Initiation and Format of Lessons

Students may initiate lessons anytime throughout the year by contacting me by phone (612-719-6119) or email (primopianomn@gmail.com). We can then set up a time for an interview or schedule our first lesson.

Lessons occur weekly during the school year. The year is split into three trimesters: Fall/Spring/Summer. Fall trimester begins in September and ends with the winter holiday break. Spring Trimester begins in January, following winter break and ends with May. Students are expected to attend weekly lessons during fall and spring trimesters.

Summer is a busy time for all, me included, so I offer flexible summer scheduling. Students are required to take 5 lessons to continue their studies during the summer months but they take more lessons if desired. It is best to keep attending lessons on a weekly basis.

SEE BELOW FOR RATES

RATES

Studio or Online 30 Minute Lessons

These shorter lessons are designed for beginners and younger students. Lessons are $27 per half hour. Payment can be made via Paypal, Zelle, or check. Clients are responsible for the cost of method books, supplementary books, and contest fees.

Studio or Online 45 Minute Lessons

These longer lessons are for intermediate and advancing students and/or those are studying more advanced repertoire and competing in contests and festivals. Intermediate students benefit from longer lesson times as the additional time allows the student and teacher to dig deeper into more complicated techniques and study the more complex elements of music theory. Rates are $40.00 per lesson. Payment can be made via Paypal, Zelle, or check. Clients are responsible for the cost of method books, supplementary books, and contest fees.

Tag-along Lessons

Tag-along lessons are intended for younger siblings of current students. Lessons are 15 minutes long. They are designed for the youngest students, ages 4-6, and are meant to be an introduction to piano. These short lessons help little learners get excited about playing the piano. We learn keyboard geography, how to sit at the piano, proper hand shape, and we play some very basic pieces from pre-reader method books. Tag-along lessons are $13.50.

Note- students must have an older sibling enrolled in the studio to sign up for tag-along lessons.

In-Home Lessons

Save yourself driving time and stay productive while your child receives a lesson! This is a great option for families with multiple students taking lessons and homeschool families. Availability is limited and must be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Clients must live within a reasonable distance of my home to be eligible. Special pricing (add $12.50 per lesson) applies to cover the additional transportation and driving time. The student must be a current, active member of the studio. Ask Sara for more information if you are considering lessons in your home.

Lesson Format

There is a lot of variety in what a lesson looks like because every student is unique. Beginners will be working through the Faber Piano Adventures method books along with optional MMTA materials. A typical 30-minute lesson will look like this:

1. A few minutes on greetings, technique drills, and warm-ups

2. 15-20 minutes on Lesson book and/or MMTA repertoire. Listen to progress from last week, look for areas of improvement, look at and teach through next page in lesson book/next section in contest repertoire

3. 3-5 minutes- Technique book

4. 3-5 minutes- Theory book or activity

5. Closing-Set clear practice goals for upcoming week

Please note that every student will progress at a unique rate based on his or her natural abilities, the amount of and quality of practice, and the individual's intrinsic motivation.

In my teaching style, I place emphasis on quality over quantity. I am mindful of incorporating technique, theory, and music history into every lesson whenever an opportunity presents itself. This means we will be discussing tempo, articulation, symbols, composers, theory, analysis, dynamics, etc. My goal is for the student to learn the building blocks of MUSIC, not just the pieces of music he or she is studying at that moment.