Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.
How much are piano lessons?
Piano lessons cost $40 to $80 per hour, depending on the location, their experience level, and session length. A piano lesson package costs $180 to $350 for five 1-hour lessons. Children's piano lessons and online lessons often cost less than average.
Piano lessons are available for all ages in most cities in the country. Music instructors teach:
Music theory
Sight-reading
Improvisation
How to improve playing or technique
At what age should you start piano lessons?
The best age to start piano lessons is 5 to 9 years, though learning how to play the piano doesn't have an age limit. Playing the piano strengthens fine motor skills, increases flexibility, and improves your memory no matter how old you are.
Are piano lessons worth it?
Piano lessons are worth the money and effort invested over time. Playing an instrument can be beneficial for mental health, and cognitive strength. For smaller budgets, book just a few lessons to get the basics down and continue on your own.
How long are piano lessons?
Piano lessons for beginners or children are typically 30 to 45 minutes per session. Intermediate or advanced lessons are 45 to 60+ minutes per session. Most people have 1 to 2 lessons per week.
Can you learn to play piano online?
Yes, you can learn to play piano online through a webcam or virtual tutorials. Search our list of online piano teacher near you to find an instructor. Online piano lessons are often more convenient than in-person lessons and cost 20% less on average.
How do I select a piano teacher?
Start by searching our list of piano teachers, then:
Get at least three free estimates to compare.
Read reviews on Lessons and Google if possible.
Ask for references from current or recent students.
Make sure they are kind and personable, especially when with children.
Get a written estimate and schedule before the first lesson.
Avoid making a large payment up front. Follow a payment plan instead.
After asking questions and browsing reviews, hire the best piano instructor in your area.
What questions should I ask piano instructors?
When hiring piano teachers near you, ask the following questions:
How long have you been teaching piano?
Do you have a degree in music?
What age do you typically teach?
What genre of piano do you specialize in?
Will you give me a contract or payment arrangement in writing?
Will you allow me to choose some or all of the songs we practice?
Reviews for Costa Mesa piano teachers
Recent success stories from people in the Costa Mesa area.
Gail M.
Lou Savage isn’t a “one size fits all” type of teacher. Rather he adjusts his lessons for the best outcome for each individual student. I highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about taking lessons.
Savage Music Mentoring
Arwene, S.
"Thank you for teaching me how to play the piano. you are nice and kind. you help me with problem I don't understand. you are a good piano teacher you are the best piano teacher I can ever think of. you are the gratest piano teacher."
Inside Out Piano - Dr. Xu Khuc
Lydia J.
Patricia is a brilliant Renaissance woman. She is what you get when you mix technical excellence and style with humility, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the craft. She is simply the best!
I feel incredibly lucky to have met Patricia and begun my singing journey with her. I've been a student at Studio Shanks since 2018, when I was fresh out of college and looking for a voice teacher who could earnestly teach me how to sing. At the time, there were flashy online ads for folks that could "make you a superstar" and all of it felt so loud and nothing seemed to fit.
At one point Patricia returned my call. Immediately I knew that she was the right teacher for me. It was obvious that she is not just naturally fun and easygoing, but also a true technician when it comes to the craft of singing.
It's been a few years since we began working together. I've discovered that singing is something that can be learned at any age. It requires hard work, but it can be done. Luckily, Patricia is entirely dedicated to the growth and success of her students. Knowing this makes it much easier to bring my own effort during and between classes. I am honestly amazed at how, despite having worked with many respected luminaries in the field, Patricia remains humble and always with a sense of humor that puts me at ease. She is everything that comprises a professional artist and educator.
What I love most is that she cuts through the noise and focuses on pure foundations. That means that she is able to work with vocalists ranging from the most contemporary pop styles to opera to musical theatre and beyond. All kinds of singing require the same basic knowledge of healthy and safe vocal techniques. At Studio Shanks, everything counts and everything matters. Thank you so much, Patricia!
Patricia Shanks Voice Studio
Rand B.
great!
J. Bayless Music
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