Youth K-12
Private lessons are tailored to each student individually. Each student has their own pace and way of learning that depend on multiple factors including their age and level of affinity, as well as frequency of lessons (once or twice a week). After the trial lesson, we recommend the materials that best fit the student as well as the recommended duration.
Lessons are structured by semester. Each is 5 months long, includes a minimum of 17 lessons and a recital for all students that are ready to perform. The recital is not mandatory, but we encourage all students that are ready to take the opportunity to perform.
Scheduling is done for the entire semester, meaning you attend your lessons on the same day at the same time every week for the entire semester. Check out our policies and F. A. Q’s for more details regarding attendance.
For students attending twice a week, we offer additional performance opportunities as well as options to prepare for certification exams and competitions.
All students age 12 and under attending private lessons are encouraged to sign up for online practice assistance and attend ear training/theory class. We also offer package deals for those interested in both.
Group lessons are a great, and more affordable introduction to piano if you aren’t sure about committing to private lessons. We have experience teaching piano to groups of all ages and levels, and we have found that the size of the group, as well as a reasonable curriculum make the biggest difference in how the students learn.
Our groups are small, with a maximum of 5 students per group. We use good quality electric pianos with weighted keys and have a curriculum that moves at a steady pace, which prioritizes the growth of everyone as a group. Class duration depends on the age of students – 45 minute classes for ages 6-8, and 60 minute classes for ages 8 and up.
The group class price includes 15 weeks of class per semester, with 2 extra weeks available as makeup classes. Groups are formed based on interest (minimum 3 students) and scheduled by availability of participants and the instructor. Let us know you are interested! We will put you on the list and notify you once a group can be formed.
Once scheduled, the time remains fixed for the entire duration of the class. Check out our policies and F. A. Q’s for more details regarding attendance.
What is it about:
– Learn to read, write, recognize and sing pichtes by ear using solfege (Do, Re Mi…)
– Study the building blocks of music through music theory, starting from rhythm, intervals and chords and then recognize them through listening.
– At later stages, put all of the above in context by learning about harmony, counterpoint, music form and style
– A dash of music history in every class
Ear training and theory are essential to improving reading and comprehension of music. Think of the combination as basic literacy in a context of music. Very often in your instrument lessons you will learn enough to be able to play, but simply won’t have time for in depth work on each subject. Although it is enough to play, it is not enough to develop a deeper understanding which is crucial when later on, the student needs to learn and memorize longer pieces where structure is necessary. This class is dedicated to developing these often overlooked and underrated skills.
Ear training includes learning how to recognize and reproduce pitches and rhythm by ear. How to sing what you read and recognize/write down what you hear. This helps students to read music faster, better notice mistakes when playing and also correct themselves more accurately when practicing. It does include singing, but only as a part of ear training (think Do, Re, Mi, Fa…). It is NOT a vocal skills class.
Music theory introduces the student to the building blocks and basic structures of tonal music, giving them a foundation of understanding that they can apply when they learn new pieces on their instruments.
Learning these skills lends itself better too classroom setting, and the starting level of the students in the group determines the curriculum. Groups will be formed from students with a similar level of knowledge, with 3 to 5 students in each.
We welcome all music students, learning any instrument, to join this class!
Choir is a great way to build a community and bonds between our students, especially given the individual nature of private instruction. Milan is a conductor with lots of experience working with choirs, and so this seemed like a very natural class to offer.
Choir also provides a safer setting to encourage students to sing and start using their voices more. This is important for developing the ear but also the vocal apparatus.
If you are interested in joining the choir, let us know. Groups will be formed based on interest once there are enough applicants.
Any student, but especially those under 12, can benefit from a little guidance when practicing. Parents can’t always be there and even if they are, they don’t always know how to help! Practicing efficiently is a skill that requires a specific kind of focus and attention to detail and needs to be learned. Students can spend time at the piano but still struggle to get through assignments or get stuck on specific parts. Sometimes they only practice selectively and struggle in tackling things that feel challenging, or they simply wait out the allotted practice time but get very little done.
This can make a huge difference in the overall experience of the student. Feeling unprepared for their lesson will make them feel less comfortable, which leads to being less motivated and in turn to more discomfort. We understand that you cannot have multiple lessons a week just to make up for practice, but we also want our students to come to lessons having practiced their assignments and ready to build on them, or to learn something new.
This is why we have come together with colleagues that will practice with our students online, for a fraction of the lesson prices. Their role is not to teach, but to guide and remind students how to practice efficiently, what to repeat, play slower, count… Basically keep the students on topic and focused on their assignments according to whatever your teacher said to do. Our colleagues are conservatory educated, professional musicians and music teachers themselves.
This service is currently available only for all students enrolled in private lessons and strongly recommended for younger beginners.
If you are not our student but would like to sign up for this service, let us know and we will see if we have availability.
For those interested in taking ear training and theory, but unable to make it to our location, we offer this service online. These classes are done one on one, by our colleague via online platform like zoom. They differ slightly from the group classes in duration, mostly depending on the students age and ability. Because of the individual nature, they are more tailored to the individual student. It is a great option because you will receive personalized instruction for a fraction of a private lesson cost.
This class is also available for a pair of students (learn together with a friend or sibling for a small difference in cost).
If you are interested in this service, let us know and we will find the best fit for you!
“Savannah has taught my daughter piano for over a year. I am so impressed with her competence, patience and ability to connect young children with the music in a real and creative way. My daughter has made such progress in her skills…”
Barbara Khan
“Our son has studied with Milan and, occasionally, Savannah, for nearly 6 years. He studies not only piano but also takes separate instruction in music theory. Both Milan and Savannah are excellent teachers, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate. We recommend them highly!”
David Kramlich
“Milan is an excellent teacher and mentor. As an older student with years of study, including private lessons at Juilliard, I have learned more with Milan in the last two years than in any other period before. Technique, comprehension, music history, and proper practice methods. A great teacher and talented artist.”
Robert Montagnese
“Milan is an excellent piano teacher! My 9-year-old loves going to lessons and has learned so much. Milan is kind and calm, yet also pushes my child to learn proper technique. We couldn’t ask for a better teacher for our kiddo!!”
Riva Ko,”My son Jordan started taking lessons with Milan Jovic about a year and a half ago, and it is no exaggeration to say that his piano playing has been absolutely transformed. I am blown away by the progress he has made in such a short time!”
Mara Kuns