Our Approach to Piano Lessons
Piano lessons are offered on a one-on-one basis with our highly qualified teachers and also through our group classes and pairs lessons. During private music lessons, the student will develop a plan for individual learning with their teachers.
Each teacher will work with the students to come up with repertoire suitable for their optimum learning. Some students excel at classical learning, studying the masters from all time periods of music (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.). Other students wish to integrate elements of pop music, church music, jazz music, or all of the above!
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 Velocity 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), Velocity Music Academy helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Students will learn music reading, performance skills, improvisation skills, and theory skills.
Private students are given the opportunity to participate in two recitals per year, one in December and one in May. Festivals (non-competitive) opportunities are also offered several times per year. For the advanced students who with to compete at a high level, competitions are offered throughout Austin and surrounding cities. We also offer preparation for the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations in piano.
Our group and pairs lessons are a wonderful way to learn with friends!
Our Piano Teachers
Our piano teachers hold credentials from illustrious universities, and they perform regularly with various nationwide and community groups outside of the private piano studio. This wide range of experience allows them to pass on a bigger and more well-rounded musical perspective to their students.
Dr. Kathy Rabago
Director, Velocity Music Academy, Piano Teacher
Dr. Kathy Rabago founded Velocity Music Academy in 2010 as a way to spread her love of teaching to the Cedar Park and Austin area. She has 27 years of teaching experience
Jessica Arnobit
Piano
Jessica‘s passion for teaching piano is a direct result of a childhood obsession with all things piano. Her parents would often have to tell her to “stop practicing piano and get outside
Dr. Hanna Chung
Piano
Pianist Hanna Chung, a native of South Korea, recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Collaborative Piano at the Butler School of music at the University of Texas where she
Dr. Bradley Emerson
Piano
Brad Emerson received a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Texas at Austin under the instruction of Anton Nel. He additionally holds a Masters in Piano Performance from UT, and
Ashley Cannon
Piano, Voice and Violin
Ashley Cannon holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Baylor University. Her private lessons were under the instruction of Julianne Best. She has been teaching piano and voice and violin since
Carl Lennartson
Piano
Carl Lennartson is a recent graduate from the Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University where he earned a degree in Music Theory and Composition under the mentorship of Jason Hoogerhyde.
Shane Lamb
Piano
B.M. in Composition, University of Texas at Austin; Piano Performance Certificate, University of Texas at Austin. Shane is a versatile musician performing and composing all different styles of music. In addition to
Bennie Braswell
Violin and Piano
Bennie Braswell started playing violin at 6, and piano at 10. At 15, she started giving lessons to her teacher’s students who needed extra help before recitals or competition. She got her
Dr. Stephanie Andrews
Piano, Voice, & Composition
Stephanie Andrews is a composer, church musician, and educator who has taught piano, voice, elementary general music and movement, and middle school choir for over twenty-five years. She currently resides in Austin,
Joshua Johnson
Piano, Guitar and Art Teacher (online only)
Joshua Johnson got his undergraduate degree in music education in 2011 from Pittsburg State University. While attending school, he worked at a local nationally accredited childcare center which had classrooms that ranged
Rosemary Hamington
Voice and Piano
Rosemary Hamington is a classically trained voice and piano teacher with a diverse performing background. She has performed in several community theatre musicals, as well as a jazz/show choir, All-State choir, acapella
Tammy Ramalho
Piano, Voice & Clarinet, Children & Disabilities
Tammy was born and raised in London, Kentucky, there she started studying piano at the age of 8 and took lessons throughout high school. Tammy transitioned to playing the clarinet in Middle
What’s a Good Age to Begin Piano Lessons?
We offer lessons to children in the Austin and Cedar Park area beginning at age 4. Additionally, we offer lessons through the high school years and teach adults too! The piano is a wonderful versatile instrument that can bring joy through a lifetime a learning.
Certain aspects of piano technique, such as interval reach, can be physically challenging to a young child. At the same time, there are plenty of basics to learn before large interval reach is necessary.
At Velocity Music Academy, we suggest beginning instruction no younger than age four. Have no fear: beginning at this young age will give your child plenty of time to progress in their keyboarding skills.
So, if you have the desire to learn, we have the desire to teach you—no matter your age.
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at Velocity Music Academy 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!
Do I need a piano to learn the instrument?
No, you do not need a piano at home to take lessons. A simple full size electronic keyboard will suffice for the first 6 months. Contact us to learn more about keyword rentals and pricing.
Are there piano recitals?
Absolutely! Our students have the opportunity to perform. Private students are given the opportunity to participate in two recitals per year, one in December and one in May.
Sight Reading, Listening & Theory
For a small additional monthly fee, you can enroll your child in a weekly 30 minute lab time that takes places before or after the private lesson.
In the lab time, the student will study music theory, sight reading, music listening and more. This can enhance their piano lessons and overall musicality.
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 why not get started today?