Learning Music can be fun!
Piano Lessons in your home for children and adults ages 5+ in College Park, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and University Park
Learning to read music is a lifelong skill—-but it can also be fun.
One of the most common stories I hear in response to: “I teach piano” is
“Golly, I wish I hadn’t quit when I was 8, it just feels too late.”
The other response I hear is
“Well, I hope you’re nice—-Mrs. So and So was really mean and I still remember it!”
So here’s the scoop-yes I am nice (in fact, I am naturally just a giant kid at heart who will inevitably be making up a story about adventuring through the forest to look for the latest unicorn serum in search of a steady beat) BUT I also have high expectations and want all my students to learn the truly satisfying feeling of working HARD at something and getting better.
My philosophy is to customize my approach for each student so that they are experiencing successes that keep them motivated and to keep lessons fun and engaging.
Let’s start:
The first step is a complimentary trial lesson so I can work with your student and make sure we are a good fit! I will also go over my studio policies and answer any questions that you have.
Text me @ 240-274-6451 to schedule!
About Me
Hey there, I’m Ms. Sam, and I am professional pianist and organist who chose music over cupcakes as a kindergartener (luckily I later learned that life can include both!)
I actually started piano playing sorta late (I was 11) but by the time I was graduating high school I was playing Beethoven sonatas and winning competitions and went on to study music education at the University of Maryland.
While at UMD, I fell in love with playing the pipe organ and then got a Master’s degree in pipe organ performance from Rutgers University (yes, that is a thing and YES the organ is super cool!)
When I am not teaching, I love traveling and camping (here I am with Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji, MN!), training for triathlon, and playing bluegrass!
I am also a proud cat mom to Black & Decker (they came from a chainsaw store…)
The Details…
I offer weekly lessons in your home in College Park, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and University Park. We will work together to find a convenient weekly lesson time that fits both our schedules.
(A Quick Note: I only offer lessons on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and evenings since my weekends are usually filled with gigs. If you are bound to weekend lessons, please reach out and I will be happy to send the names of some other recommended teachers with weekend availability!)
I find 45 minute lessons to be the sweet spot for most students, each lesson consists of technique, learning to read music, and working on repertoire.
Lessons are $60 for 45 minutes.
Payment is due at the beginning of each month.
-Toby (age 14)“Sam is a very talented and practical piano teacher, and can work with all ages. She increased my interest in piano as well as my skill.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Well, uh, yeah! But even if you were going to a studio you would need a piano at home to practice :) If you have a keybaord with weighted keys, we can make lessons work!
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Click below to schedule a $20 introductory lesson. In this 30 minute lesson I’ll work with your student so we can make sure we’re a good fit to work together, go over my studio policies, and answer any questions that you have.
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Most students take 45 minute lessons: these cost $60. I also offer 30 minute lessons for $4o and hour long lessons for $80.
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Every lesson we start by working on scales, arpeggios, and chords, yes it’s not the most exciting thing, but it is important-both for developing technique and understanding how music works. Then we’ll work on a short technical study and then work on learning pieces from your repertoire book or that I have assigned.
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I studied music education at the University of Maryland and organ performance at Rutgers University. I have been a teacher for over a decade and have worked with everyone ages 4-94!
Let’s get started!
The first step is a complimentary trial lesson so I can work with your student and make sure we are a good fit! I will also go over my studio policies and answer any questions that you have.