Philosophy:
We enjoy teaching students of all ages and strive to provide the best possible music education at the piano for every student. This is accomplished by providing interesting work at the piano in the realms of learning pieces, technique, sight reading, and ear training. Music study is a great way to build discipline, which is a basic building block for success in life. The study of beautiful music is enjoyable, and we hope each of our students will find a joy in music study that will last for their entire life.
Intermediate and advanced students work on a variety of music. Although lessons focus on the classical piano repertoire, technique, sight reading, and theory, students are also welcome to work on music from other genres they find interesting.

Piano:
An acoustic (not electric) piano is required for daily practice. If you have an electric keyboard, you may begin lessons but will be expected to upgrade to an acoustic piano within a few months. We will be happy to help you locate a suitable piano.

Private Lessons:
45 minute and 60 minute lessons are available for students of all ages. Lessons are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays with Ms. Cascello and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with Ms. Fiorito only.

Practice:
Daily practice for at least six days of the week is expected. Length of practice will vary based on the student’s level of advancement. It is the parent’s responsibility to schedule and enforce daily practice. The weekly assignments should be viewed as "homework." Completion of homework and thorough preparation of assignments for each lesson is expected. The discipline of daily practice leads to progress which fuels motivation to continue to practice and progress. Parents are expected to be actively involved in practicing with beginners and young children until they reach an age where they can be more self-directed in their practicing. Students who do not practice regularly will be placed on probation for the remainder of the year, and if the situation does not improve, may be dropped from the studio at the end of a year.

Cancellations:
Makeups are not given for student cancellations unless a time becomes available during regular teaching hours. If a time is not available during regular teaching hours, the lesson will be forfeited. Tuition is not adjusted for missed lessons. Technology makes it possible to avoid missed lessons by having a lesson via Zoom. For example, if the student is too ill to attend in person (perhaps stayed home from school) but well enough to have a piano lesson, we can have one on Zoom rather than having the lesson cancelled. In person lessons are definitely preferable, but Zoom lessons provide an alternate to cancellation and can be used when necessary.

Performances Opportunities:
Students are provided with many options for performance, including:​

• Studio Recitals are presented at least twice a year. 

• Connecticut State Music Teachers Association holds Festivals and Competitions throughout the year.

• Schubert Club Music Festivals and Competitions.

• Students who would like a more rigorous performance opportunity are also encouraged to participate in the international festivals and competitions.

Lesson Commitment:
Students are expected to commit to the full year of piano study, September through May. If you need to discontinue lessons for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible.