Piano Lessons in Upper East Side NYC

INDIVIDUAL PIANO FOR ALL LEVELS

Individual Piano

This is a 1:1 weekly piano class on the grand piano for beginners up to ABRSM Grade 1-8, open to all ages from 3+ to adults. Whether you're aiming to play a 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 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.

Books

Meet your teacher

Fees & payment

Class cancellation & refund policy

About the ABRSM Piano Examination - The minimum requirement is ABRSM Initial level or the ability to fluently read and play on the grand staff.

Past piano recital

Introductory class

$25/30-minutes introductory class w/code: ILOVEPIANO

Book here for a 1:1 introductory class this week for $25/30-minutes class with code: ILOVEPIANO on your first class. Each student is limited to one introductory class. Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.

1-class

$70/30-minutes class (You can book a single class up to 7 days in advance.)

You will be reserving one (1) piano class time for the upcoming week only. To secure your weekly time slot, you must book a course ticket to guarantee a seat.

Course ticket

$65/30-minutes class

The number of weekly classes may vary each term. You will be paying $65/30-minutes class if you purchase a course ticket.

– $65/- discount for each past date (prorated) or cancellation.

Course ticket with 20% early-bird discount

$52/30-minutes class (🐛 early-bird discount)

Weekly piano classes on November & December 2024 will be published starting October 1, 2024, with a 🐛 20% early bird discount ($52/30-minutes class). Book a time slot starting 1 month before the course begins.

Time slots are reserved on a first-book, first-served basis. Course tickets are available for booking starting one (1) month before the first of the month the course begins. For example, weekly classes in November and December are available for booking from October 1-31, with a 20% early bird discount ($52/30-minutes class). Enrolled students receive early access, allowing them to purchase early-bird course tickets 5 days before the official release date.

Early access for enrolled students 🐛

Enrolled students receive early access to classes, allowing you to purchase early-bird course tickets 7-days before the official opening release date one (1) month before the first of the month the course begins. Your current time slot will be exclusively reserved for you during that period.

1. Log in [Bookwhen] https://bookwhen.com/pianobudsinapod with your registered email to access the ticket. 2. Click “Schedule”. 3. Select and click on a class from the schedule. 4. Scroll down & select the ticket 🎟️ “Early access for enrolled students”. 5. Checkout. Otherwise, you can book another time slot that best fits your schedule.

Accepting students for classes in Upper East Side NYC.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Facility

1 acoustic grand piano - Yamaha baby grand piano

4 digital pianos -

Duration

Students 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.

*anytime after the first class of the day/rest-break

**anytime before the last class of the day/rest-break

Meet your teacher

Alexandra Minoza is a professional pianist, a Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner, and holds a Master of Music in Advanced Performance (Piano) from the Royal College of Music in London, where she was awarded the Polani Award scholarship, a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Piano) from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in the National University of Singapore, where she was awarded a full-scholarship sponsored by Singtel. Read more

FAQ

What is unique about how we teach piano lessons to kids?

How soon can my kid start piano lessons?

Does Piano Buds in a Pod teach adult piano lessons?

Payment for the class or course

Students must book and pay the class or course fees in advance before attending.

1:1 Individual Piano Make-up Class Policy

Make-up classes up to 2 classes per course ticket booking are available with 24-hours advance notice. No-shows will not be eligible for a make-up class. Below are your options if you miss a class:

Option 1 - If you miss to attend your scheduled class time

Extend the class by an additional 30-minutes, during which the student will play on the digital piano with the headphones plugged in, without direct teacher supervision. The teacher will provide a list of tasks during the last 5 minutes of the student's piano class. The student will then independently work on the tasks for the duration of the extended class, while the teacher is present in the room teaching other scheduled students but will not be providing direct assistance to the student.

Option 2 - If you miss to attend your scheduled class time

Make-up classes can be availed by attending a 45-minute Group Piano class, based on seat availability.

Class cancellation and refund policy

Please read and agree to the Class Cancellation and Refund Policy 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.

Closed on the following dates

No classes on the following dates:

5/25/2024 - 6/9/2024 - site soundproofing renovation

7/4/2024 - 7/7/2024 - July 4th weekend

11/25/2024 - 11/30/2024 - Thanksgiving Recess

12/21/2024 to 1/3/2025 - Winter Recess

Fees for Individual Piano

Class and 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.

Recital Fees

$45 per student

The piano recital will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 4:30 PM at Steinway Hall, NYC. Performers will receive a Certificate of Performance, 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.

Introductory class

$25/30-minutes class with code: ILOVEPIANO

Book a 1:1 introductory class for $25/30-minutes class with code ILOVEPIANO on your first class & a course ticket for $50/30-minutes. Each student is limited to one introductory class. Books will be provided at the studio on your first class.

