Piano Lessons in Washington, DC

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Piano

Our Approach to Piano Lessons

Piano lessons are offered on a one-on-one basis with our highly qualified teachers and also through our group classes and pairs lessons. During private music lessons, the student will develop a plan for individual learning with their teachers.

Each teacher will work with the students to come up with repertoire suitable for their optimum learning. Some students excel at classical learning, studying the masters from all time periods of music (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.). Other students wish to integrate elements of pop music, church music, jazz music, or all of the above! Students will learn music reading, performance skills, improvisation skills, and theory skills.

Young student playing the piano

Our approach to
piano lessons

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01 Piano Lessons Should Be Fun!

We know that an interest in piano may be what first brings you into our school – but having fun is what keeps you coming back! Here at Middle C Music, our goal is for every student to LOVE their music lessons as they embark on a rewarding journey of progress and discovery. We put the “fun” in fundamentals!

Our knowledgeable staff blends a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the piano. Whether it’s your first time at the keys or you’re a seasoned pianist, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.

02 We Emphasize Healthy Technique

Healthy technique is critical to lifelong enjoyment of the piano. Our first priority is teaching strong fundamentals, including hand, wrist and arm technique, bench position, and pedaling. We believe that full-body instruction is essential to musicianship and safeguards students from injury.

Once the fundamentals are in place, you and your teacher can craft the story you want your music to tell. Our qualified teachers will assist you in developing musicianship and exploring nuance through dynamics, pausing, phrasing, and varying tempos. Learn with us as we infuse elements of music theory and music history into our well-rounded approach to fostering musical excellence.

03 We Care About Your Musical Interests

There is no one-size-fits-all method of piano instruction. Regardless of ability or prior experience, our teachers take an individualized approach to each of our students – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a personalized learning plan, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.

While fundamentals and technique are essential, our ultimate goal is to equip students to begin exploring their own personal musical style and interests. Your teacher will work with you to understand where you want to go, and craft a unique plan to get you there. Whether your style is classical or pop (or anything in between), Middle C Music helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.

Our Piano Teachers:

Our piano teachers in DC hold credentials from illustrious universities, and they perform regularly with various nationwide and community groups outside of the private piano studio. This wide range of experience allows them to pass on a bigger and more well-rounded musical perspective to their students.

Gjinovefa Sako

Gjinovefa Sako

Piano

Available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday Gjinovefa Sako is both a distinguished pianist and experienced piano teacher. She has over 30 years of experience as a piano instructor, working with

Brock Holmes

Brock Holmes

Guitar, Bass, Piano & Ukulele

Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Brock Holmes has performed and taught in the D.C. area for more than 30 years. In 2008, he was Music Director of the

Jaylin Conner

Jaylin Conner

Piano & Voice

Available Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Jaylin Conner, 22-year-old musician and instructor, is thrilled to be a part of the amazing staff at Middle C Music. While this is Jaylin’s first year at

Jack Irby

Jack Irby

Woodwinds & Piano

Available Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thurdays Jack is a native of Richmond, Virginia. At age 11, Jack picked up the saxophone for his middle school band and has not put it down

Hayley Gayne

Hayley Gayne

Violin, Voice & Piano

Saturdays, Tuesdays Hayley Gayne began playing music at the age of eight, starting with classical violin, which gave her the opportunity to play with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during her teenage years.

Tom Kitchen

Tom Kitchen

Guitar, Ukulele, Piano & Mandolin

Available Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Tom Kitchen has been straddling musical genres ever since he picked up the guitar. While playing in the Virginia Tech Jazz Big Band, conducted by the

AJ Rios

AJ Rios

Piano, Drums

Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Coming from a musical family on both sides, Rios was born fully aware of his purpose and passion. By age 3, he was given his first shot

Matthew Waterman

Matthew Waterman

Brass, Piano

Available Fridays Matthew Waterman is a musician, composer, and teacher from Bloomington, Indiana. Teaching trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, and piano on Fridays, Matthew believes in treating all styles of music with respect, and

Geoffrey Penar

Geoffrey Penar

Voice & Piano

Geoffrey Penar is a seasoned musical theater/classical and opera/rock singer and pianist hailing from Eastman School of Music and McGill University doing such roles as Lescaut in Manon, Leporello in Don Giovanni, and Puck and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

How it works

Tell us about your musical goals.

Match with one of our expert instructors.

Play music! Parents get progress reports.

“In addition to utterly wonderful staff, this place is indescribably beautiful and is a beyond outstanding choice for your musical needs. Go check it out!”

