About
Accelerate your piano study, or learn at a more leisurely pace. You have choices.
Our exceptional approaches make superior results possible for everyone.
We offer premium private and group instruction for children, youth, college students, adults, and families.
We offer piano lessons, voice lessons, guitar and bass guitar lessons, Mommy & Me and Pre-Piano, and adult Piano & Brew.
We teach children through adults, from the youngest to the oldest! We teach individual private and small group lessons. We teach in-person and online lessons.
We teach the way you learn!
Why do piano students at Dennis Frayne Music Studio advance so much faster?
Because we approach piano lessons musically from the very beginning. Students learn real music from the very first lessons, they play with both hands, chords and melodies, they learn to sing while playing, and they develop a strong internal sense of both rhythm and harmony.
Because we use teaching strategies developed for today’s students in today’s world. We know how to interact with and communicate with today’s children and youth. We are not locked into 18th and 19th century thinking.
Because students learn to play with increased facility while learning to read. We do not allow note reading to hinder playing ability. Yet our students learn to read music faster than other students because we time things appropriately and sequence things right. We do not start too early or too late, but follow a natural flow that is painless and feels easy.
Because we know students can learn faster! When we believe that students can achieve, we help them to achieve, and they achieve! We don’t slow them down with low teacher expectations. We have high expectations even as we teach at just the right pace for each student.
Because we require 60-minute lessons!
30-minute lessons are too short and result in learning at a very slow pace for so many students! 60-minute lessons provide time for deep learning rather than just skimming the surface of everything. Students have time for guided practice so they know very well what and how to practice at home. (Students who do not practice at home have time to practice during lessons and so still make progress.)
Students are not given assignments and told to “go figure out how to do it on your own at home and come back next week with it learned.” Students participate in their learning, they are not “taught at.” Learning is not offloaded from the teacher to the student. At Dennis Frayne Music Studio, teachers work with their students on a deeper level than other music schools.
Students have time to develop as well-rounded musicians and not just technical/mechanical tinkerers. Whether students are thinking about careers in music or hobbyists, reaching intermediate and advanced levels of piano playing sooner is more rewarding, develops creative and critical thinking skills sooner, and offers far greater enjoyment.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We learn about your goals and objectives, what you want to achieve, and then we develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. We strive to make sure your lessons and activities are challenging, rewarding, and fun!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors of Music, a Bachelors of Art in Theater, and a Master of Art in Teaching. I have California teaching credentials for music, theater arts, and performing arts, and entertainment. I have been teaching for many years, and studied in high school with Ruth Stevenson Alling, teacher and author of the Lo Kno Pla piano method series. And I have written my own method series: Pesto! It's Piano Magic!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is about $40-$80 per hour, depending on your lesson format and payment plan. You receive much more value for your money with full-service 60-minute lessons than with the skimpy 30-minute lessons from other teachers!
Hour lessons might cost $75, but 30-minute lessons might cost $45, which computes to $90 per hour. So you are definitely paying more and getting less!
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano in high school and have been teaching ever since!
What types of students have you worked with?
All types and all ages and all ability levels!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We just finished our Spring concerts and recitals, and all my students performed wonderfully! I am always thrilled to see the results of my students' hard work, and the smiles on their faces (and their parents' faces!) when they finish their songs!
*Dennis is Creative and Detailed*
"Dennis’ creativity, preparation, and attention to detail positively set the stage for learning to occur. Dennis creates an atmosphere that motivates students to take risks and challenge themselves to advance. Dennis demonstrates the desire to see students succeed through his dedication, self-evaluation, and compassionate nature."
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who strives to help you attain your goals!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what your goals are. What do you want to study and learn?
Think about performing. How often do you want to perform? How much experience do you seek?
Think about costs (financial commitment).
Think about schedule and availability (time commitment).
Think about location. Do you have a place to play and to practice?
Think about equipment. Do you have a piano or the instrument you seek to study and learn? If not, will you be able to get one soon?