1-class

$70/30-minutes class (You can book a single class up to 7 days in advance.)

You will be reserving one (1) piano class time for the upcoming week only. To secure your weekly time slot, you must book a course ticket to guarantee a seat.

Course ticket

$65/30-minutes class

The number of weekly classes may vary each term. You will be paying $65/30-minutes class if you purchase a course ticket.

– $65/- discount for each past date (prorated) or cancellation.

🐛 20% early bird discount for a course ticket

$52/30-minutes class (🐛 early-bird discount)

Enjoy 20% early-bird discount ($52/30-minutes class) when you book a course ticket one (1) month before the start of a course. Book here for a weekly piano class in September & October 2024, and get 20% off ($52/30-minutes class) with early-bird pricing when you book on August 1-31, 2024.

Book a time slot starting 1 month before the course begins

Time slots are reserved on a first-book, first-served basis and can be booked starting one (1) month before the course begins. For example, weekly classes in November and December are available for booking from October 1-31, with a 20% early bird discount ($52/30-minutes class).

Required books for INDIVIDUAL PIANO

Books

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

Great repertoire books for beginners

The Library of Easy Piano Classics

🛒 https://a.co/d/3lMKYyU
The Library of Easy Piano Classics 2

🛒 https://a.co/d/feUP1p7

Everybody Favorite Series, Piano Pieces for Young Children (purple book)

🛒 https://a.co/d/8hfkcQv

Beginners ages 3+

My First Piano Adventure for the Younger Beginner - Two Book Set - Includes Lesson Book A and Writing Book A

🛒 https://a.co/d/6G14U8J

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

🛒 https://a.co/d/5ZEJdUZ

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

🛒 https://a.co/d/iPPfwk5

Adult beginners

1 x Alfred's Piano 101 Book

🛒 https://a.co/d/1ZwreiZ

1 x Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Complete

🛒 https://a.co/d/3pSp2k4

Or (If the student prefers learning from a method book with colorful and fun pictures...)

1 x 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

🛒 https://a.co/d/iPPfwk5

Intermediate Level - ABRSM Initial Grade, Grades 1-3

1 x ABRSM Piano Exam, Initial

🛒 https://a.co/d/cSpwhFU

1 x ABRSM Piano Exam. Grade 1

🛒 https://a.co/d/1HpV0Qj

Recommended books:

1 x Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano, Vol. 925

🛒 https://a.co/d/8HDfZR6

1 x Czerny: The Young Pianist, Op. 823

🛒 https://a.co/d/gRrTy2o

1 x Everybody’s Favorite Series, 100 Easy Pieces for Children

🛒 https://a.co/d/5lwM51s

1 x Everybody’s Favorite Series, Piano Pieces for Adult Beginners

🛒 https://a.co/d/0bWIeXl5

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

Digital Certificates

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

Does my child have to be musically gifted or talented in order to take up piano lessons?

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.

What is unique about how we teach piano lessons to kids?

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.

What areas do we teach in our individual piano lessons?

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.

How soon can my kid start piano lessons?

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.

Does Piano Buds in a Pod teach adult piano lessons?

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.

What is the duration of a typical music lesson at Piano Buds in a Pod?

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.

Where do we teach our piano lessons in NYC?

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.

Individual Piano Lessons in New York - Kids and Adults

Fees

Piano Recital

INDIVIDUAL PIANO FOR ALL LEVELS

Individual Piano

Introductory class

1-class

Course ticket

Course ticket with 20% early-bird discount

Early access for enrolled students 🐛

They're rarely too young and never too old to twinkle.

Take a fun peek at what the students are learning each week!

Accepting students for classes in Upper East Side NYC.

Facility

Duration

Meet your teacher

FAQ

Payment for the class or course

1:1 Individual Piano Make-up Class Policy

Option 1 - If you miss to attend your scheduled class time

Option 2 - If you miss to attend your scheduled class time

Class cancellation and refund policy

Your arrival for a class and stroller parking

Closed on the following dates

Fees for Individual Piano

Class and course ticket

Recital Fees

Introductory class

1-class

Course ticket

🐛 20% early bird discount for a course ticket

Required books for INDIVIDUAL PIANO

Books

Great repertoire books for beginners

Beginners ages 3+

Beginners ages 5+

Beginners ages 8+

Adult beginners

Intermediate Level - ABRSM Initial Grade, Grades 1-3

ABRSM Piano - complete set of 5 books

Find matching levels between ABRSM Piano and Alfred's Basic Piano Library

ABRSM - The Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Preparation for the ABRSM Piano Performance Grade exam

About the Performance Grade exam

For your ABRSM Piano Performance Grade Exam you will need to submit:

Piano Recital

Fees

November & December 2024

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