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Eliminate Practice Battles. Start Seeing Real Progress.

An accelerated program for students who want to learn faster—powered by strong reading skills, structured lessons, and built-in motivation.
Serving Virginia music students since 2005. Lessons for ages 6 through Adult; all levels.
​At The Music Studio, we understand the struggles of conventional methods, interest that quickly fades, and the fear of dealing with the "practice battle" at home. That's why we offer a revolutionary approach focused on independent learning, having fun through music, and music-reading fluency. Our program is designed so that students won't become frustrated and give up; instead, they experience fast and thorough progress, even faster than private one-on-one lessons.

Struggling with Practice?
Worried Your Child Won't Like Lessons?

The Musical Journey

​Learning the Language of Music
Though every student's reason for seeking lessons is unique, learning to play a musical instrument is a journey. Your child has embarked on a quest to learn another language - the language of music. To become truly fluent, a good deal of reading, writing, listening, theory, practice, and performing is needed. Progress isn't always linear. Like watching the stock market, their learning will be a series of peaks and valleys, and when the valleys hit, given time and patience, progress will again trend upward. Becoming musically fluent is great fun, and can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and sharing with others. But, as with anything worth achieving, playing a musical instrument takes some effort, and most especially...time.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Every Musical Path is Different
We don't yet know exactly what the path looks like for your child on their musical journey, but we're here to give them the tools and confidence they'll need for unlimited growth and lasting enjoyment of music. We're also here to make it easy! Our lesson format is carefully designed so students are unaware they're innately absorbing this amazing language, and simultaneously developing countless other valuable life skills.

Their Pace is the Best Pace
At The Music Studio, there's never pressure for a student to move into another group or level, but we do communicate and work closely with parents and students to guide them into the best possible learning situation for growth and success -- and, of course, fun! As your child progresses, there are opportunities to help keep them moving upward and excited for new challenges.

Here's What We Offer:

The Accelerated Program, for Independent Learning & Sightreading
This is our 60-minute weekly piano-based lesson program, where all students begin! They're reading and playing music from the moment they sit down at the first lesson. Teachers carefully guide students forward through their lesson books in a way that promotes independence, high practice standards, and ownership of the learning process. Students are asked to "practice" a song until they feel they have it mastered, at which point they signal the teacher to evaluate and "pass" them to the next assignment. Continuous playing is encouraged the entire session, and songs must be played correctly (and checked) in order to move forward. From an outside perspective, lessons look much like a practice "lab"; however, there is constant conscious and subconscious instruction taking place, and all students are closely monitored for progress and have access to a teacher as much as they need during the hour.
The Advanced Program, for Exploring more Challenging Repertoire
Students in the Advanced Program attend two 60-minute lessons per week. There is a continuing emphasis on sightreading, but students have progressed to a reading level where we introduce short to medium-length classical works of the minor and major composers. At this level, we encourage students memorize and maintain a repertoire list, and consider performing in musical events.
​Private Instruction, for all Instruments
Our Private Instruction Program combines the Accelerated Program (mandatory) with an additional 30-minute weekly one-to-one instructional session. Continuation in the Accelerated Program ensures sightreading skills continue to improve through advanced levels, while more challenging performance repertoire, technique, music theory, and performance skills are polished during the 30-minute private sessions. Students at this level should have completed the first 4 levels of their lesson books and are typically interested in being more immersed in their music, or want to pursue music at a competitive or collegiate level.
The Ensemble Program, for Piano, Strings, & Percussion Instruments
We offer three different small ensemble or "chamber music" opportunities at The Music Studio. Our Piano Orchestra, String Chamber Ensemble, and Percussion Instrument Ensemble, are open to students ages 7 through Adult who have had at least one full year of instruction or prior playing background. The Ensemble Program is open to both current and non-current students who are interested in a more social musical experience, and enjoy the challenge of playing and performing with others. Rehearsals are separate from regular (Accelerated) lessons. The groups perform in several events throughout the year, to include studio recitals.
Our Proven Accelerated Approach: Piano First, Music Fluency Forever
​✔ Students progress through books twice as fast
✔ Build strong sight-reading and theory foundations
✔ Learn independently — no “hovering parent” required
✔ Stay in lessons longer, grow confidence faster
  • Semi-private/small group Piano Instruction for beginning through advanced levels, ages 6 to 18​
  • Longer, 60-minute weekly lessons
  • Practice is built into the lesson to eliminate practice problems and struggling at home​
  • Students move at their perfect pace
  • Students move through their lesson books in half the time they would with traditional private instruction
  • Sight reading becomes easy and natural
  • Home practice is virtually eliminated, as most of the practice is accomplished during the lesson
  • ​Recitals!
Our group piano program is the core of musical fluency for students at the Beginning through Intermediate levels; with Private Lessons available later (advanced levels) to build repertoire and performance skills — on piano or any of our other instruments.
Step by Step, How it Works
1. Try a Free Class
Join in on one of our Accelerated Piano Classes to sample how the program works first-hand. And, if you're interested in trying one of the other instruments we offer, we'll set up your session so you can try both!

