Our Approach to Piano Lessons
At Brill Music Academy, we welcome all music learners, from absolute beginners to advanced students preparing for university or conservatory study. We understand that for those who are new to music lessons or piano lessons, getting started can seem a little daunting. Here’s what to expect if you’re new to piano lessons.
Piano Lessons Should Be Fun!
We know that an interest in piano may be what first brings you into our school – but having fun is what keeps you coming back! Here at Brill Music Academy, our goal is for every student to LOVE their music lessons as they embark on a rewarding journey of progress and discovery. We put the “fun” in fundamentals!
Our knowledgeable staff blends a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the piano. Whether it’s your first time at the keys or you’re a seasoned pianist, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Healthy technique is critical to lifelong enjoyment of the piano. Our first priority is teaching strong fundamentals, including hand, wrist and arm technique, bench position, and pedaling. We believe that full-body instruction is essential to musicianship and safeguards students from injury.
Once the fundamentals are in place, you and your teacher can craft the story you want your music to tell. Our qualified teachers will assist you in developing musicianship and exploring nuance through dynamics, pausing, phrasing, and varying tempos. Learn with us as we infuse elements of music theory and music history into our well-rounded approach to fostering musical excellence.
We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals
There is no one-size-fits-all method of piano instruction. Regardless of ability or prior experience, our teachers take an individualized approach to each of our students – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a personalized learning plan, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.
While fundamentals and technique are essential, our ultimate goal is to equip students to begin exploring their own personal musical style and interests. Your teacher will work with you to understand where you want to go, and craft a unique plan to get you there. Whether your style is classical or pop (or anything in between), Brill Music Academy helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Brill Music Academy is proud to offer piano lessons to people of all ages and skill levels in the Las Vegas area. Our piano instructors pride themselves in customizing piano lessons to each student, providing well-rounded instructions for students of any age and skill level.
Our Piano Teachers
Many of the piano instructors at Brill Music Academy love working with beginners, whether those beginners are children or adults. Others focus more on developing the skills unique to intermediate or advanced students.
Some of our teachers prefer working with highly motivated advanced students who are working towards advanced piano study at the university or conservatory level. Of course, many teachers prefer most of all working with a student all the way through their piano journey, from absolute beginner all the way to advanced amateur or even college and performance prep.
Debbie Green
Piano & Voice
Graduating in 1973 with a B.S. (Education), Debbie taught music for four years in the Council Bluffs (Iowa) Public Schools. She was the chairman of the Council Bluffs Central Area Music Festival
Herbert Thames
Piano & Voice
Singer/songwriter/composer Herbert Thames was born and raised in Las Vegas. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a B.A. in Music and has been involved in music from childhood. He has sung
Jennifer Kittinger Loss
Piano & Voice
Jennifer Kittinger Loss has been teaching voice and piano for over two decades. She received her Master of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of
Marie Leatham-Davis
Piano & Voice
Marie is a vocalist, pianist, cellist, published songwriter and music lover who holds arts degrees in Music Composition (2014) and French (2017) from the College of Southern Nevada. She has been playing
Pam Posey
Piano & Voice
Pam Posey is a skilled vocal instructor and pianist. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, her love for music catapulted due to the strong presence of music in her household. As a
Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Lessons
What is the minimum age to start piano lessons at Brill Music Academy?
To play the piano properly, students should have adequate physical strength and dexterity to sit straight and press the instrument’s keys. We also suggest that students be able to read at a kindergarten or higher level and have basic phonics and pattern recognition proficiency. For this reason, we recommend piano lessons for children aged five and older.
Do I need any prior experience?
All students, from absolute beginners who have never touched a piano to advanced students who are preparing to study at a university or conservatory, are welcome at Brill Music Academy. Our credentialed and experienced teachers offer customized piano lessons and well-rounded instructions to students of any age and skill level. We help you make progress toward achieving your musical goals and having fun as you learn.
What styles of piano can I learn?
You can hear the piano in almost every musical genre, and our teachers specialize in all styles. So whether you wish to play classical pieces or join a rock band, we’re here to help you meet your goals. To ensure you gain a well-rounded education and excel in your craft, we also encourage you to occasionally try something new, fun, and rewarding.
What materials will I need?
Every student at Brill Music Academy receives personalized instruction. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, talk to your teacher about the materials you will need to support your musical journey. Your teacher will recommend method books, online resources, and the exact type of piano or keyboard for your needs, interests, and goals.
Is piano the right fit for me?
Students may begin piano lessons with a specific goal in mind. Perhaps you want to become a singer-songwriter, a jazz pianist, a concert soloist, or a casual accompanist. At Brill, we start by teaching you the fundamental techniques and music literacy. We then build on your skills until you excel at your craft and meet your goals.
Why Come to Brill Music Academy for Piano Lessons?
Your interest in learning how to play the piano brings you to our school, but our expert teachers and fun environment keep you coming back. We’re committed to making learning fun as we provide a customized piano education to every student. At Brill, you’ll gain a solid foundation in music theory and playing technique as you exercise your creativity and nurture your passion and enjoyment for music and the piano.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
One of the most overwhelming feelings as a parent is when your own child expresses interest in something you don’t understand or know that well yourself. This is the feeling many parents who haven’t studied music face when their children start showing interest in music.
We understand how this can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help.