Find a Class Time (45-minutes)

Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.

Book an introductory piano class up to 6 days in advance, subject to availability. Use the discount code ILOVEGROUPPIANO at checkout after adding a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket to your basket. The code is valid for one (1) 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket per booker email. If booking for 2 or more students, use a different email for each student to activate the code. Each student is limited to one (1) introductory class. Misuse of this code is not permitted and will lead to immediate cancellation of the booking.

• Booking: Booking is Open
• Course Duration: January 12 to June 21, 2026 with prorated pricing discount for each past date & class cancellation by the studio
• Class Duration; Class Size; & Facilities: 45 minutes; 1 to 5 students; 1 acoustic grand piano and 5 digital pianos.
• School Registration Fee: $0
• No Classes: No classes were scheduled on the dates listed below; these dates are not part of the published course schedule and are not eligible for make-up classes. Piano Buds in a Pod is closed when New York City Public Schools close for snow or inclement weather. Piano Buds in a Pod does not offer makeup classes due to weather-related closings. In the event that the studio cancels a class for any reason, a full refund will be issued to the students.
  • Feb 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 (Monday to Sunday) - Midwinter Recess
  • Apr 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (Thursday to Friday) - Spring Recess
  • May 11 (Monday) - Recital, May 11, 2026 4:00-6:00 PM, at Steinway Hall, New York
  • May 23, 24, 25 (Saturday to Monday) - Memorial Day
• Books Are Required Materials: Students are required to purchase the books recommended by their teacher. For new students, books will be provided at the studio during the first class while the teacher determines which method book is most appropriate for their learning needs. If your book has not arrived before your first class, or if you forget to bring it, copies will be available at the studio for in-class use. View the selection of required books here.
• Fees: Group Piano classes are available as either full-course enrollment or single drop-in sessions. Full-course tuition is $38.50 per 45-minute class, and drop-in tuition is $55, or $40 for first-time students using code ILOVEGROUPPIANO, limited to one (1) use per student. Effective after June 21, 2026, full-course tuition and the first-time drop-in rate will be $40 per 45-minute class.
• What You Are Paying For: You are paying for the number of classes listed in the published term schedule, or, if selecting the per-class option, for a single class at a time. Full-course enrollment fees are based on the total number of classes in the term schedule. If a student is absent, those with an active full-course enrollment are eligible to attend make-up classes.
• Policies and Procedures: View document (pdf)
• Recital Date: Recital enrollment is now closed, as the maximum capacity has been reached. Participation is optional, subject to availability, and open to students enrolled in a Full-Course Enrollment for the Spring Term 2025 from January 12 to June 21, 2026 in either Group Piano or Individual Piano Courses. Piano Buds In A Pod Recital, May 11, 2026 Monday 4:00-6:00 PM, at Steinway Hall, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. 
• Blog Recital Article: 🌹 Curtain Up at Steinway Hall: A Sparkling Debut last May 27, 2025
• Taught by: Alexandra & Elif
• Location: 1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York, New York 10128, United States

• Booking: Booking is Open.
• Course Duration: July 20 - August 14, 2026 with prorated pricing discount for each past date & class cancellation by the studio
• Class Duration; Class Size; & Facilities: 45 minutes; 1 to 5 students; 1 acoustic grand piano and 5 digital pianos.
• School Registration Fee: $0
• Books Are Required Materials: Students are required to purchase the books recommended by their teacher. For new students, books will be provided at the studio during the first class while the teacher determines which method book is most appropriate for their learning needs. If your book has not arrived before your first class, or if you forget to bring it, copies will be available at the studio for in-class use. View the selection of required books here.
• What You Are Paying For: You are paying for the number of classes listed in the published term schedule, or, if selecting the per-class option, for a single class at a time. Full-week enrollment fees are based on the total number of classes in the week schedule. If a student is absent, those with an active full-course enrollment are eligible to attend make-up classes.
• Fees: Group Piano classes are available as either full-course enrollment or single drop-in sessions. Full-course tuition is $40 per 45-minute class, and drop-in tuition is $55, or $40 for first-time students using code ILOVEGROUPPIANO, limited to one (1) use per student.
• Policies and Procedures: View document (pdf)
• Taught by: Alexandra
• Location: 1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York, New York 10128, United States

