Piano Lessons in Aurora, CO
At Neighborhood School, anyone can learn to play the piano
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.
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 Neighborhood Music School, 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
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), Neighborhood Music School helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano Teachers:
Mark Alan Filbert
Piano
Mark’s scholarly articles and reviews have been published in Reformed Liturgy and Music, The American Organist, and The Hymn. An avid collector of hymnals, he is a Life Member of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada and has been a featured performer and/or workshop presenter at four national conferences.
Kalia Bethany
Piano
Kalia Bethany began her journey as a music teacher in 1999 in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Blessed with musical parents, Helen and Geo, Kalia grew up immersed in music. Her mother sang passionately and played the piano, while her father was a skilled flutist, accompanied by his mother on the piano.
Rita Brockway
Piano
Rita has accompanied many choirs on flute parts and been an active music minister in parishes in all the communities where she lived. Rita trained at the Kennedy Center, with the National Symphony Orchestra’s Education Program and then managed the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony Association (now called American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO).
Sunny Wen
Piano
Sunny Wen studied flute and piano at Alethera University in Taiwan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Applicable Music. While at Alethera University, she performed with a woodwind ensemble, culminating in a performance for the president of Taiwan in 2009.
Austin Kinard
Piano
Originally from Ocala, Florida, Austin holds a B.A in Music and Certificate in Jazz Studies from Missouri Southern State University. Currently, he is pursuing an M.M. in Music Performance from the University of Denver with trumpet as his main instrument, though he continues to play piano in ensembles as he can.
Ian Skaronea
Piano
He has played in the Colorado scene for 10 years and has performed at many concert halls, Jazz clubs and toured the country with the band Salem. During his time in New York he has played at Jazz clubs such as Birdland, Smalls, and Smoke. As well as Avery Fisher Hall. Ian premiered Pete Malinverni’s The Good Shepherd Suite with the Purchase Jazz Orchestra.
Lauren Podjun
Piano
Lauren Podjun is a 22-year-old Singer-songwriter, composer, and vocalist. She has earned two associate degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Casper College located in Casper, Wyoming. She is now pursuing a Singer-songwriter bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Paloma Ress
Voice, Piano, Bass, Violin, & Cello
Paloma is a multi-instrumentalist who believes music is for anyone and everyone! She has in-depth experience with multiple genres like rock, pop, folk, blues, classical, and jazz with instruments such as voice, piano, electric bass, upright bass, violin, and cello.
Steve Ehrhardt
Guitar, Piano & Drums
Steve Ehrhardt began playing in rock bands when he was 12 and attended The Dillard School of Performing Arts, and The Interlochen Arts Academy, ultimately graduating with a Masters Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from The University of Colorado.
Tenia Nelson
Piano, Percussion
I live, eat and breathe music!! I am a pianist, percussionist and educator that lives in Denver, Co! I have 15 years plus teaching experience in ALL levels(Early Childhood Education through University).
Sofia Avery
Voice, Piano & Bass
Composer, bandleader, educator, and musicmaker Sofia Avery was born into a musical family in New Orleans. As a child, she accompanied herself on Brazilian cavaquinho and studied classical cello.
Sarah Kanyok
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Flute
Sarah began piano lessons at age 4 and quickly fell in love with the instrument. By age 10 she was singing in choirs and playing flute in band. After growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Sarah attended Northern Illinois University
What you can expect
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?
Our cello teachers understand that every student is an individual, with personal musical needs and goals. We make it a priority to tailor lessons to the individual.
When you enroll, the first thing your teacher will do is ask about your favorite type of music. Together, student and teacher set goals to help accomplish musical aspirations. We love beginners, so even if you don’t know where to begin, we can help!
Why Take Piano Lessons at Neighborhood Music School?
Piano lessons at Neighborhood Music School 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 Neighborhood Music School .
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at Neighborhood Music School have extensive experience and are experts in their field.
Do I Have to Know How to Read Music?
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, get started today!
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!