What age can my child start piano lessons?

As a registered Suzuki piano teacher who is fully certified to teach all Suzuki Piano Books (1-7), I have started teaching children between the ages of 4 to 5 years old. Naturally, the best time to start teaching a particular child student is determined on an individual basis after trial lessons.

Although it is my policy to teach by semester, new students are welcome to join The Ivy Piano Studio at any time. Our first 30-minute lesson is free; after that, I usually suggest that we meet for 4 additional lessons ($150) before deciding whether or not to continue together.

My child is under 4 years of age; what can I do in preparation for piano lessons?

Long before a child starts taking piano lessons, parents can do so much to help their children to develop musically! As a certified Music Together teacher, I have seen numerous newborns, toddlers, and young children benefit profoundly from these types of programs. Almost any consistent, early exposure to music, singing, and dance from before birth and afterwards can help to prepare young children for Suzuki Method piano instruction when they turn 4 to 5 years of age.

What if my child is over 5 years old? What if I am over 50?

Anyone interested in learning to create music on the piano, regardless of age or experience level, is welcome to contact The Ivy Piano Studio to inquire about a trial lesson. I am happy teaching beginners, amateurs, and aspiring professionals alike.

Are parents expected to attend all lessons?

At The Ivy Piano Studio, parents are expected to be involved during lessons to reinforce instruction and learning at home. Parental involvement during lessons facilitates (a) regular practice at home and helps to provide (b) accurate, consistent feedback, both of which are required when learning a new motor skill such as the piano. Regardless of age, students are trained in proper piano technique and musicality from the first lesson. Parental involvement during lessons gradually wanes over the years as the child matures.

Do I need a piano, or will a keyboard suffice?

The Ivy Piano Studio dedicates itself to the highest-quality classical piano instruction, as there is simply no substitute for the original, infinitely-expressive, analog instrument. Consequently, The Ivy Piano Studio strongly encourages all of its students to have access to a piano when practicing. Those students who only practice at a keyboard gradually find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their peers who practice at a piano. Fortunately, the internet has made finding used pianos relatively easy, so that students invariably find an instrument within their budget once space is found within their home. It is not uncommon to locate quality pianos that can be acquired for only the cost of hiring a piano mover, and the annual-to-biannual cost of tuning a piano is an affordable expense compared to most activities. In fact, I know of several instances where a piano’s previous owner was willing to pay for moving costs to ensure their instrument goes to the right home. There are many fine music teachers in the Charlottesville area who teach piano and/or keyboard; however, the Ivy Piano Studio truly specializes in piano instruction. Information about other teachers can be found at the Charlottesville Music Teachers Association website.

What style of music is taught?

The Ivy Piano Studio specializes in classically-trained pianists who are well-versed in piano technique, musicality, performance, and music theory. Students learn to play Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th-Century, and Contemporary repertoire available through the Suzuki Piano School and the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Celebration Series.

What does enrollment include?

Enrollment in The Ivy Piano Studio is handled on a per-term basis and includes:

• Weekly individual piano lessons

• Group repertoire classes (Sept. - May; covering music history & theory, performing for fellow students, recital preparation, etc.)

• Annual community service performances

• Biannual studio recitals

• Preparation for Suzuki Piano School Book recitals

• Preparation for Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Performance and Music Theory examinations

How much do lessons cost?

For established students, tuition is $1600 annually, payment of which is divided across Fall, Winter, and Summer Terms.

• Fall Term (Sept - Dec; 16 weeks): $600 + $25 annual activity fee (to cover recital hall rental costs, etc.)

• Winter Term (Jan - May; 20 weeks): $750

• Summer Term (Jun - Aug; 6 lessons): $225

Annual tuition includes weekly individual lessons, several group repertoire classes, and biannual recitals. Tuition for Fall or Winter terms may be split into two to three payments, respectively. For the Summer Term, students are required to take 6 lessons, which may be scheduled flexibly according to vacations, summer camps, etc. Students who may wish to take more than 6 Summer Term lessons pay an additional fee. New students who start in the middle of a semester will have their semester fees pro-rated accordingly. Registration fees for RCM examinations, CMTA Festival, etc. are not included.

Can tuition be paid throughout the semester?

Each term, tuition may be split into half-term or one-third term payments as follows:

Fall Semester Tuition ($625; 16-week term)

• First half-term payment ($325): Due during Week 1; includes $25 annual activity fee

• Second half-term payment ($300): Due during Week 9

Winter Semester Tuition ($750; 20-week term)

• First 1/3 payment ($250): Due during Week 1

• Second 1/3 payment ($250): Due during Week 8

• Third 1/3 payment ($250): Due during Week 15

Summer Semester Tuition ($225; 6 lessons)

• Full payment due during Week 1 ($225)

Note: Students who pay tuition when due receive priority when scheduling lessons, and when determing schedules for the following semester.

What pianos are featured at The Ivy Piano Studio?

During weekly lessons, students are taught on a 1902 Steinway & Sons Model N upright grand piano. Students have the opportunity to play a 1993 Steinway & Sons Model B classic grand piano during group repertoire classes in preparation for upcoming recitals. Both pianos are regularly serviced by Davis Weiss Piano Service.

What performance & assessment opportunities are available for students?

In addition to their weekly individual lessons, students are expected to attend monthly group repertoire classes and biannual studio recitals (Fall and Spring). Students have opportunities to perform at various local events throughout the year (e.g., CMTA Student Youth Recital, CMTA Festival, Wednesday Music Club Young Musicians Recital, etc.). Students are also prepared and strongly encouraged to take Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program examinations.

What is you cancellation policy for missed lessons?

Similar to a university setting, full payment of tuition for each term is required when due, regardless of attendance. Students do have the opportunity to make up to two (2) lessons per semester, if a 24-hour notice of cancellation has been received. The Ivy Music Studio schedule also includes a make-up week, at the end of each semester, to help accomodate missed lessons. Any missed lessons will need to be completed by the end of the semester (i.e., no rollovers into the next term).

What about virtual piano lessons?

Since 2020, remote piano lessons have been available via Zoom as needed. The Ivy Piano Studio has also accepted out-of-state pupils who have been taught remotely.