• Booking: Booking is Open. 
• Course Duration: September 10 to December 23, 2026  with prorated pricing discount for each past date & class cancellation by the studio
• Class Duration; Class Size; & Facilities: 45 minutes; 1 to 5 students; 1 acoustic grand piano and 5 digital pianos.
• School Registration Fee: $0
• No Classes: No classes were scheduled on the dates listed below; these dates are not part of the published course schedule and are not eligible for make-up classes. Piano Buds in a Pod is closed when New York City Public Schools close for snow or inclement weather. Piano Buds in a Pod does not offer makeup classes due to weather-related closings. In the event that the studio cancels a class for any reason, a full refund will be issued to the students.
• October 12 (Monday, Italian Heritage / Indigenous Peoples’ Day), 
• November 11 (Wednesday, Veterans Day), and 
• November 26-29 (Thursday–Sunday, Thanksgiving Recess).
• Books Are Required Materials: Students are required to purchase the books recommended by their teacher. For new students, books will be provided at the studio during the first class while the teacher determines which method book is most appropriate for their learning needs. If your book has not arrived before your first class, or if you forget to bring it, copies will be available at the studio for in-class use. View the selection of required books here.
• What You Are Paying For: You are paying for the number of classes listed in the published term schedule, or, if selecting the per-class option, for a single class at a time. Full-week enrollment fees are based on the total number of classes in the term schedule. If a student is absent, those with an active full-course enrollment are eligible to attend make-up classes.
• Fees: Group Piano classes are available as either full-course enrollment or single drop-in sessions. Full-course tuition is $40 per 45-minute class, and drop-in tuition is $55, or $40 for first-time students using code ILOVEGROUPPIANO, limited to one (1) use per student.
• Policies and Procedures: View document (pdf)
• Taught by: Monday to Saturday with Alexandra and Sunday with Elif
• Location: 1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York, New York 10128, United States

5 digital pianos

1 acoustic grand piano

Students are required to purchase the books recommended by their teacher. For new students, books will be provided at the studio during the first class while the teacher determines which method book is most appropriate for their learning needs. If your book has not arrived before your first class, or if you forget to bring it, copies will be available at the studio for in-class use. View the selection of required books here.

Every student has different goals. Student beginners follow through the lesson units in the method book (Alfred’s Piano Books). Students complete each lesson unit at their own pace. Some want to master one piano piece to proudly share with friends. Others aim to explore a broader range of music and improve their reading skills. Some focus on preparing a select few pieces for performance, such as a recital, while others work toward formal assessments like the ABRSM exams.

Each student follows their own pathway.

Group Piano is a drop-off class without caregiver participation. One parent or caregiver may observe from the designated waiting area for the duration of the class. Due to space constraints, only one parent/caregiver per child is permitted inside Piano Buds in a Pod and must adhere to all Policies and Procedures to support the focus and learning of both students and teachers. 

You may drop-off the student or wait inside the classroom, however:

1. The green area rug with animals is reserved for students only. Accompanying persons are asked to remain in the designated area, seated on the bench or on the small area rug by the door entrance. In our group setting, where multiple students take turns at the grand piano, all accompanying persons are required to remain outside the students’ peripheral view to support focus during class.
2. Silence is required at all times. Accompanying persons waiting inside must remain quiet for the entire class. If noise continues, you may be asked to step outside. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
3. No strollers are allowed inside the classroom:
   • At the concierge desk, ask for Piano Bud’s designated stroller parking space.
   • The concierge will direct you to the stroller parking space at the concierge desk or the community hall, where there are security cameras at the entry doors, on the same level.
   • Take your valuables with you.
   • Take the elevator to Floor 1, at Suite 101, and attend the class.

Creating a sound-free learning space is our top priority, as students learn to play the piano through attentive listening.

Please read & agree to the Policies and Procedures before booking a class.

Recital enrollment is now closed, as the maximum capacity has been reached. Piano Buds In A Pod Recital, May 11, 2026 4:00-6:00 PM, at Steinway Hall, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Participation is optional, subject to availability, and open to students enrolled in a Full-Course Enrollment for the Spring Term 2025 from January 12 to June 21, 2026 in either Group Piano or Individual Piano Courses.

