Your Questions, Answered

  • 60-minute and 45-minute in-person or online piano lessons — tailored for students of all ages and levels.

    What each lesson includes

    • Technique: Scales, arpeggios, hand independence, posture, fingerings, and exercises to build precision, speed, and control.

    • Repertoire: Age- and level-appropriate pieces from classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary genres with attention to musicality and expression.

    • Music theory: Practical harmony, notation, rhythm, chord progressions, and analysis directly applied to the student’s repertoire.

    • Music history: Context for composers and styles to deepen interpretive understanding and appreciation.

    • Aural skills/listening: Interval and chord recognition, rhythmic dictation, sight-singing basics, and focused listening activities to develop musical ear.

    • Practice strategy: Goal setting, efficient practice routines, problem-solving techniques, and use of metronome and recording for progress tracking.

    How lesson lengths differ

    • 60-minute lessons

      • Best for intermediate to advanced students or those preparing for exams, recitals, or auditions.

      • Allows more in-depth work: extended technical practice, multiple repertoire pieces, detailed theory and analysis, and longer listening/aural training.

      • Time for review, new material, and wrap-up with clear practice assignments.

    • 45-minute lessons

      • Ideal for beginners, busy students, or those seeking steady progress without longer weekly commitment.

      • Covers essential technique and one or two pieces, focused theory concepts, brief aural practice, and concise, prioritized practice plans.

      • Efficient and focused: perfect for consistent weekly improvement.

    Flexible delivery: in-person or online

    • Same curriculum and learning goals whether lessons are held in our Newton studio or via secure video sessions.

    • Online lessons include clear camera positioning, high-quality audio when possible, screen sharing for scores and theory, and digital resources for at-home practice.

    • In-person lessons offer hands-on guidance for posture and touch, and access to studio instruments and printed materials.

    Progress tracking and materials

    • Regular goal reviews, written practice plans, recordings of student performances on request, and curated theory/workbook materials.

    • Recitals, exams, and milestone assessments available for motivated students.

    Scheduling and recommendations

    • Beginners and young children often start with 45-minute lessons and move to 60-minute lessons as technique and repertoire demands grow.

    • Teen and adult hobbyists choose either length based on availability; 60-minute lessons recommended for accelerated progress or exam prep.

    • Weekly lessons recommended for steady development; biweekly options available in some cases.

    To begin: we’ll assess level, goals, and scheduling to recommend 45- or 60-minute lessons and a personalized plan that balances technique, theory, history, listening, and enjoyable repertoire.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • At Lena’s Piano, our teaching philosophy is a holistic approach tailored to each student’s level and goals. We combine technical skill-building, musical expression, theory, and real-world application so students grow into confident, well-rounded musicians.

    At the end of the class you bring home a power point and playlist that guide you though your daily homework and practice.

    How we tailor instruction

    • Individual assessment: We begin with a thorough evaluation of ability, musical preferences, and long- and short-term goals (recreational playing, exam preparation, college audition, performance, composition, etc.).

    • Personalized lesson plans: Every plan is built from the assessment and evolves with the student. Repertoire, technical exercises, ear training, sight-reading, and theory are selected and sequenced to match the student’s current level and learning style.

    • Goal-driven milestones: We set measurable, motivating milestones—monthly practice targets, repertoire benchmarks, and performance readiness checks—to track progress and adjust pacing.

    • Flexible modalities: Lessons can be in-person or online, and we adapt practice plans to students’ schedules and home environments so progress is sustainable.

    • Power point with a study guide and music playlist.

    Components of the holistic method

    • Technique and healthy practice: Proper posture, hand position, and efficient practice strategies reduce injury risk and accelerate skill development. Technique work is integrated into repertoire, not taught in isolation.

    • Musicality and interpretation: Students learn phrasing, dynamics, rubato, and storytelling so performances feel expressive and authentic rather than merely accurate.

    • Theory and musicianship: Theory is taught contextually—scales, harmony, and form are learned through the pieces students play, strengthening sight-reading and improvisation.

    • Ear training and listening: Active listening, interval and chord recognition, and transcription exercises build a strong aural foundation that supports ensemble playing and creativity.

    • Performance and confidence: Regular low-pressure performance opportunities (recitals, masterclasses, studio classes) cultivate stage presence and ease with live playing.

    • Creativity and repertoire variety: We include classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary works as appropriate, plus composition and improvisation options to keep lessons engaging and personally meaningful.

    • Motivation and wellbeing: Teachers foster a positive learning environment, set achievable expectations, and encourage healthy practice habits to sustain long-term enjoyment.

    Who benefits

    • Beginners: Gentle, structured progress with emphasis on habits and fundamentals.

    • Intermediate players: Focused technique, expressive interpretation, and expanding repertoire.

    • Advanced students: Refinement of style, audition prep, and advanced musicianship.

    • Adult learners: Customized pacing, relevant repertoire, and real-world performance goals.

    • Children: Playful, multisensory lessons that build focus, listening, and confidence.

    Outcome Students who learn with our holistic, tailored approach develop technical proficiency, musical understanding, and expressive confidence. They leave lessons equipped to meet their individual musical goals—whether that’s playing for pleasure, performing publicly, or pursuing professional study.

    Start your tailored piano journey with a placement assessment to create a lesson plan that fits your level, interests, and goals.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.