Piano
Piano lessons at Charlotte Academy of the Arts are for students of every age and level, from beginners as young as 5 to adults finally making time for music. In fact, our academy began the way many good things do: around a piano, in a home, with a teacher who believed in her students. Today we’re a thriving performing arts studio in Matthews, NC, and piano remains at the heart of it all.
What to expect
Before your first lesson, we match you with the teacher best suited to your goals, personality, and experience level. We also work around your schedule to find a weekly time that fits. This goes for everyone: young beginners, teens, and adult students alike. Whether you’re a parent enrolling your child or an adult finally making time for something you’ve always wanted to do, the process is the same. Your teacher will get to know you: your musical interests, any prior music experience, and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
From there, lessons are personalized. Our teachers draw from decades experiences teaching classical, contemporary, pop, jazz, and beyond, building real technique while keeping students engaged with music they love to play!
Why you'll love it
Our faculty are experienced educators, in addition to being skilled musicians. They know how to make lessons engaging and effective for students of every age and ability. Piano lessons at CAA are built around each student’s goals: some students pursue formal examinations and festival competitions; others just want to play music they love. Both are equally welcome here!
When students are ready, they can participate in a range of optional performance opportunities, from casual studio concerts to formal recitals, the NFMC Piano Festival, NCMTA events, and Royal Conservatory Examinations. Every opportunity is opt-in, and your teacher will help you decide what makes sense for your student.
Class details
Piano lessons are held once per week on the same day and time so it becomes a natural part of your family’s schedule. We offer three lesson lengths to fit different ages, attention spans, and goals:
- 30 minutes $39
- 45 minutes $58.50
- 60 minutes $78
Our lessons run year-round, which keeps students progressing consistently and avoid the regression that comes with breaks in their schedule. We will help you choose the best lesson length at enrollment, and it’s easy to adjust as your student grows.
What’s included
Our piano students receive one-on-one instruction, weekly practice assignments, and access to all optional performance opportunities. As a CAA student, you’ll also have first access to our special events throughout the year including PopArts Kids Night Out, holiday events, and exclusive performance opportunities that go beyond the lesson studio. New students are welcomed to the Charlotte Academy of the Arts family with a tote bag upon enrollment.
FAQs
What age can my child start piano lessons?
We welcome students ages 5 and up. For younger children, we’re happy to do a brief consultation as some kids are ready earlier than you might think. We also offer JumpStart Piano for children ages 5 to 9. Kindermusik and Little KeyNotes Piano are also offered for our youngest musicians.
Do students participate in recitals and competitions.
All performance opportunities are completely optional. Some students love the spotlight; others prefer to keep music personal. We support both and encourage, but never pressure, students to perform. Having said that, we hope you’ll develop a love for sharing your music with others! At Charlotte Academy of the Arts, we offer many performance opportunities available to our students, from recitals to festivals and competitions.
Does my child need prior experience or the ability to read music?
Not at all. We welcome complete beginners at every age. Learning to read music is part of what we teach.
Do I need a piano at home before we start?
Ideally a well-tuned acoustic piano is best, however we realize that is not always possible. An 88 key digital piano with “weighted” keys is also a suitable instrument for the first 1-2 years of piano lessons, dependent upon the rate of the student’s advancement.
Can adults take piano lessons?
Absolutely. Many of our students are adults, whether they’re complete beginners, returning after years away, or working toward a specific goal. It’s never too late and such a gift to give yourself!
What styles of music do you teach?
Our teachers are experienced in teaching classical, contemporary, musical theatre, jazz, pop, and more. We find the music that motivates each student and build strong technique from there.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Your teacher will share their makeup and cancellation policies with you upon enrollment. If you need to cancel a lesson, please reach out to your teacher as soon as possible.
Where is Charlotte Academy of the Arts located?
We are located in Idlewild Market, Matthews, NC, just off I-485, an easy drive for families throughout the area. We serve students from Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Harrisburg, Weddington, Stallings, Monroe, Charlotte, and across both Mecklenburg and Union Counties. If you’re looking for piano lessons in the southeast Charlotte or Union County area, we’re likely closer than you think. Our CAA families enjoy making the most of their children’s lesson times, buying groceries, getting their nails done, even getting in a workout right in our shopping center.
