There's a secret to making amazing progress at any level, sticking with it, and becoming great at playing Piano.
Piano Lessons In Virginia Beach
Serving Virginia piano students since 2005
Lessons for ages 7 through Adult
(540) 659-0506
Serving Virginia piano students since 2005
Lessons for ages 7 through Adult
(540) 659-0506
They've asked about piano lessons. We can help them be great at music...the moment they begin.
At The Music Studio, we understand the struggles of conventional methods, 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 lessons ensure that students won't become frustrated and give up; instead, they experience fast and thorough progress, even faster than private one-on-one lessons.
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.
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.
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 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. Our unique structure and longer lessons ensure that students spend the needed amount of time sightreading a variety of pieces, but also practicing their favorites.
At The Music Studio, with over 30 years of teaching experience, we understand the importance of balancing sightreading and practice. Our unique structure and longer lessons 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.
Learn the secret to making amazing progress, sticking with it, and becoming great at playing music!
"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 hold music degrees and possess extensive teaching and performing experience. 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!
I want to make sure my child will like lessons...can we do a tryout?
Absolutely! And, we recommend all inquiring students sign up for a Complimentary Tryout Lesson prior to beginning. It's a great chance to visit the studio, meet teachers, experience what a lesson is like, and see if we're the right fit for you. We are one of the few music studios in Virginia Beach that offer a sample lesson free of charge, without obligation to register for lessons. You can sign up for your tryout through our online calendar link here:
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)
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What we offer
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"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
Front view of The Music Studio Virginia Beach
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The Music Studio Virginia Beach
921 First Colonial Road Suite 1712 Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (540) 659-0506 [email protected] |
Need a recommendation for a Piano Tuner? Musical Gift? Books? You can check out great businesses that we recommend personally on our "Current Students" page!