Top Pro

Pangloss Music Studio

About

Music enriches life at every stage — it stimulates our brains, deepens focus, strengthens memory, and brings joy! Whether a student is 3 or 83 yrs old, my goal is to help every learner to play beautiful music beautifully, with excellent technique, in whatever style inspires you. And whether you only want to play in your living room or for others, on-stage or off, I want nothing more than to help you learn to play and perform at your highest level of ability and to methodically and securely train you to do that.

I have over 30 years' teaching experience and a Master of Arts degree in Violin and extensive training on piano and intensive graduate experience and in accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists (on piano). I teach both piano and violin, blending Suzuki methods (on violin) and traditional methods (piano and violin), with individualized strategies. Each student’s plan is tailored to their goals, age, and learning style. Alongside technique, we explore music theory & history, ear training, and performance skills, in all styles and eras of music. Lessons are active, but patient, structured, and motivating, and I emphasize teaching effective practice techniques so your progress feels steady and rewarding.

Lessons take place in my studio on a Yamaha G2 grand piano. The space is warm, inspiring, and encourages focus as you are surrounded by multiple bookcases filled with hundreds of piano, violin and accompaniment scores, the complete Grove's Music Dictionary, music history, theory, and literature treatises, composer and performer biographies, plus current references on music and the brain, and countless technical teaching resources on both instruments— as if you’re tucked into a corner of a music library. At the same time, I use lots of colorful props, oversized teaching aids, and music games when they are the best ways to quickly. convey music concepts.

RATES (MONTHLY TUITION, INCL. NM GRT)

Tuition is averaged over 47 teaching weeks per year into equal monthly payments. This builds in a 9–10% discount compared to paying lesson-by-lesson and keeps your monthly payments consistent. The per lesson rate below is the effective rate, the rate you pay per lesson, when paying monthly. It is for information only.

*****PRIVATE LESSONS::

*****20 min (AGES 3–5 ONLY) — $117/mo*****$27/lsn incl. tax

*****30 min (YOUNG CHILDREN & ADULT BEGINNERS ONLY) — $209/mo*****$48/lsn incl. tax

*****45 min (ALL AGES/LEVELS) — $276/mo*****$64/lsn incl. tax

*****60 min (ALL AGES/LEVELS) — $316/mo***** $73/lsn incl. tax

***BUDDY LESSONS (AGES 5-8 ONLY - TWO STUDENTS, EACH HAS A PRIVATE LESSON & THEN A SHARED "GROUP" TIME

***45 min format — $286/mo ($143 ea. person)***

***90 min format — $326/mo ($163 ea. person)***

++++SINGLE LESSONS (ON-DEMAND, SCHEDULED IN ADVANCE)

Single lessons can be scheduled for experienced players only. They must still be scheduled one (1) week in advance, if possible.

+++45 min (High Intermediate-Advanced) -- $84/ea. (incl. tax)

+++60 min (Advanced) -- $92/ea. (incl. tax)

ANNUAL AVERAGING

Rates are averaged across the year for consistent monthly billing. Detailed explanation available in the “Rates” section of my profile.

BILLING:

Monthly billing. Payment due by the 1st. On-time payment discount.

Late fee after the 3rd.

Highlights

Hired 29 times

1 employee

28 years in business

Serves Albuquerque, NM

Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Apple Pay, Zelle

Specialties

Instrument(s)

Piano, Violin

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate

Students age

Younger than 6 years old, 6 - 9 years old, 10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older

Interest(s)

Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.), Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training)

Lesson length

30 minutes, 60 minutes

Photos and videos

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.

peter R.

Patti has been my piano teacher for the last three months. I appreciate her systematic approach to teaching music, so that I always know where we are going. She is helpful in solving the problems every music student encounters, and moreover is patient and encouraging. She also has extensive musical knowledge and a great library of sheet music.

October 01, 2025

rebecca D.

We travel over thirty minutes for lessons with Ms. Patti because she’s such an exceptional teacher. Her patience with my son, who has ADHD, is endless, and she uses creative methods, like creating music notes from pool noodles, to engage and keep his attention. Thanks to her unique approach, he’s made great progress in his lessons!

August 05, 2025

Yvette S.

Pati gives individualized lessons based on your goals and what styles of music you want to learn. I am an adult student who has been taking lessons with Pati for 3 years. I previously took lessons as a teen and can tell you that Pati is by far the best piano teacher I have ever had.

July 28, 2025

Alena S.

Music lessons with Patti are always enjoyable and amazing! She’s very approachable and always given useful tips on my violin lessons!

October 11, 2024

cynthia P.

She is responsive to my interests as an older student. She is teaching me the nuances of playing. She is easy to get along with. Has such a wealth of knowledge.

February 20, 2024

gretchen S.

Patti is an accomplished professional who is approachable and encouraging. She is able to meet a student at their own level, and maintains a positive atmosphere and a good sense of humor. Patti is able to supply/suggest interesting pieces of music that a beginner can play.