You’re welcome to enroll anytime—each student progresses at their own pace. There’s no pressure to move ahead or stay behind; if you need more time on a particular lesson, we’ll take that time. Everyone learns differently, and our group setting allows space for individual growth within a supportive classroom environment.

Thank you for letting us know! Make-up classes may be booked 6 days to 24 hours in advance, subject to availability, with at least 24 hours’ written notice and active enrollment. No-shows and missed make-up classes are not eligible for additional make-ups. A maximum of three (3) make-up classes is allowed per term. No refunds, credits, or extensions are provided, including for weather-related closures following NYC Public Schools. This policy is firm and non-negotiable.

To request a make-up class code for a 1-Class ticket, email pianobudsinapod@gmail.com. Misuse of codes will result in cancellation.

Congratulations to our students on their outstanding achievements in the The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Piano Performance Grade Exam! 🏆

Claire Downes, Initial Grade (Merit)

Pacey Aaron Cohen, Initial Grade (Merit)

Anthony Nguyen, Initial Grade (Distinction)

Xin Wang, Initial Grade (Distinction)

Neha Singh, Initial Grade (Distinction)

Shiv Dubey, Initial Grade (Distinction)

Pass 100 | Merit 120 | Distinction 130 of 150

Read more about the ABRSM Performance Grade Exam

What happens in a Group Piano class?

🎵 Select a digital piano. Each student will have a turn receiving 1-on-1 instruction on the acoustic grand piano with the teacher.
✏️ Learn or review finger numbers and notes on the grand staff.
🎹 Play a 1-octave C-major scale.
📕 Open your books to page ___.
👋 Find your finger position.
🌈 Find C–D–E–F–G–A–B on the white keys.
🎧 Wear headphones while practicing a piece from Alfred’s or ABRSM Initial–Grade 5 books.
🎭 Learn about the roles of the artist and the audience.
🏅 Perform in class on the acoustic grand piano.
⭐ Introduce yourself and your piece, perform, and take a bow.
🤖 Sight-read Beethoven’s Symphony “Choral.”
📝 Complete the written Music Theory workbook.

The class capacity is 5 students at maximum. Students attend a 45-minutes class.

Please read and agree to the Policies before booking a class. Please note that all refund requests must be made in writing to the studio administration within the specified timeframes outlined in this policy. Refunds will be processed within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 15 working days of the request being received to your original payment method. To do so, please send an email to pianobudsinapod@gmail.com requesting a refund.

Alexandra Miñoza is a teacher and the founder of Piano Buds in a Pod® NYC, a professional pianist, and a Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner based in New York City. She holds a Master of Music in Advanced Performance (Piano) from the Royal College of Music in London, where she studied under Professor Leon McCawley and received the Polani Award Scholarship. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore on a full scholarship sponsored by Singtel, studying with Professor Albert Tiu, Head of Piano Studies. Alexandra began her formal training at the Philippine High School for the Arts as a government scholar.

Elif Isil Karakas is a pianist and teacher at Piano Buds in a Pod® NYC performs at major venues worldwide, touring the U.S., and many countries in Europe as a guest performer. Trained in Russian, Turkish and American piano techniques, she is the laureate of more than 20 international piano competitions. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's at Manhattan School of Music, Karakas remains active as a solo pianist.

The Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) 

Exam Dates

Digital Performance Grades are available on demand. There are no booking periods and exam sessions. Instead, you can book, pay and submit the exam video when you are ready. You can submit the video when you book or at any time during the following 28 days. Book an exam

Exam Fees 

£46.00 Initial Performance Grade

£50.00 Performance Grade 1

£58.00 Performance Grade 2

£66.00 Performance Grade 3

Read more

Digital Certificates

1. A continuous video recording with: 

- an announcement of your name, instrument, grade and pieces/songs 

- the opening of your own-choice piece/song – shown to the camera 

- photo identification for Grade 6, 7 and 8 – shown to the camera  

- a continuous, unedited performance of your four pieces/songs

2. An online program form and declaration: 

- completed during the upload process by the candidate or responsible adult (if the candidate is under 18)

Read more