Classes start 1/12. Spring After-School Program (Jan12–Jun21, 2026)—Course or Drop-In
Classes start 1/12. Spring After-School Program (Jan12–Jun21, 2026)—Course or Drop-In
New and returning students may book any classes available on the published term schedule, except for the classes labeled "reserved". A Full-Course Enrollment Ticket is available at any time, subject to availability. Single 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket bookings open 6 days before each class, subject to availability. No waitlist is maintained. The Piano Buds in a Pod® Recital will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM at Steinway Hall (1133 Avenue of the Americas, NYC). Participation is optional for students enrolled in a Full-Course Spring Term (Group or Individual Piano).
Mon, 11:05am - available
Mon, 2:50pm - available
Mon, 4:15pm - Summer (enrolled)
Mon, 5:40pm - Shiv (enrolled)
Mon, 6:15pm - Rafa (enrolled)
Tue, 11:05am - available (reserved for Diana)
Tue, 4:50pm - Pacey (enrolled)
Tue, 5:25pm - Pacey (enrolled)
Tue, 6:00pm - Eva (enrolled)
Wed, 3:35pm - Jesse (enrolled)
Wed, 5:00pm - Vivian (enrolled)
Wed, 5:35pm - Justin (enrolled)
Wed, 6:10pm - Emma (enrolled)
Wed, 6:45pm - Reva (enrolled)
Thu, 2:25pm - Odin (enrolled)
Thu, 3:00pm - available
Thu, 5:25pm - Christian (enrolled)
Thu, 6:00pm - Neha (enrolled)
Thu, 6:35pm - George (enrolled)
Fri, 2:40pm - Jesse (enrolled)
Fri, 3:15pm - Clementine & Scarlett (enrolled)
Fri, 3:50pm - Sofia (enrolled)
Fri, 4:25pm - Olivia (enrolled)
Fri, 5:00pm - Eleftheria (enrolled)
New and returning students may book any classes available on the published term schedule. A Full-Course Enrollment Ticket is available at any time, subject to availability. Single 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket bookings open 6 days before each class, subject to availability. No waitlist is maintained. The Piano Buds in a Pod® Recital will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM at Steinway Hall (1133 Avenue of the Americas, NYC). Participation is optional for students enrolled in a Full-Course Spring Term (Group or Individual Piano).
Individual Piano Class is a 1-on-1 weekly piano lesson held in-studio on an acoustic grand piano, designed for beginners through ABRSM Grade 1–8 levels and open to students ages 3 through adult. Students develop keyboard fundamentals, grand staff reading skills, finger dexterity, solo repertoire, and overall performance technique. Beginner students progress through lesson units using Alfred’s Piano Method Books, completing each unit at their own pace. Whether a student’s goal is to learn a favorite piece or prepare for an ABRSM exam, instruction is centered on mastering repertoire as the foundation of their piano education. Additionally, students have the opportunity to practice on any of the five digital pianos with headsets, available before or after the class. Please inform the teacher in advance if you'd like to take advantage of this. Class size: 1 student. Facility: 1 acoustic grand piano and 5 digital pianos. Fees: There are several payment options for Individual Piano classes. For the Full-Course Enrollment Ticket, the tuition rate is $55* per 30-minute class. A single 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket is $70*. The introductory first class is $55*, reflecting a savings of $15 when the discount code ILOVEPIANO is applied at checkout. *After June 21, 2026, you will be paying $57.50/30-minutes with a Full Course Enrollment Ticket, and $72.50/30-minutes with a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket.
Book an introductory class up to 6 days in advance, subject to availability. 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/Drop-In Ticket' per single booker email. 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. Misuse of this code is not permitted and will lead to immediate cancellation of the booking.
Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.
Book your make-up piano class up to 6 days in advance, subject to availability. Students who are absent from an Individual Piano class are permitted to attend either an Individual Piano Class (30 minutes), a Group Piano Class (45 minutes), or use 30 minutes of unsupervised practice time on the digital piano as a make-up, subject to seat availability. Advance written notice is required to transfer a class within the same course period. Holidays will be accommodated only with prior notification. Eligibility for make-up classes is limited to students with active enrollment in the same term. No more than three (3) make-up classes shall be scheduled per course. No refunds, credits, or extensions will be granted for missed classes. This policy is firm and non-negotiable. To request a make-up class, email pianobudsinapod@gmail.com and request a make-up class code for a 1-Class/Drop-In Ticket to use for your make-up session. Misuse of this code is not permitted and will lead to immediate cancellation of the booking.
Important Note: We do not offer make-up classes that extend course dates into the next term. This policy is firm and strictly enforced. If you know in advance that you’ll miss certain dates, you may book on a pay-per-class basis instead of enrolling in the full course.
Maintaining Your Class Time Slot: For currently enrolled students, your class time slot will be temporarily reserved for you before the next course begins (with a cut-off date). Full-Course Enrollment Tickets for the same time slot are exclusively available to the email address used for the original registration. After the cut-off date, any unbooked class slots will be released and made available to the public.
5 digital pianos
1 acoustic grand piano
Please read & agree to the Policies and Procedures before booking a class.
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. Participation is optional 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. A $45 recital registration fee per student applies.
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
Time slots are reserved on a first-book, first-served basis. Please read & agree to the Policies and Procedures before booking a class.
Students attend either a regular weekly 30-minute weekly class or a 30-minute drop-in class.
1 acoustic grand piano
5 digital pianos
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.
Please read and agree to our Policies and Procedures 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.
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.
Students are required to purchase the books recommended by their teacher. New students should purchase the appropriate books listed below based on their age group. If you are unsure which books to buy, materials will be provided at the studio during the first class while the teacher determines which method book is most suitable for your 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.
Books for Early Beginners Ages 3.5 to 4:
Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts, Level 1 🛒 https://a.co/d/fZ8cW8v
Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts, Level 2 🛒 https://a.co/d/7WiaILP
Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts, Level 3 🛒 https://a.co/d/0kD6C3G
Early Beginners Ages 5+:
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1A 🛒 https://a.co/d/5ZEJdUZ
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1B 🛒 https://a.co/d/gX9NxUo
Later Beginners Ages 8+:
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1 for the Later Beginner 🛒 https://a.co/d/iPPfwk5
Adult Beginners:
Alfred's Piano 101 Book *REQUIRED BOOK 🛒 https://a.co/d/9rnwdPP
Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Complete 🛒 https://a.co/d/3pSp2k4
ABRSM Initial Grade, Performance Books:
ABRSM Piano Exam, Initial 🛒 https://a.co/d/cSpwhFU
ABRSM Piano Exam. Grade 1 🛒 https://a.co/d/1HpV0Qj
Great Repertoire Books for Intermediate Level:
The Library of Easy Piano Classics 1 🛒 https://a.co/d/3lMKYyU
The Library of Easy Piano Classics 2 🛒 https://a.co/d/feUP1p7
Technical Books:
Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925 🛒 https://a.co/d/8HDfZR6
Czerny: The Young Pianist, Op. 823 🛒 https://a.co/d/gRrTy2o
Others:
Piano labels - removable (select the rainbow colors) 🛒 https://a.co/d/1Ql4pEU
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
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)
There are several payment options for Individual Piano classes:
Starting June 1, 2026, you will be paying $57.50/30-minutes with a Full Course Enrollment Ticket.
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.
1751 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, New York, NY 10128, United States of America