Piano and Keyboard Studies
The Academy is proud to offer a diverse array of options for learning the piano and other keyboard instruments such as organ and accordion. Choose from private lessons or group instruction.
Private Lessons
Private lessons take place once a week on the UMKC campus. Specific lesson times are determined directly between the student and the instructor. For more information about private lessons at the Academy, click here. Private lesson tuition is as follows:
30-minute lessons, once a week: $450.00 per semester (18 lessons)
45-minute lessons, once a week: $675.00 per semester (18 lessons)
1-hour lessons, once a week: $900.00 per semester (18 lessons)
Traditional Piano Lessons
Traditional piano lessons provide a strong foundation in the classical music tradition and are usually appropriate for ages 5 and up. All levels are welcome, from beginners - advanced students. Former Academy piano students have gone on to major in music at UMKC Conservatory and other fine institutions, and some have gone on to successful careers in music.
Not all 5-year-olds are ready for private music lessons. Is your child ready?
The Suzuki Method
The Suzuki method of music instruction was developed by Shinichi Suzuki. Parental involvement, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc. are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach. Suzuki piano instruction is usually appropriate for ages 4 and up. To learn more about the Suzuki method, see the Suzuki Assocation of America's website at suzukiassociation.org
Not all 4-year-olds are ready for private music lessons. Is your child ready?
Jazz Piano Lessons
Learn to work with jazz chords, play in a rhythm section or as a soloist, and improvise. Instructor Richard Hill has many years of experience both as a teacher and a working professional. Some previous piano experience is required.
Piano Lessons with Composition Focus
Explore your creative side as you learn the techniques of music composition along with improving your piano skills.
Organ and Accordion
Private lessons are available in organ and accordion. Academy organ students learn on UMKC Conservatory instruments. Some piano experience is recommended. Accordion students study with Joan Cochran Sommers, founder of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra. Previous musical experience is required for both organ and accordion lessons.
Group Instruction
Group piano instruction is available for all ages.
Piano-Ready Class for ages 4 – 5
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Piano-Ready Class is a preparatory program for children ages 4 – 5 who are interested in piano lessons. It serves as a transition from early childhood programs such as Kindermusik to a one-on-one setting in private piano lessons. Learning to play the piano requires good coordination, technical skills, and intense concentration all at the same time. Piano-Ready Class is designed to provide the basic foundations of piano playing, music theory, and ear training in a friendly group environment to help students ease into private piano lessons. Piano-Ready Class emphasizes both learning by ear and music reading skills. No memorization of solo repertoire is required. Class activities include playing the piano both individually and in groups, as well as singing and movement. Parental participation is recommended. Class fee includes 8 15-minute private lessons in addition to class time. $400.00 ($250.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Beginning Keyboard Class for ages 6 – 10
Saturdays, 4:15 – 5:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Small class size and individual attention can help make learning to play the piano fun for everyone. Using the Community Music and Dance Academy’s new keyboard lab, the class is intended as a bridge to private lessons. Students will be required to purchase headphones. $315.00 ($178.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Keyboard Class for Adult Beginners
Saturdays, 5:15 – 6:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Small class size and individual attention can help make learning to play the piano fun for everyone. Using the Community Music and Dance Academy’s new keyboard lab, the class is intended as a bridge to private lessons. Students will be required to purchase headphones. $315.00 ($178.00 for current Academy students and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
