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 Encinitas piano teachers
Recent success stories from people in the Encinitas area.
Rene' M.
If you are looking for a piano instructor for yourself or, as in my case for a child. Let me HIGHLY recommend Daniel Castro. My son is 13 and has 3 levels of the bastien method under his belt, taught to him by his father. My criteria for an instructor was that he have some jazz background along with classical, as well as pop and rock etc. In other words fully rounded. I wanted someone who could ignite give my son the fundamentals that would allow him to open his ears and heart and create. And most of all my son had to like him. Bullseye. Daniel is a multi instrumentalist who has a love for exploring music in all its forms. He too is a student always learning. In my case Daniel has used jazz and blues as the entry way. We are 3 lessons in and he has my son swinging. Which in jazz is the life blood. I listen from afar to each lesson and I can hear that Daniel is patiently and intuitively laying a foundation block by block that will provide a launch pad for my son to not only explore music as it is, but also unlock his own inner creativety through improvisation. As well as the fundamentals that will allow my son to move in whichever direction he wishes to take it should he decide to continue with music later on. I hear my son opening up on the piano now when he practices and its only lesson 3.Daniel does it in such a warm, unhurried, encouraging manner that it is almost a peer to peer relationship. Daniel is intellegient, professional, very personable and always a gentleman. And I appreciate that. Whatever discipline you or your child are pursuing, I have no doubt that Daniel Castro can instinctually provide you a personal, customized lesson plan to move you towards your destination. My highest regard.
Traveling Music Lessons - In person in your home!
Christopher C.
I just wanted to say that this school is absolutely amazing. Since I've enrolled my child, he has not only progressed in his guitar lessons, but has developed an immense passion for music. The convenience of him being taught in home is great for my busy work schedule. I've been recommending them to all my friends. Thank you so very much for all you have done for me and my child!
The Fine Tune Academy
Gabriel I.
Steven has been an excellent teacher of a wide range of guitar styles - classical, brazilian, spanish, and more. He has a strong background in classical guitar, with decades of experience in performance and instruction. No matter what style, he can identify ways to improve your technique and expression, with lessons that apply to all genres. He patiently points out important lessons about hand positions, dynamics, tempo, and melody that begin to build up a strong basis of technique over the course of a few lessons. After several months of practicing these tips, I was surprised at how natural my guitar playing had become and how much my overall playing had improved. I strongly recommend Steven's instruction.
Steven Elster PhD, Classical and Folk Guitar, Music Theory and Sight Reading Lessons
Charina S.
Vera has been an amazing piano teacher for our children. Both of our children started at 4.5 years old and have been with Vera for 7 and 4 years each. Each have different depths of interest and instinctual abilities in piano and Vera recognizes this and adjusts their speed of progression accordingly.
Vera’s teaching method can be described as a combination of traditional theory combined with enabling students to emphasize their individual creativity. Vera emphasizes proper technique and theory early on to lay the foundation for students to play very complicated pieces many years later. She teaches children to understand the theory and how the composer intends it to be played, but encourages students to interpret and play in their own, unique style. Both my husband and I love listening and playing music as amateur musicians with >8 years of traditional training each. After about 5 years of training with Vera, both or our children’s instinctual and music theory knowledge have exceeded ours.
If you are serious about music, interested in your children excelling in and appreciating music to either become a professional musician or just be able to play well for the love of music, Vera is a perfect teacher.
Allegro Piano Studio
Steve G.
It is not just about hitting the right note, it is about relaxing and really feeling the joy of the music, of the perfect sound. It is an approach that is both unique and effective.
Kenny Feinstein Lessons
Melanie S.
Great energy, fun, very knowledgeable and technical!!
Pitch Michael Music
Eric Z.
She is a great teacher with a love for music. The best teacher I've had. (:
Deb O’Neill Music
Lisa H.
The progress my daughter made in only 3 weeks to get ready for a solo lead part in Jr musical theater made us both believers. Rebeca is a fantastic motivating influence and my daughter loves to go to her lessons - will do whatever it takes to not miss it. Highly recommend!!
Singing Lesson Expert
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