Offering safe, online lessons now.
​Convenient in-home lessons once it's safe.

Providing piano instruction in Chester County, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.

My Pedagogy Style
Every student is unique and so it's important to structure my teaching style in a way that best suits the innate learning skills of each individual. I do this by building a good rapport with my students — truly getting to know and understand them as best I can.

There are many aspects of learning to play the piano including technique, artistry, theory, and improvisation to name a few. As with any new experience, it's important to expose a student to all aspects. After time, I find that students will gravitate towards one aspect or another which becomes important to foster. Why be forced to only read music if his/her natural tendency is to learn by ear or to compose original music? Focusing on what they do well and enjoy instills a sense of confidence in them because they'll see their progress.

That said, there are foundational, classical concepts that must be comprehended and learned in order to ultimately play the piano in a musical way. This process can take time and patience for the student and for me. It's a good thing that I have a limitless supply! I go at the pace that is best for each student. Don't think this means that that I don't challenge my students, because I most certainly do. But, there's a difference between a challenge that they can conquer and an insurmountable task that leaves the student only frustrated and hopeless.

I do embrace and encourage learning different styles of music. I do not believe in limiting the exerience to only pieces from Classical composers. Learning other types of music — jazz, popular, broadway — can offer a great learning experience, as well, and be a much needed break for the student.

For those students with several years of experience, it's critical they be challenged from an artistry standpoint. Performing a piece is very diferent that merely playing the correct notes and rhythm. This is perhaps the most critical juncture in their student career!

Ultimately, I believe that it's just as important to have fun as it is to work hard and to take the process seriously. Although we'll be at the piano most of the time, don't be surprised if we're marching around the room to a beat, using a theory application on the iPad or watching a performance on Youtube.

"Melissa has been a wonderful teacher for our two children. We couldn't be more pleased with their progress and musical development. They look forward to their lesson each week!"
Petrice Sloan

Private Piano Lessons
I recommend either 30 or 60 minute sessions once per week although extra lessons can be arranged for accelerated learning.

Due to COVID-19 all in-home and in-studio lessons have been suspended. Online lessons only.

Pricing and details about Online Lessons.

Ages and Levels

• Students age 5 to 105. You're never to old to learn!
• Beginner, intermediate and advanced.

What a beginner student needs to get started.

A Piano or Electric Keyboard
First and foremost, you will need an acoustic or digital piano. While there is simply nothing like a good acoustic piano, there are many digital pianos that are very good and that offer a similar experience to that of an acoustic piano.

Due to COVID-19, you will also need either a laptop (preferable) or tablet to facilitate Zoom.

Contact me for more detailed information on how to choose the best piano and technology for you.

Music Books
I'll provide all the music and work books that we'll need for your piano lessons. All you need is a tablet or notebook for making notations and writing in your weekly lesson plan.