Piano Lessons in Virginia Beach.

We've revolutionized music education with a unique lesson structure that tackles common challenges like lesson length, nerves, and lack of mastery head-on. Our innovative approach integrates practice into each weekly lesson, fostering independent learning and personalized progress. Students develop exceptional sight-reading and performance skills, mastering their lesson books in half the time of traditional methods. By making sightreading and practice enjoyable, and integrating performance into lessons, we ensure that home practice is never a chore but a rewarding part of their musical journey.

Teah, 2nd Place Winner, American Protege International Piano Competition, 2017, Carnegie Hall, NYC (click on the picture above to read more!)

"Every great performance starts with a first lesson." 
​Take that first step...it's risk-free!

Whether you're a new beginner or have had lessons in the past, we highly recommend visiting for a Complimentary Piano Tryout.  It's a great way to check out the studio, meet the teachers, sample what a lesson is really like, and see if we're a good fit for you!  Tryouts are fun and stress-free, and there's no obligation to enroll.

COMPLIMENTARY PIANO TRYOUT

Piano Lessons: for all levels, ages 6+

The Accelerated Piano Program, for Independent Learning & Sightreading
This is our 60-minute weekly piano 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. The two sessions can be scheduled separately or back-to-back.

Private Piano Instruction
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.

About our Accelerated Weekly Lesson Program - FAQ

No Need to be Nervous!

If you're exploring beginner piano lessons, and never had any as a child, here's a glimpse into what a lesson at The Music Studio is actually like.
We want inquiring students to be excited about meeting us, and eager to play music.  Our teachers are very experienced working with all ages, have music degrees, and bubbly personalities.  We enjoy making new students feel safe and confident, and we like to have fun at our lessons!

Why is it called an "Accelerated Program"?

Our Piano Lessons are for ages 6 to 18, and all levels (we offer Beginner Piano Lessons, as well as Intermediate and Advanced).  But, because our lesson structure builds strong reading skills, students move naturally through their lesson books in half the time they would with traditional private instruction! We incorporate practice directly into every session, so songs are mastered before leaving...making home practice easy.

Can I take private piano lessons?

While we do offer private piano instruction, as well as private instruction in other instruments, we recommend our Accelerated Piano Program as the first step in any student's musical journey.  It is crucial for students to first learn to sightread fluently, work independently, and understand how to practice effectively, prior to pursuing private instruction.  These foundational skills, and the necessary balance between sightreading and practicing, can only be accomplished in a small group setting.  However, students may opt to take private lessons simultaneously and in addition to the Accelerated Piano classes.  And, once students have successfully completed their method book series, they are eligible to enroll in private lessons of any instrument.

Lesson Length, Structure & Materials

Lessons meet once per week for 60 minutes.  You'll choose a day and time slot convenient for you, and that will be your permanent lesson time throughout the year, unless you need to make a change. Classes are casual and relaxed.  Students bring their music books with them to every lesson.  An instrument for home practice is needed.

Flexibility & Make-Ups

Lessons can be rescheduled for any reason.  We use an online calendar, so you can browse and choose the make-up slot that's convenient for you.

Will my child be able to focus?

Rest assured that piano lessons are fun, successful, and time flies by! While our older students prefer a little intensity during their lessons, our younger students typically work in 15 minute blocks on their songs, with music theory, fun listening and rhythm exercises, and musical games between intervals. Even our youngest students admit they are surprised when it's already time to go home!

What's a Lesson Like?

Is this group instruction?
Yes, and No.  Our lessons are tailored to meet each students needs and goals, but provided in a small group setting.  As you can see from the video below, there will be more than one student present in the room during a lesson (typically 4 to 6).  However, our lessons are not collaborative, classroom-style groups.  Each student works individually and relatively independently, and at their own pace.  Students are not held back, or pushed, based on the progress of the other students.  Dual sets of headphones (one for the student; one for the teacher) at each instrument keep things quiet and focused, and give students privacy so they can relax and better absorb new concepts. 

How long does it take to learn to play piano?

Our Piano Lessons are specifically designed to optimize learning speed and ensure predictable progress. Students typically progress at twice the rate of those in private traditional lessons. Within six months, an average student can expect to move through several lesson books, laying a solid foundation of musical knowledge and skills. By the one-year mark, students are typically capable of playing beginning classical teaching pieces and sheet music of a late elementary level. This accelerated progress is made possible through the focused instruction, accountability, and built-in practice provided by the small group semi-private lessons.

"I have been working with The Music Studio for about a year now. Before starting I had zero experience on the piano so I started with adult group lessons...with Susan Flinn who is truly a joy. She is insightful on finding ways to improve and really makes learning easy! I highly recommend The Music Studio for both adults and children!"
~J. Korzen (Dec. 2021)

"Great teachers... effective and highly experienced working with adult and especially with kids."
​~S. Delanoche (Jan. 2020)

Try Out a Lesson!

Take lessons for a test-run by signing up for a Complimentary Tryout Lesson.  In this fun 30 minute free session for ages 6 to 18, we'll show both student and parent what a lesson is like, explaining our lesson structure as we go, and reading and playing some actual music!  There is also plenty of time for questions.

COMPLIMENTARY TRYOUT

Are you an Adult (age 18 or older) interested in lessons? Click here for information about our Adult Piano Retreats!

The Music Studio Virginia Beach
There's a secret to making amazing progress, sticking with it, and becoming great at playing music!
​Located in the Hilltop area, Virginia Beach