Piano Lessons for Band Students, Homeschoolers, and Adults

Imperfect Music Studio offers piano lessons in the St. Louis metro area for students ages 6 and up — from beginning band members to adult learners. Lessons are designed to meet students where they are, whether that’s starting their first notes, preparing for auditions, or exploring new styles.

The piano is one of the most versatile instruments, heard everywhere from the concert hall to the movie screen. To give you a taste, here’s a playlist of piano music — from Chopin’s sparkling Waltz to Monk’s playful jazz blues.

​

• Mozart – Sonata No. 1 in C Major, Mvt. 1 (bright Classical energy)

• Chopin – Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2 (Romantic sparkle)

• Debussy – Clair de lune (impressionist color)

• Brahms – Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Mvt. 1 (collaborative chamber piece)

• Marianelli – Dawn from Pride & Prejudice (romantic lyricism)

• Scott Joplin – Maple Leaf Rag (ragtime)

• Gershwin – Prelude No. 1 (jazzy rhythms)

• Thelonious Monk – Blue Monk (authentic jazz blues)

• Chick Corea & Béla Fleck – Señorita (fusion collaboration)

• Ludovico Einaudi – Nuvole Bianche (modern neoclassical)

Some students dream of playing lyrical film themes like Marianelli’s Dawn, while others are drawn to the rhythmic drive of Joplin’s ragtime. Lessons are flexible, balancing fundamentals with the music that excites each student. Every student’s journey looks a little different, but here are some guiding principles:

​

• Weekly lessons (45 minutes): Enough time to cover core skills while leaving space for creativity.

• Core Skills: Tone, technique, and all the “nuts and bolts” — reading, theory, scales, and more — woven into each lesson so students can truly make music.

• Practice at home: Most beginners thrive with 15–20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. As students grow, their practice naturally lengthens to match their expanding skills and goals.

• Audition preparation: Advanced students receive support for chair tests, All-Suburban/All-State, and even college auditions.

• Performances & community: Through recitals and workshops, students celebrate progress and experience music as part of a community.

​

You can find more details about tuition, workshops, and community on the Lessons Page.

Students come to piano lessons with different goals and needs. That’s why lessons include regular Journey Check-ins – short conversations to reflect, set goals, and make adjustments. Here's what that might look like:

​

🏠 Finding ways to support practice at home

🎬 Combining student interests with skill building

🌟 Exploring strategies for performance anxiety​​​

🎨 Adding creativity to the lessons through composition, rhythm games, or learning to play by ear

🎶 Exploring music through a new rote piece

​

These check-ins keep lessons responsive, helping music stay rewarding, sustainable, and joyful over time.

The right setup makes piano study possible. Learning on a keyboard is like trying to run a 5K in flip-flops – you can technically do it, but it’s uncomfortable, unsustainable, and keeps you from developing the form and strength you really need. A well-maintained acoustic piano gives students the touch, tone, and responsiveness they need to grow as musicians.

​

Basics for piano students:

• ​🎹 Instrument: Acoustic piano, tuned regularly. A digital piano with weighted keys may be a short-term substitute for beginners. 

• 🎹 Bench: Adjustable or at the right height for posture and ease.

• 🎹 Foot support: For younger students, a footstool or pedal extender helps with comfort and technique.

• 🎹 Metronome: Many apps work well, or a simple device is fine.

​

I’ll help guide families in making piano decisions, so each student has a setup that supports steady growth and joyful music-making.

With grit and grace, piano students at Imperfect Music Studio have grown through music in many meaningful ways. Their accomplishments reflect steady progress and the joy of sharing music with others:

​

• Studio recitals: Performing regularly to celebrate milestones and build stage presence.

• Community performances: Sharing music at school, nursing homes, and other events.

• Personal growth: Developing the ability to sit down at a piano and play music they enjoy – from classical pieces to popular songs.

• Musicianship skills: Building strong foundations in reading, rhythm, and expression that support lifelong enjoyment of music.

​​

I look forward to celebrating new piano journeys with students here in St. Louis.

Imperfect Music Studio is moving to St. Louis in 2026. We're not enrolling yet — but you can join the interest list to get updates on enrollment! Or contact me at annaka@imperfectmusicstudio.com. You can also visit the Lessons Page to learn more about tuition, workshops, and our community.