Piano Buds in a Pod® Now Accepting after-school Fall Enrollments For Kids & Adults
1-on-1 Individual Piano Lessons in New York - Kids & Adults
A classical art, a personal journey—book your piano classes.
A one-time, drop-in style class—not part of a weekly class.
LEARN PIANO AT PIANO BUDS IN A POD® NYC - AFTER-SCHOOL CLASS & ADULT PIANO CLASS
🧸 Best way to start piano lessons: have a piano at home.
1-on-1 PIANO Lessons FOR ALL LEVELS
Individual Piano
Individual Piano is a 1:1 weekly piano class on the grand piano for beginners up to ABRSM Grade 1 to 8 levels, open to all ages from 3+ to adults. Whether you're aiming to play your favorite piece or preparing for an ABRSM exam, the focus will be on mastering pieces as the core of your piano education. Additionally, students have the opportunity to practice on any of the five digital pianos with headsets, available before and after the class. Please inform the teacher in advance if you'd like to take advantage of this. Fee: $55/30-minutes 1-Introductory Class with the code ILOVEPIANO; $55/30-minutes with a Full Course Enrollment Ticket; $70/30-minutes with a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket “pay-per-class”.
Starting January 1, 2026, you will be paying $57/30-minutes with a Full Course Enrollment Ticket.
For in-home lessons, please email us at piannobudsinapod@gmail.com. Fee: $100/45-minutes with a 12-Classes Pass valid for a 14-week period from your start date.
Individual Piano Course Dates (2025)
Summer Term
- Duration: July 7 to August 22, 2025 with prorated pricing discount for each past date & class cancellation by the studio.
- Booking: Open
Fall Term
- Duration: September 4 to December 20, 2025 with prorated pricing discount for each past date & class cancellation by the studio.
- No Classes:
- October 13, 2025 (Monday) - Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples' Day, schools closed
- November 26-30 (Wednesday-Sunday) - Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed
- Booking: Open
⏰ Pop-Up/Catch-Up Individual Piano Class
Fall Term
- Duration: September 4 to December 20, 2025
- Booking: Open
A one-time, drop-in style class—not part of a weekly schedule—where you can simply book a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket.
For enrolled students who missed a class, you can also avail a make-up/catch-up class by attending a ⏰ Pop-Up/Catch-Up Individual Piano Class (subject to seat availability, up to 2 classes per term). To request a make-up class booking code, email pianobudsinapod@gmail.com.
We offer an introductory class for $55
Use the discount code ILOVEPIANO at checkout after adding a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket to your basket. The code is valid for one ‘1-class’ ticket per email address. If booking for two or more students, please use a separate email for each student to activate the code. Each student is limited to one (1) introductory class.
Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.
Attendance & Make-Up Policy
If you are absent from a class, make-up opportunities are limited to either:
- Attending a 45-minute Group Piano Class,
- Attending a “⏰ Pop-Up/Catch-Up Individual Piano Class (subject to seat availability, up to 2 classes per term),
To request a make-up class booking code, email pianobudsinapod@gmail.com
or
- Using 30 minutes of unsupervised practice time on the digital piano.
If you know in advance that you’ll miss specific dates within a course, you may choose to pay per class instead of enrolling in the full course. Pay-per-class bookings open 7 days before each class.
Important Note: We do not offer make-up classes that extend course dates into the next term. This policy is firm and will be strictly enforced.
Read Our Policies
Please read and agree to our Policies before booking a class.
Piano Exam Certification
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
Perform on Stage
2026 Piano Recital: TBA
2025 Piano Recital: The piano recital will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 4:15 PM at Steinway Hall, NYC. Guest arrival time is 3:45 PM. Performers will receive a Certificate of Performance from Steinway Hall, presented by Jennifer Chiaramonte, and the event concludes with a group photo. Enroll in the group or individual piano course by January 31, 2025, and remain enrolled through the recital date to participate.
We offer an introductory class for $55
Use the discount code ILOVEPIANO at checkout after adding a ‘1-class’ ticket to your basket. The code is valid for one ‘1-class’ ticket per email address. If booking for two or more students, please use a separate email for each student to activate the code. Each student is limited to one (1) introductory class.
Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.
Fees
There are a few payment options for classes:
- Full-Course Enrollment Ticket – Pay per term for all scheduled classes ($55 per 30-minute class). A $55 pro-rata discount applies for past dates or studio cancellations. Starting January 1, 2026, you will be paying $57/30-minutes with a Full-Course Enrollment Ticket.
- Mid-Course Enrollment Ticket – Pay per term for remaining scheduled classes ($65 per 30-minute class). A $65 pro-rata discount applies for past dates or studio cancellations.
- 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket – Pay per class for flexible attendance ($70 per 30-minute class).
Booking your class
Time slots are reserved on a first-book, first-served basis. Please read & agree to the Policies before booking a class.
Time, Duration, & Facility
Students attend a weekly 30-minute class.