2. Start Your Musical Journey With Accelerated Group Piano
Learn the language of music the smart way.  Piano is without dispute the best instrument on which to begin learning how to read music, becoming familiar with musical patterns and rhythms, and for coordination. We highly recommend that beginning through intermediate level students enroll in the Accelerated Piano Program until they successfully complete their lesson book series. Accelerated Piano Classes are 60 minutes weekly.

3. Add On a Private Lesson (Optional)
Although our Accelerated Piano Program is beneficial to students of any level (even advanced), once they've completed their method book series successfully, students are eligible to enroll in private one-on-one sessions of any instrument.  Private lessons are offered weekly for 30 or 45 minutes.
Why Take Piano First?...And, Why Group?
Piano is the best foundation for music — it teaches reading in both clefs, develops coordination between brain, hands (and feet), and builds a strong understanding of rhythm, theory, and melody. Students who start with piano progress faster and become more fluent musicians, no matter what instrument they choose later.
OK, but why GROUP?  ​In our 60-minute group classes, students move through a large volume of music each week — allowing them to develop strong sightreading skills right from the start. This approach helps students progress at twice the rate of private instruction, while learning more thoroughly. They don’t just play music — they learn to read fluently, set practice standards for themselves, and become confident, independent musicians who rely on the music rather than constant teacher direction. Not only is it the most effective way to begin any musical journey, these crucial foundational skills can ONLY be accomplished in a group setting. Keep reading!!
Understanding Sightreading & Practice
Sightreading, or Sight "Playing", is the ability to pick up a new piece of music and play it fluently on the first try. It's a crucial skill that requires continuous development and exposure to new music because, by definition, you can only sightread a piece once.
​
Practice is the repetition of familiar music. Practice is what happens after Sightreading.
The majority of parents enrolling their children in music lessons expect and accept that practice is part of the deal.  And, they are partly correct...practice is a necessary element in the study of music. Sightreading, however, is usually overlooked and avoided.  It's a skill that most think will develop naturally after many years of lessons, or that comes instinctively to "gifted" students, but will be a struggle for the majority.  

When it comes to "practice v. sightreading", practice is actually the skill that's more readily embraced and supported, since it's mentally easier to return to a song that is familiar than it is to begin a new one. Adding to that, sightreading is difficult to maintain and monitor, so traditional one-on-one private lessons naturally sway toward prioritizing practice-based learning over sightreading.  When learning is heavily dependent on practice, any signs of insufficient progress or diminishing interest are quickly blamed on the student: "They just aren't practicing enough at home!"

But, lack of progress, frustration, boredom, and home practice battles are not the fault of the student.
Music Reading Fluency: Balancing Sightreading & Practice
Practice and Sightreading are distinctly separate skills that must be developed simultaneously, equally, and continuously for a student to become musically fluent.  They must also be balanced, because emphasis on one will deteriorate the other.

