plan your music budget!

• Do you have recitals?

Yes! We encourage students to perform as much as possible, and we offer several opportunities to perform throughout the year. Check our upcoming events for details. At our spring recital, we give a medal to new students. Students then receive a pin for each of their performances throughout the year to add to the ribbon of their medal! We encourage students to fill up those ribbons by the time they graduate!

• Do you offer audition prep?

Absolutely! Let us help you prepare for your big audition! Be sure to bring all of your requirements with you to lessons, and our teachers will customize lessons to prepare for that big day!

• How long am I committed to lessons?

Tuition is due for the month in advance. While we highly recommend that you stick with lessons long term, commitment is just on a monthly basis.

• Can I pay online?

Yes! For your convenience, our invoices will be sent out automatically at the end of each month, and you can just click the link to pay online!