No classes on the following dates:
December 24 - January 5, 2025 - closed
March 6-16, 2025 - closed
April 14-20, 2025 - Spring Recess
May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day
Facility:
1 acoustic grand piano
5 digital pianos
Meet Your Teachers
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.
FAQ
Class cancellation and refund policy
Please read and agree to our 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.
Your arrival for a class and stroller parking
Address:
1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York 10128
Google Maps location click here
Arrive 5-10 minutes before the class and be advised that all strollers will be parked at the concierge desk or community hall where there are security cameras at the entry doors. Upon arriving at the building:
1. At the concierge desk, ask for Piano Bud’s designated stroller parking space.
2. They will direct you to the stroller parking space on the same level.
3. Take your valuables.
4. Take the elevator to level 1.
Fees for Individual Piano
Class & Course Ticket
Students must book and pay the class or course fees in advance before attending. They attend a weekly 30-minute class. Additionally, students have the opportunity to practice on any of the four digital pianos with headsets, available before and after the class. Please inform the teacher in advance if you'd like to take advantage of this.
Introductory Class
$55/30-minutes class with code: ILOVEPIANO
Use the discount code ILOVEPIANO at checkout after adding a ‘1-class’ ticket to your basket. The code is valid for one ‘1-class’ ticket per email address. If booking for two or more students, please use a separate email for each student to activate the code. Each student is limited to one (1) introductory class.
Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.
Fees
There are a few payment options for classes:
- Full-Course Enrollment Ticket – Pay per term for all scheduled classes ($55 per 30-minute class). A $55 pro-rata discount applies for past dates or studio cancellations.
- Mid-Course Enrollment Ticket – Pay per term for remaining scheduled classes ($65 per 30-minute class). A $65 pro-rata discount applies for past dates or studio cancellations.
- 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket – Pay per class for flexible attendance ($70 per 30-minute class).
Recital Fees
TBA
2026 Piano Recital: TBA
2025 Piano Recital: The piano recital will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 4:15 PM at Steinway Hall, NYC. Guest arrival time is 3:45 PM. Performers will receive a Certificate of Performance from Steinway Hall, presented by Jennifer Chiaramonte, and the event concludes with a group photo. Enroll in the group or individual piano course by January 31, 2025, and remain enrolled through the recital date to participate.
Required books for INDIVIDUAL PIANO
Books
Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.
Accessories
Piano labels - removable (select the rainbow colors)
Beginners ages 3.5-4
Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts Books 1 Set (4 Books) - Lesson Book 1, Workbook 1, Recital Book 1, Notespeller&Sight-Play Book 1
🛒 https://a.co/d/fZ8cW8v
Music for Little Mozarts, Level 2: 4 Books Set (Lesson Book 2, Workbook 2, Recital Book 2, Notespeller & Sight-Play Book 2)
Beginners ages 5+
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1A (5 Books): 1 x Lesson Book, 1 x Theory Book, 1 x Technic Book, 1 x Recital Book, 1 x Notespeller Book
Beginners ages 8+
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1 for the Later Beginner (5 Books): 1 x Lesson Book, 1 x Theory Book, 1 x Technic Book, 1 x Recital Book, 1 x Notespeller Book
Adult beginners
1 x Alfred's Piano 101 Book
1 x Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Complete
Great Repertoire Books for Intermediate Level
The Library of Easy Piano Classics
🛒 https://a.co/d/3lMKYyU
The Library of Easy Piano Classics 2
Technical books
1 x Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925
1 x Czerny: The Young Pianist, Op. 823
ABRSM Initial Grade, Grades 1-3 Books
1 x ABRSM Piano Exam, Initial
1 x ABRSM Piano Exam. Grade 1
ABRSM Piano - complete set of 5 books
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grades 1 to 5:
1 x ABRSM Piano Exam Pieces
1 x ABRSM Piano Scales & Arpeggios
1 x ABRSM Piano Specimen Sight-Reading Tests
1 x ABRSM Discovering Music Theory Workbook
1 x ABRSM Music Theory Practice Papers
Find matching levels between ABRSM Piano and Alfred's Basic Piano Library
Alfred's Level 1A
Alfred's Level 1B = ABRSM Initial
Alfred's Level 2 = ABRSM Grade 1
Alfred's Level 3 = ABRSM Grade 2
Alfred's Level 4 = ABRSM Grade 3
Alfred's Level 5 = ABRSM Grade 4
ABRSM Grade 5-8
ABRSM - The Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Preparation for the ABRSM Piano Performance Grade exam
About the Performance Grade exam
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
For your ABRSM Piano Performance Grade Exam you will need to submit:
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)
Take a fun peek at what the students are learning each week!
On October 18, 2024, Piano Buds in a Pod students enjoyed a special “Piano Tasting” at Steinway Hall, hosted by Jennifer Chiaramonte. They learnt how pianos are made, performed a mini recital, and compared the sounds of Essex, Boston, and Steinway pianos. The Steinway grand was the clear favorite!
