“They are so comfortable with you. You have a wonderful way with students, that is such an important thing in learning music and feeling comfortable and exploring…They are very inspired by your teaching style, how very creative and flexible you are and attuned to the particular child you are working with. My sons respond to your advice and your input. If they run up against an obstacle or something you come up with a creative way of dealing with it, which is so helpful and enables him to think that this obstacle can be overcome and is not so daunting. The communication is excellent. “ – Jane F., Parent to two of my piano students

“Lily is very inspired and motivated by Arianna. She works with Lily to find music that keeps her interested and motivated. Just recently my other two daughters starting lessons with Arianna too. Her influence can be felt throughout the house as they love to "play" music class in between lessons.” – Kalen M., parent to three music students

“Beethoven once said that a wrong note is insignificant but playing without passion is inexcusable. You’ve helped me with playing with passion.” – Gabe F., 5-year piano student

“Arianna is a wonderful, imaginative, and creative teacher, whose upbeat, positive approach, while appropriately critical, makes you want to improve. She is a real treasure” – Lenny S., adult piano student

Preferred age level:

8 years old through adult.

Student Level of Experience:

Beginner through early intermediate.

I teach in your home.

I prefer to teach in the downtown Delray Beach area. Additional travel charges may apply for lessons desired in West Delray or surrounding towns.

Lesson Frequency:

Once-a-week piano lessons are recommended as they provide the optimal learning and retention. As I teach many students on a regular basis, if someone does not commit to regular lesson days/times, I cannot guarantee a slot.

Lesson Length:

Lesson times range from 1/2 hour to 1 hour, dependent on student age, abilities and scheduling for them and myself.

Piano Repertoire:

A variety of instructional books, based on each student and how they learn. This is supplemented by single sheets of music based on student’s interests and learning level. If the student requests sheet music, upon gaining permission from the adult (if a child) instructor will purchase it, if available, and provide invoice to adult at the next lesson.

Once an instruction book series has been selected, a link to purchase the books will be emailed or texted to the adult purchaser so that it is delivered directly to you, or you can purchase at a local music store.

My Teaching Method:

I focus on a wholistic method of teaching, including learning to read music and playing by ear, playing other people’s arrangements and making up your own, music improvisation, and music composition. We learn notes, scales and chords. When learning tempo and counting, we may use movement, hand drums and hand percussion to truly internalize the beat. We often use the internet in lessons to listen and look at age appropriate music videos or recordings to enhance each lesson, or employ a music game at the end of a lesson. A music sheet with what to practice is provided at the end of each session.

Piano Instrument:

As regular practice is, well, instrumental for proficiency in music and student satisfaction, it is required for the student to possess either a piano or high-quality full-sized keyboard for lessons and their interim practicing from week to week. 88-keys is preferred, but 76-keys on a keyboard can be worked with as well.

Piano Bench/Chair:

A piano bench or straight-backed chair that suits the height of instrument and student is an important component.

Piano Recommendations:

The Instructor is happy to provide recommendations for different pianos or keyboards based on student, budget and space needs. In general, Kawai, Yamaha and Casio are trusted names. It’s important to have an instrument, not a toy, and that the keys be weighted and touch-sensitive. There are options to rent keyboards or pianos from various music suppliers. Please talk to me about your particular situation so we can find a solution that works for you/the student. If using a piano, it is the student/student representative’s duty to make sure it is regularly tuned and maintained.

Scheduling:

Instructor and student/student representative will find a mutually agreeable day and time for lessons. As instructor will be travelling to different homes in different locations for lessons, it may take a little while at the beginning of each semester to get everything arranged so that it makes geographic sense. It is always appreciated if a student has flexibility.

Pandemic Protocols in place for lessons

• A monthly payment at the first lesson of the month, for the lessons for the entire month, is preferred and encouraged .

• Payment can be with cash, check, venmo or zelle. An invoice can be supplied upon request.

• If paying for a full month in cash, a 5% discount will be applied. This is for cash only.

• If there are multiple students at one location/within one family taking lessons for a longer amount of time (90 minutes or longer), a discount may be offered at the instructor’s discretion.

Fall 2022 Fee Chart

Make-up policy:

You are paying for my time and expertise.

• If student cancels a lesson the same day, there is no refund and no make-up. (We’ll deal with illness-related cancellations on a case-by-case basis.) No penalty if the cancellation is a result of a positive Covid or Monkeypox diagnosis.

• Repeated cancellations may result in the student being dropped from the schedule.

• If a student cancels with more than 24 hours notice, every effort will be made to reschedule the lesson. It can also be made up via Zoom.

• If instructor needs to cancel, every effort will be made to reschedule the lesson, and if that is not possible due to scheduling issues, the missed session will be pushed forward, i.e. if the lesson was already paid for, it will be credited during the following month.

Lateness Policy:

Living in South Florida means sometimes dealing with traffic issues that we have no control over, causing lateness. Depending on whether I have another student right after you, and our schedules, I am happy to give you the full time if you are a few minutes late.

I’d appreciate a text or call and an approximate arrival time (if known) so that I’m aware of the situation.

If I am running late, I will contact you, and will make up the missed time however makes sense - either staying later, or adding the time onto another lesson.

Parking Policy:

If there is not free, available parking by you, the cost of parking will need to be added to the lesson fee.

If close enough, and schedule and weather allowing, I may be able to ride my bicycle to your home, and would need a safe area to secure it.

My credentials in music:

• Concentration in Music at Bucknell University

• Certified Music Improvisation Instructor through Music for People, Inc.

• M.F.A. in musical theatre writing, NYU Tisch School of the Arts

• Award-winning songwriter.

• Long-time choral instructor, private lesson instructor, vocal/musical director for musicals.