The First Note
At Michelle's Musical Keys, my approach is to provide group piano classes to my beginning and intermediate students and then move them into private lesson slots as they advance.
Besides being a lot of fun, group piano classes have so many benefits – positive peer pressure to practice since students constantly play in front of each other, the ability to play with a group, accompanying skills, increased confidence, and counting skills – just to name a few. But most importantly, my students love making music with their friends!
At Michelle's Musical Keys, I teach a Four Arts approach to learning to play which includes: note reading, improvising, composing, and arranging. This allows me to reach all styles of student learning – visual, aural, and kinesthetic – and provide confidence-building experiences for my students.
Group Classes | Private Lessons | Studio Handbook & Policies | Testimonials
Group Classes
PIANO LESSONS REDEFINED.
A pioneering curriculum that covers not only the foundations of piano playing but also general musicianship, listening skills, composition, and improvisation that bring together all the benefits of learning in a group, with the individual approach that ensures every learner thrives.
Little Keynotes
Piano Classes
Ages 4-5 years old
Learning through play!
Themed workbooks ensure that there are plenty of opportunities to explore musical elements in relation to characters, stories, ideas, and moods.
Skills developed: foundations of piano playing, age-appropriate play-based approach, learning short two-bar phrases, 5-finger positions, lots of songs and games!
Storytellers
Piano Classes
Beginners ages 6+
Providing the foundations of piano playing for young learners, using stories, songs, and games. The songs punctuate a story and use musical elements and piano techniques to illustrate. Singing and games add to the fun of this group program!
Skills developed: build finger strength, 5-finger positions, and a bubble-hand posture
Advancing students ages 6+
Developing piano skills and musical literacy through a mix of solo and ensemble repertoire.
Skills developed: build finger strength, 5-finger positions and a bubble-hand posture, note reading, Treble and Bass Clefs, knowledge of the different sounds that can be achieved through the way that we play the piano
Foundations
Piano Classes
What do teens want? To socialize!
Groups keep teens interested because their class becomes their circle of friends!
Develop the skills to try out for jazz band or play for the church choir, chord theory, and technique
Integrate the latest pop and movie tunes that teens want to play!
Teen
Piano Classes
Have you always wanted to play the piano but thought you were too old to learn? Did you take piano as a child, quit, and now regret it?
A goal-oriented, motivating experience for you in a relaxed, stress-free environment with other adult hobbyists.
You’ll learn to read music, play movie hits, pop songs, Broadway, jazz, classical favorites along with chords and lead sheets for maximum enjoyment!
Adult
Piano Classes
Group classes are held weekly for 45 minutes each for $130/month
*An annual, $130 non-refundable registration fee will be billed upon enrollment and covers books and materials for the entire school year.
Michelle's Musical Keys runs a 12-month calendar, holding 34 weeks of classes during the school year and 8 weeks of classes in the summer. My summer schedule is very flexible and easy to work around your family and vacation plans. Tuition remains the same each month regardless of the number of lessons. There are 42 lessons per year and 3 recital opportunities.
You may join a class anytime there is an opening that works for you!
Private Lessons
Through innovative instruction, high-quality instruments, the latest tech tools, and savvy practice tips discover and develop your full potential at the keys!
Individualized lessons are designed for each student's unique learning style and goals. Innovative teaching methods introduce:
technique
artistry
music theory
performance readiness
improvisation
composition, and more!
So each student develops the necessary skills to grow into a confident musician equipped to play and create in most styles and stick to the bench for a lifetime!
Customizing lessons to suit YOUR interests is a priority and therefore Michelle's Musical Keys offers “blended” instruction in Classical, Jazz, and Pop along with creativity beyond the page.
Players not only have a private lesson but an “off-bench” time as well. Assignments during this time include reinforcement of concepts discussed at lessons, music history, sight reading, ear training, and more.
Most often exercises are completed on the iPad, my favorite teaching assistant, that offers gamification: learning through gaming!
Enjoy playing on my Yamaha P22 studio piano, Yamaha Clavinova CVP709, and Yamaha GC1 grand piano.
Students will receive weekly private lessons that are offered in 45 or 60-minute sessions.
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$240/monthly, Weekly 45 min (Intermediate or Adult Beginner)
$315/monthly, Weekly 60 min (Intermediate, Advanced or Adult Beginner)
*An annual, $130 non-refundable registration fee will be billed upon enrollment and covers books and materials for the entire school year.
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Students are invited to perform at the Halloween recital in October, Christmas recital in December, and larger Spring Showcase recital in May which include awards, student solos and group ensembles. My studio participates in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival in the spring and Ensemble Festival in the fall.
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My studio is conveniently located in Kalona, Iowa. I provide an innovative piano experience for students that includes a spacious classroom with top-of-the-line Yamaha digital pianos – one for each student – iPads and TV to integrate technology into my classes.
Patience and encouragement are the foundation of my teaching style. My passion in sharing the gift of music is to inspire students as I have been inspired, and to enrich their lives with a greater understanding and appreciation of music.
TESTIMONIALS