— Chris Vuille-Kowing

“Great music store and amazing workers! I would like to spotlight Mike for his outstanding hospitality toward me and my son. He not only helped him pick out an instrument but he got him to take lessons as well. Thank you so much and we will be sure to come back again!”

— Anthony Montgomery

“Michael, the Floor Manager is a great guy. We’ve been speaking on the phone and he’s quick to answer any and all questions. Staff is great. I always get a email reply the same day and it’d be more fun if I came in person. Thank you guys for running an amazing business! I couldn’t been more happier!!”

— Oscar Rios

“We love velocity. The facility is always very welcoming and cheerful. My 3 y.o. Enjoys the music together sessions. I feel like it’s encouraging him to develop a love of music and even helping with his rhythm in gross motor skills.”

— Barbara Gonzalez

“Have been shopping at this store for about 6 years and have always loved the place. The staff is extremely helpful, informed, and extremely nice.”

— Thanks Middle C!

“Outstanding service, friendly staff; made us feel like FAMILIA!!! It just happened to be my son’s sweet 16th and THEIR Sweet 16th Anniversary and THEY GAVE HIM A CALENDAR and some Mozart socks!!! It was amazing and made my boy’s day! I hope we can have an Open Mic Nite there in May!!!”

— Luis J. Martinez

“Had a wonderful experience today! Bought my daughter her first ukulele today and we were serenaded out by the staff! Love the mom&pop shop feel.”

— Tamia Barnes Tomasek

“Great local place with in-house expertise. Friendly and fun folks to help you with all your musical needs. Good prices too!”

— Sharon Jaffess-Brown

“Wow! This place is awesome. Great variety of instruments, a bit of gear and lots of sheet music. Staff was super helpful and the rest of the staff was nice and interactive. You can tell these folks really take pride in what they do!”

— Sebastian Rodriguez

Lesson Pricing

Weekly

30 Min Lesson

$230

Monthly

30 minute lessons are great for learning the basics and building a strong foundation.

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Weekly

60 Min Lesson

$460

Monthly

Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

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What’s a good age to begin piano lessons?

We offer lessons to children in Washington DC, suburbs area beginning at age 4. Additionally, we offer lessons through the high school years and teach adults too! The piano is a wonderful versatile instrument that can bring joy through a lifetime a learning.
Certain aspects of piano technique, such as interval reach, can be physically challenging to a young child. At the same time, there are plenty of basics to learn before large interval reach is necessary.
At Middle C Music, we suggest beginning instruction no younger than age four. Have no fear: beginning at this young age will give your child plenty of time to progress in their keyboarding skills.
So, if you have the desire to learn, we have the desire to teach you—no matter your age.

How much are piano lessons in DC?

The pricing for piano lessons in DC varies based on the duration of each lesson. The price ranges between $220 – $440 per month. We offer two options. Weekly 30-minute lesson: The cost is $220 per month. This lesson duration is ideal for beginners who are focusing on learning the fundamentals and establishing a strong foundation in piano playing. Weekly 60-minute lesson: The cost is $440 per month. This longer lesson duration is perfect for motivated intermediate or advanced musicians who desire more extensive instruction and practice time.

Our piano teachers

All of the teachers at Middle C Music hold university degrees in music and are experts in their field. Our piano faculty have received their musical education from such prestigious institutions all over the country.

Do I have to know how to read music?

No. Beginners are welcome!

Do I need a piano to learn the instrument?

No, you do not need a piano at home to take lessons. A simple full size electronic keyboard will suffice for the first 6 months. Contact us to learn more about keyboard rentals and pricing.

Are there piano recitals?‍

Absolutely! Our students have the opportunity to perform. Private students are given the opportunity to participate in two recitals per year, one in December and one in May.

So, what are you waiting for?

If you’re ready to jump into the world of keyboarding, we are excited to match you with a teacher that can get you started on your musical journey. Nothing will enable you to progress more effectively than a one-on-one partnership with an inspiring piano professional.
Let us help you explore and build your abilities in a setting that is comfortable for you. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step, so why not get started today?

Where is Middle C Music located?

Middle C Music offers piano lessons in Washington DC and serves surrounding communities, including Tenleytown, Brookmont, Spring Valley, Wakefield, McLean Gardens, Cathedral Heights, Somerset & more.
We are located at 4530 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, across the street from CVS and next door to Dunkin’ Donuts!

Which locations you serve?

We serve piano lesson students in DC and surrounding areas including: Friendship Heights, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Cleveland Park, Cathedral Heights, Glover Park, American University Park, Van Ness, Woodley Park, Palisades.