Piano Lessons
in Monroe, CT
Our Approach to Piano Lessons at The Creative Music Center
We believe every student is unique and different in their own way. Therefore, why should lessons be any different? Each piano lesson is tailored to the individual student’s specific interests and needs.
While focusing on foundational elements such as proper technique, reading music, finger position etc., our teachers also help students learn songs they are familiar with. This includes movie theme music, popular songs on the radio, their favorite classical artist etc. This helps keep students motivated and pushing further to learn each week.
Our Approach to
Piano Lessons
GET STARTED
01 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 The Creative Music Center, 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.
02 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.
03 We Care About Your Musical Interests
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), The Creative Music Center helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano teachers
Ryan Papagelis
Piano & Woodwinds
Ryan Papagelis is a multi-instrumentalist and composer currently residing in Bethel, CT. Primarily a saxophonist, Ryan discovered his love for music as a teenager after being exposed to the rich tradition of the Hartford jazz scene.
Charlie Mann
Music Education Director, Trombone, euphonium, tuba & Piano
Originally from Northport, NY, tubist Charlie Mann has performed around the world, at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria, and the National Performing Arts Center in Beijing.
Maureen Zahara
Piano, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, & guitar
Maureen Zahara has been a public school music educator for over 20 years, and a private lesson music instructor for even longer. She received her Bachelors from WCSU and Masters in Music Education from UCONN and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Val Federov
Piano, Ukulele
Val is a performing artist and music educator, passionate about teaching and playing music. He plays multiple instruments, such as piano, guitar, accordion, baritone ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, and banjo. He received his bachelor’s degree in music performance and music education from Dnipro Conservatory of Music in Ukraine.
Kate Rich
Piano, Vice President & General Manager
Ms. Rich is thrilled to be celebrating over 30 years of piano instruction. She earned her degree from Niagara University and completed coursework at the Hartt School of Music.
Jennie Pellegrino
Piano
Ms. Pellegrino has been teaching privately for over 24 years. She has completed courses in music and early childhood education at Sacred Heart University as well as Gateway Community College.
Jamie Finegan
Trumpet & Piano
Jamie Finegan has been a music educator for over 20 years. He is a composer and multi instrumentalist playing trumpet and piano. He is currently an adjunct professor at Fairfield University.
George Wilkinson
Piano
Mr. Wilkinson began playing the piano at age 5. He studied with several formidable teachers and eventually presented recitals at the Julliard School. He has been teaching since 1992, and joined Creative Music Center in 2003.
Erin Hynes
Piano, Voice
Mrs. Hynes holds a Masters of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance.
Francesco Perrouna
Guitar/Bass, Ukulele & Piano
Francesco Perrouna is a disciplined and dedicated guitarist based out of Fairfield Connecticut. He is a recent graduate of Hampshire College, with a degree in Jazz Studies.
Nyomi Pfeffer
Piano & Clarinet
Ms. Pfeffer teaches traditional piano and clarinet, as well as Suzuki. She studied performance at the Yale School of Music with former dean Keith Wilson and later with Stanley Drucker of the New York Philharmonic.
Seth Uricheck
Cello, Piano, Violin/Viola
Seth Uricheck received his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Western Connecticut State University, where he graduated in 2010 summa cum laude. At that time, he also had over 17 years of experience studying the piano, and organ.
How it works
Together we explore student musical goals.
We match students with one of our expert instructors.
Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit
Your Schedule & Budget
Weekly
30 min
$45
Registration Fee – $30 ($20 for second student, $0 for third student).
GET STARTEDFrequently
Asked
Questions
GET STARTED
What Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?
The minimum age we recommend a student start piano lessons at The Creative Music Center is 7 years old. Starting age will largely depend on the student when it comes to piano or keyboard.
Why Take Piano Lessons at The Creative Music Center?
Piano lessons at The Creative Music Center provide teachers who instruct on a variety of styles from classical to popular music. Whether you want to learn Bach or Alicia Keys, our teachers are happy to help you become the pianist you want to be. Our piano faculty will show you the fundamentals of sight reading, technique and theory, but they will also incorporate your favorite songs into your lessons.
You do not have to have a piano at home to take lessons. A simple electronic keyboard with a minimum of 61 keys will suffice for the first 6 months. Our piano teachers have warm personalities and enjoy sharing their love for the piano with you when you take piano lessons at The Creative Music Center.
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at The Creative Music Center have extensive experience and are experts in their field.
Do I Have to Know How to Read Music?
No. Beginners are welcome! Our lesson plans aim to educate, engage and inspire students.
Do I Need a Piano to Start Taking Lessons?
No. You do not need a piano to start piano lessons, however, we do recommend having a digital piano keyboard in your home to practice between lessons. Also, keyboards are much more economical and require less commitment upfront when it comes to ongoing maintenance and moving costs.
So, What Are You Waiting for?
If you’re ready to jump into the world of keyboarding, we are excited to match you with a teacher that can get you started on your musical journey. Nothing will enable you to progress more effectively than a one-on-one partnership with an inspiring piano professional. Let us help you explore and build your abilities in a setting that is comfortable for you. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step, so get started today!
What Will I Learn in Piano Lessons?
Our piano teachers understand that every student is an individual, with personal musical needs and goals. We make it a priority to tailor how we teach and what we teach to your individual needs.
If you enroll here for piano lessons, your teacher will ask you about your favorite type of music, and set goals to help accomplish whatever musical aspirations you have for yourself or your child. Together, you will develop a plan to achieve your goals! We love beginners, so even if you don’t know where to begin, we can help!