February 20, 2024

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I start with a friendly interview to learn your goals, experience, and learning style. At the first lesson, I assess listening and technique, then build a personalized plan with clear steps. We focus on how to practice effectively, so progress comes quickly and frustration is minimized.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I hold a Master of Arts in Violin Performance from Northern Arizona University, with extensive Suzuki teacher training, and having studied with Dr. Louise Scott, Norma Davidson, Kathie Jarrett, Newt Gilbeau, and my sister, Kim Brimberry. I studied piano for over 20 years with distinguished professors and teachers, including Irma Kluck, George Robert, Dr. Gregory Allen, Dr. Steven Hall, and Joe Kim. I've also performed in numerous orchestras and chamber groups throughout my schooling in Texas and New Mexico, and both professionally and on a voluntary basis in New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Kansas.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

Yes. Monthly Tuition is annualized (47 weeks ÷ 12 months) and billed monthly. For example, 60-min weekly lessons are $316/month (≈ $68/hr effective). This method builds in a 9–10% discount compared to paying lesson-by-lesson and allows you to pay the same amount each month for your convenience and planning. You do not pay for 5 holiday weeks of your choice, but may still have a lesson (at no cost) in any of those weeks if the timing works out. TUITION **** PRIVATE LESSON MONTHLY TUITION: ** 20 min (ages 3-5 only) $117/mo ** 30 min (young children and teen beginners only) $209/mo ** 45 min (all ages and levels upon approval) $276/mo ** 60 min (all ages and levels, upon approval) $316/mo **** ***BUDDY LESSONS [Two students (ages 6-9 only) shared format with PRIVATE + JOINT time + LISTENING time]: ** 45 min [15/15/15] $286/mo private + joint time (30 min / $143 ea., Mat'ls Fee Incl.) ** 90 min [30/30/30] $326/mo private + joint time (60 min / $163 ea., Mat'ls Fee Incl.). TUITION IS DUE IN ADVANCE, no later than the last day of the preceding month. A 15% late fee will be charged for late payment.

How did you get started teaching?

I grew up in a teaching family and began teaching piano in Austin while studying piano and music literature at UT. After moves to New Orleans, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and back to New Mexico, I taught children and adults in private lessons and group classes, in prep schools, public and charter schools, and church programs. Over the years, I founded a music school, directed programs, and performed actively in orchestras and chamber ensembles — always keeping private teaching at the heart of my work.

What types of students have you worked with?

I’ve taught students ages 3 to 85+, beginner to advanced, privately. and in groups. Many were and are adults returning to or beginning music lessons, while others are children and young people starting anew. I've also taught and adapt lessons for students with ADD, ADHD, autism spectrum, and divergent learning styles, tailoring lessons to their unique strengths.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

One of the most powerful experiences of my teaching career was at a residential program for at-risk youth in Lincoln County. I taught two classes of 15 teenage boys — many of whom had never heard live music, much less live violin or any classical music at all. I introduced them to Bach's music and history, taught them all to play violin, and in just a few weeks they were clamoring for their turn to play “Twinkle” on donated violins from Robertson’s. When we connected the Baroque “Doctrine of Affections” with the emotions they felt in Tupac’s music, they realized great music gave them tools to experience anger, grief, and complex emotions, without acting them out in real life— and that gave them hope. Seeing them link Rap and Bach as lifelines was unforgettable. When I also arranged their attendance at the Roswell Symphony Orchestra I played in, they sat proudly in the front row and were thrilled to go backstage to meet the conductor and my fellow musicians. I learned as much from them as they from me, and it was an extaordinary experience.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

When choosing a teacher, don’t just look at years of experience or a polished website. Look for someone who will meet you where you are, inspire you to reach further, and teach you how to practice effectively. Music lessons aren’t just another “activity” to fill the week or add to a resume' for getting into better schools. Playing and studying music is a lifelong pursuit that shapes your brain, your habits, and even your outlook on life, as it makes you smarter and more connected to the world. The right teacher will help you stay motivated, push you just enough, and give you the tools to make steady progress, while also teaching you music theory, history, and literature. Your teacher should also be someone you enjoy spending time with — someone you can trust with your insecurities and goals — and who will guide you with patience, honesty, and humor to be disciplined and to work hard. Above all, hire a teacher who shows you that music is not a checkbox or just a hobby, but a life-enriching practice and window into yourself and the world that can create endless joy and resilience at any age.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

FOR ALL STUDENTS: What are my short- and long-term goals? What music excites me most? Am I willing and able to commit to the teacher's guidelines and expectations for focused practice time each day and each week? Am I committed to not cancel or skip lessons, even when social or optional events compel me to? PARENTS: Is my child genuinely interested? Can I support their practice with consistency and encouragement? Can I commit to assuring my child attends all lessona except in cases of health or family emergencies or illness? ADULTS: When am I most alert to learn? Do I want structure, freedom to experiment, or both? Am I seeking challenge, creative outlet, or long-term study? What are my short- and long-term goals? (To play for personal enjoyment, join an ensemble, prepare for college auditions?) These questions help you (and me) design a program that fits your goals and lifestyle. Thoughtful preparation makes for a smoother start.

Services offered

Piano

Violin

Music Theory