Piano Lessons in Austin, TX
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Our Approach to Piano Lessons at Northwest School of Music
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.
More on our Piano Lessons
Get StartedPiano 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 Northwest School of Music, 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), Northwest School of Music helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano Teachers:
Kelly Smith Toney
Cello, Piano, Violin & Viola
Kelly Smith Toney received her bachelor and master degrees from The Juilliard School. Upon graduation, she joined the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for a two-year engagement. Mrs. Toney has been concertmaster and orchestra…
Julie Adams
Cello, Piano, Voice, Violin & Viola
Julie began formal music study at age 6, piano lessons at age 7, cello and violin at age 11, and voice at age 16. Julie performed regularly in orchestra and choir throughout…
Amanda Thomas
Voice, Piano & Music Explorers
Amanda first began her journey with music as a junior high student who recognized that no singing opportunities existed in her rural Idaho town for someone her age. She insisted on joining…
Hope Holder
Piano
Hope Holder earned her BM in Piano Performance at USU where she was on the staff of the Youth Conservatory and performed as the symphony pianist during the ‘92 and ‘93 Spring Seasons.
Christy Jackel
Piano
Christy began piano lessons at age 6, studied with Pierrette Mouledous in Dallas, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Masters in Music studying with Nancy Garrett at The University…
Elena Maeurer
Voice & Piano
Elena Maeurer grew up in Austin, Texas, and began singing and playing piano at an early age. As a student, she participated in choir and musical theater, and had the opportunity to…
Rebecca Maze
Piano
Rebecca studied piano under Charlotte Tull and Dr. John Paul earning a Bachelor in Music degree at Sam Houston State University for music theory and composition, and continues to study under Dr…
Emil Pohlig
Piano & Flute
Emil grew up in rural Southwest Virginia, began playing piano and percussion in the 6th grade and loved music so much he wanted to play all instruments and began playing the flute…
Stinson Seuser
Piano, Clarinet & Ukulele
After graduating from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, Stinson enrolled at the Sarofim School of Arts at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he was…
Austin Peters
Voice, Piano, Guitar & Ukulele
Austin Peters is a multi-instrumentalist & vocalist with a lifelong passion for music. Inspired by the great players of the 20th century, Austin has been playing music since age 12 and began…
Bianca Reveles
Voice, Piano & Music Explorers
Bianca Reveles, a native of Dallas, TX, is a dedicated music teacher known for her positive and encouraging approach to education. With almost 18 years of vocal experience…
Jonathan Portillo
Guitar, Ukulele, and Piano
Jonathan Portillo is an Austin-based jazz musician and educator. Hailing from Dallas TX, he graduated with a degree in Jazz Performance from Texas State University in 2022. He has performed at Parkers Jazz Club and Monks Jazz Club, as well as other venues in the Austin and San Antonio area.
Melody Chang
Voice, Piano
Melody is a classically trained Mezzo-Soprano who enjoys crossing over into other popular genres as well, including musical theatre, pop, and folk. Melody earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the Butler School of Music at UT Austin.
Christian Wern
Piano
Christian Wern is a pianist, singer, and songwriter from Long Island, New York. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he earned a degree in Professional Music and Songwriting.
Charles Bonnefon
Piano
At the age of 17, Charles began his music tutelage in London, England, where he received a scholarship at the Royal College of Music. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Piano Performance and Teaching.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget
Weekly Lessons
30 min
$160
per month
30 minute lessons are great for building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly Lessons
45 min
$230
per month
Fit for both beginners & intermediate students who need more than 30 minutes.
GET STARTEDWeekly Lessons
60 min
$300
per month
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
GET STARTED
What you can expect
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?
The minimum age we recommend a student start piano lessons at Northwest School of Music is 7 years old. Starting age will largely depend on the student when it comes to piano or keyboard.
Why Take Piano Lessons at Northwest School of Music?
Piano lessons at Northwest School of Music 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 Northwest School of Music .
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at Northwest School of Music hold university degrees in music and are experts in their field. Our piano faculty have received their musical education from such prestigious institutions all over the country.
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!