At The Music Studio, with over 30 years of teaching experience, we understand the importance of balancing sightreading and practice. The unique structure of our 60-minute Accelerated Piano Classes ensure that students spend the needed amount of time sightreading a variety of pieces, but also practicing their favorites.
We welcome the chance to show you our program and how our tailored lessons guarantee personalized attention, catering to each student's unique learning style and pace.  Your child will be able to confidently begin and play songs on their own, without dependence on someone to first show them!  And, most importantly, they'll be able to read music!  Whether you or your child have had a negative experience with music lessons in the past, or are eager to start a new musical journey, The Music Studio provides a solution for continuous growth and enjoyment, ensuring a lifelong love for music.
Book A Complimentary Tryout!
Explore All Instruments:
What People Are Saying About The Music Studio
"No matter what age you are, you can learn to play the piano at the Music Studio.  A very pleasant atmosphere plus Susan is amazingly patient and accommodating.  Susan Flinn makes learning piano an absolute joy!  Her dedication and expertise help me progress steadily, and her love for music is contagious.  If you are seeking a piano teacher who truly cares about your growth look no further.  Susan Flinn is that teacher and the place to find her is The Music Studio Virginia Beach."
- Violet W. (Nov. 2024)
"L had a great make-up lesson! Thank you so much. It’s so nice to be able to schedule a make-up lesson when conflicts arise. She loves her lessons and feels like she’s making progress."
-Kathryn P. (Jun. 2024)
"I simply cannot put into words how much my girls are absolutely LOVING the lessons. The gentle but challenging approach is exactly what they needed/wanted....They are seriously enjoying it so much and it feels so FUN to them. They are practicing soooo much every single day because it’s so fun. Cannot thank you enough for everything. It is the PERFECT fit for us. So so so thankful we found you."
-Heather S. (Oct. 2023)
"M. is really enjoying her lessons with you. She is more inspired by the few lessons thus far to want to learn more! I truly am appreciative of your time spent with her! She is finally enjoying piano again, which is so exciting for me to see!"
​- R.T. (Sept. 2023)
"Look no further because you will not find another music instruction company as fantastic and as dedicated as The Music Studio!! My son is now 18 years old and started taking piano lessons at TMS when he was six years old. He was recently accepted into the college of his choice to major in music and has received multiple, competitive music scholarships totaling tens of thousands of dollars!! The incredible patience, knowledge, experience, instruction, and dedication of the music teachers at TMS are unparalleled and I will be forever so grateful for their attention to my son’s music education which has provided him with such excellent piano skills and techniques to help him achieve his dreams. Thank you everyone at TMS!! :)" -Patty L. (Mar. 2023)

"I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you to you...I was able to hear Emily in her piano lesson yesterday and I was so happy to hear her progress with her lessons.  We are thrilled that the investment we made in getting her a new electronic piano has truly benefited her so much. Thank you also for stressing the fundamentals of music as well. It brings us joy to hear her play and see her enthusiasm when she gets to work on a new song."
- Erin (Jan. 2021)

The best instructors!

Our teaching staff comprises highly qualified professionals who possess extensive teaching and performing experience in many instruments. They are dedicated to providing top-notch music education to their students, and teaching is their primary profession, not just a side gig. Our instructors' passion for music education is evident in the personalized attention and tailored lesson plans they provide, helping each student develop a strong foundation in music theory, sight-reading, and performance skills.

What's the best age to start Piano Lessons?

​It's never too early, or too late, to expose your children to music. But, how do you know when they're ready for formal lessons, and will do well? Here are some signs to help guide you.

What's a lesson like?

​​Take the mystery and anxiety out of starting lessons for the first time. Here's a glimpse into what goes on during a typical lesson, and how to take the next step.

Do you offer Adult Piano Lessons?

Indeed we do!  We find that so many adults missed out on the opportunity to learn piano, or they stopped their childhood lessons and wish they'd continued.  We love working with adult students, and helping them to start a new musical journey...or continue where they left off.  We put the same emphasis on building strong reading skills, confidence, independence, and balance that with effective practice and goal setting.  Lessons are relaxed, self-paced, and there's no pressure to play out loud!  Click here to read more about our Adult Piano Lesson Program!

Easy to join, flexible scheduling

There is no long-term commitment, and students may begin at any time during the year.  The classes are a dynamic mix of levels, and include new beginners, as well as more experienced players.  Students have the additional option of attending another class should they have a schedule conflict.

Set up for success!

To ensure you and your child are set up for success from the very first lesson, we've developed a guide to help you with everything from choosing an instrument to managing practice time.
"My granddaughter has been taking piano lessons at The Music Studio for 4 years! She has progressed so well under the guidance of their wonderful program! I highly recommend taking piano lessons here. Wonderful atmosphere and wonderful people!"
- Kathy (Sept. 2019)
"I’ve always wanted to learn piano and when I saw that The Music Studio offers a class for adults, I jumped at the opportunity! The class is slow paced, the instructors are amazing and what I love most is it’s so affordable.  I receive one hour, weekly lessons for an amazing rate.  As a parent of 3 with other responsibilities it really is unbeatable! You get so much for the money."
- Rosalyn (March 2021)

Affiliations & Honors