To our shining stars in NYC: Your music makes our world sparkle, one twinkling note at a time! ✨ Every melody adds magic to our journey. Here’s to more starry memories together! 🌟🎶 Piano Buds opened 1 year ago, and we couldn’t be more grateful! 💖
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We believe in the NURTURING approach of learning music — the foundation of this nurturing approach is an understanding that all human beings need to believe in their ability in order to learn; our teachers cultivate such confidence through appropriate LANGUAGE, TONE and MANNER combined with a carefully designed methodology.
We foster a comprehensive learning experience that sparks children's imaginations and enhances engagement.
Interactive Learning: Using playful analogies, color-coded instruments like hand bells and glockenspiels, and imitating sounds, we make learning fun and memorable. Activities are designed to help children grasp musical concepts such as pitch and rhythm through engaging methods.
Developmentally Appropriate Methods: Understanding that young children can't sit at the piano for long periods, we incorporate varied activities to maintain their interest. We start with simple songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and emphasize repetition to aid absorption.
Group Lessons and Performance Opportunities: We encourage children to join our group piano lessons where they learn by watching others.
Fundamental Skills: We emphasize proper hand positioning and posture to ensure comfort and prevent strain. Finger strength and agility exercises help develop independence in each finger. Additionally, we introduce reading music notation, covering the staff, clefs, and basic rhythmic patterns.
Musical Theory: Students learn major and minor scales, arpeggios, and chord structures to build a solid technical foundation. We also focus on rhythm and timing exercises to develop a strong sense of timing, essential for expressive playing.
Repertoire Development: Our curriculum includes classical pieces to establish a traditional foundation and contemporary pieces to keep lessons engaging. Technical etudes are incorporated to address specific challenges and improve overall playing ability.
Musicality and Expression: We teach the importance of dynamics to bring music to life, understanding musical phrases to convey emotion, and articulation techniques for playing legato and staccato notes, adding variety and expression to performances.
Performance Skills: Building confidence through mock performances and real recitals helps students become comfortable on stage. We also teach audience interaction, stage presence, and repertoire preparation for performances and competitions.
Ear Training and Aural Skills: Developing the ability to recognize and replicate pitches and intervals by ear is a key focus. Students practice rhythmic dictation and sight-singing to enhance their overall musicality and connection between hearing and playing music.
Kids can start piano lessons at age 3+. We offer both group and individual piano lessons. For children who may not be ready for piano lessons, we provide Baby Beethoven, a unique music class for ages 1 to 3 that teaches musical concepts through music, movement and play, giving every child the opportunity to engage with various instruments.
Yes. At Piano Buds in a Pod, adult beginners benefit from a thoughtfully designed and engaging learning experience tailored to their unique needs and musical preferences. Our curriculum is structured to balance enjoyment with technical skill development, ensuring that students remain motivated and steadily progress in their piano journey.
Fundamental skills are a cornerstone of our teaching approach. We place a strong emphasis on note reading on the grand staff, enabling students to become proficient in reading music. This skill is crucial for independent learning and exploring a wide range of musical genres. Gaining finger independence is another essential aspect of our lessons. Through various exercises and practice routines, students develop the dexterity and control needed to play more complex pieces with confidence and ease.
A significant component of our technical training includes Hanon Virtuoso exercises. These exercises are renowned for their effectiveness in building finger strength, agility, and precision. Regular practice of Hanon exercises helps students develop the technical prowess necessary for advanced piano playing, laying the groundwork for tackling more challenging pieces and expanding their repertoire.
Beyond technical skills and repertoire, our lessons are designed to foster a love for music and a sense of achievement. One of the key benefits for adult beginners is the inclusion of popular classics and contemporary pop music in their lessons. We understand that familiar and beloved pieces can significantly enhance the learning experience, making practice sessions more enjoyable and rewarding. Students have the opportunity to play simplified arrangements of timeless classics such as Bach's Minuets and Beethoven's "Fur Elise," which not only introduce them to fundamental classical repertoire but also provide a sense of accomplishment as they master these well-known pieces. Additionally, we incorporate contemporary songs like Kanye West's "Runaway" and Kacey Musgraves' "Golden Hour," ensuring that lessons remain relevant and exciting for modern learners.
Our approach ensures that each adult beginner receives personalized attention during our group lessons and are given performance opportunities at the end of every class to build their confidence.
Music lessons at Piano Buds in a Pod are typically 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour long, depending on the student's needs and preferences.
Our music studio is situated in Knickerbocker Plaza on the Upper East Side in New York, at 91st and 2nd Avenue. This prime location is just minutes away from the 96th and 86th Street stops on the Q line, ensuring easy access via public transportation. The Upper East Side is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural scene, featuring numerous parks, museums, and cafes. We are also conveniently close to several schools, including PS 527, PS 151, and Trevor Day School, making it convenient for students to attend after-school piano lessons.
Piano Buds in a Pod® NYC (91 St. & 2nd Ave.)
1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York, New York 10128, United States