Piano Lessons

Experience has taught us that every student is different. Each one deserves piano lessons created around his or her skill level, learning style, future goals, and musical interests.

At Susanna Valleau’s studio, students begin with the basics and receive a well-rounded musical education – from how to sit and position their hands, to sight-reading, to a little music theory to put it all together. Within two to six months, students master enough of the fundamentals to help choose their musical repertoire for future lessons.

Through it all, we mix in some fun — relevant games and learning incentives, even occasional music outings — to keep our students engaged. (For additional details, click on one of the sections below.)

Lessons for Children, Ages 5 and Up

• Schedule: Weekly lessons are available in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions.
• Curriculum: Initial lessons follow a specific lesson plan centered on playing an actual song or piece of music, beginning with the first lesson. Once students have the fundamentals down, lessons become more customized and a student’s tastes influence music selections.
• Incentives: Whenever possible, we try to make time for a music game or learning challenge to help students hone a specific skill. If a student needs additional motivation, we may develop a more systematic, goal-oriented incentive program, such as Memory Club, with rewards for successful completion.
• At-home Practice: Before leaving each lesson, we discuss and write down what the student should work on that week, as well as the best way to practice it.

Lessons for Adults

• Schedule: Weekly lessons are available in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions.
• Curriculum: Lesson plans are designed around the musical background and goals of each adult. They might, for example, want the discipline of lessons to re-ignite their piano playing; they may currently play piano but hope to improve their technique; or they may have no prior musical training.
• Incentives: As with younger students, we make a point of introducing interesting learning incentives to vary and enliven lessons.

Visit Organ Lessons for information about learning to play the organ.