FAQ's for prospective families
What times do you have available for weekly lessons?
We are constantly enrolling. Start any time! Here is our weekly lesson schedule, updated 2/17/23:
We also keep a waitlist for lesson times that are currently full, or requested times to offer in the future. Please reach out to our team at info@pianolabmn.com if you would like to be added to a waitlist for a certain time, including days or times not on this schedule.
If you would like to reserve your child's spot in the schedule above, you can register your child for weekly lessons at this link.
If you would like to reserve your child's spot in the schedule above, you can register your child for weekly lessons at this link.
Which program is right for my child?
We offer two programs:
- Junior Piano Lab meets for 40 minutes on a weekly basis. This is designed for younger students ages 6-7 in K-2nd grade, and is best for students who are beginning to test out the waters of piano, to discover whether they're interested in a more serious commitment. If your child tends to focus better in shorter bursts, or is already in multiple activities that drain your child's energy reserves, Junior Piano Lab may be the right fit for him or her. This is also for families who want to offer piano instruction to help their child become a well-rounded individual, without a huge financial commitment.
- Accelerated Piano Lab meets for 55 minutes on a weekly basis. Especially geared toward older children ages 8 and higher who want to excel and see fast results with their piano studies, who want the most guidance in-studio, and who are eager for feedback and ready to adjust and improve. If your child has any interest in participating in MMTA contests and exams, Accelerated Piano Lab is the only program option for him or her.
How much do lessons cost?
- Ages 6-7 (Junior Piano Lab): $149/month for weekly 40 minute lessons
- Ages 8-18 (Accelerated Piano Lab): $199/month for weekly 55 minute lessons
Each student pays a one-time $50 registration fee to cover the cost of books, materials, and account set-up.
What is included in tuition?
Tuition is all-inclusive! It includes 46 weekly lessons throughout the year, participation in our studio recitals, and all materials and awards. Your child will also receive a personalized progress checklist and be set up with a unique Seesaw account to view instructional videos and send assignments to the teacher.
Students receive a book bag at their first lesson and new set of piano books. We use the Piano Adventure® series including Lesson, Technique, and Theory books in this program. Whenever your child "levels up" we provide the next set of books to your child at no extra cost to you.
Learn more about what is included in tuition here.
Students receive a book bag at their first lesson and new set of piano books. We use the Piano Adventure® series including Lesson, Technique, and Theory books in this program. Whenever your child "levels up" we provide the next set of books to your child at no extra cost to you.
Learn more about what is included in tuition here.
Where is Piano Lab located?
The studio is located in Plymouth, off 494 and 55. We are situated in the First National Bank building, Suite F.
Here's our address: 13605 27th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441
Here's our address: 13605 27th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441
What age do you begin teaching lessons?
We enroll new students ages 6 to 18. On rare occasions we have accepted 5-year olds into our program.
How do I know if my child is ready to begin the Piano Lab program?
Because our lab lessons place high emphasis on sight-reading and independence, there are a few criteria to look for when assessing if your child is ready to join our Junior Piano Lab (ages 5-7) or Accelerated Piano Lab (ages 8-18) programs. Does your child meet the following criteria?
If you are unsure, you can still feel free to schedule an introductory lesson, and the teacher will assess your child's readiness.
- Is starting to read and write the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G in the alphabet
- Is starting to read and write numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
- Knows the difference between right and left hands
- Is excited about learning piano and wants to start taking lessons
If you are unsure, you can still feel free to schedule an introductory lesson, and the teacher will assess your child's readiness.
Do you teach adults?
We specialize in teaching children ages 6 to 18 years old. At this time we do not have a program specifically for adults.
What are "lab" piano lessons like?
We believe in the modern lab learning format so much, that we only accept students into these programs.
In the classes for ages 6-7, students spend most of the time working independently at digital pianos with headphones, with careful guidance from the instructor. We also switch between group activities and individual practice, to build community and review concepts together. This format prepares students for the Accelerated Piano Lab program, where lessons are 100% individualized.
For ages 8 and higher in the Accelerated Piano Lab setting, your child receives the individualized attention they need, as well as the privacy required to take risks and improve sight-reading independently. We make sure all students are respectful of one another, and we have zero tolerance for disruption. We want your child to thrive!
In the classes for ages 6-7, students spend most of the time working independently at digital pianos with headphones, with careful guidance from the instructor. We also switch between group activities and individual practice, to build community and review concepts together. This format prepares students for the Accelerated Piano Lab program, where lessons are 100% individualized.
For ages 8 and higher in the Accelerated Piano Lab setting, your child receives the individualized attention they need, as well as the privacy required to take risks and improve sight-reading independently. We make sure all students are respectful of one another, and we have zero tolerance for disruption. We want your child to thrive!
Do I stay during my child's lab session?
Once your child begins their weekly piano program we ask that you drop your child off during their lesson time to limit distractions and reduce pressure for students. Your child's teacher will send personalized lesson notes in Seesaw that will be available to you at the end of the teaching day, sharing successes and goals for the upcoming week. From the Seesaw Family app you will also be able view your child's submissions in Seesaw along with the teacher's feedback at any time, 24/7.
What if my child has to miss a lesson?
Parents can cancel a lesson with a minimum of 2 hours notice and receive a make up credit to be used in another class within 30 days of the absence. These make up lessons are subject to availability, and are not guaranteed.
Students are also encouraged to watch instructional videos for the assigned songs or written work in Seesaw, our chosen remote learning application. From there your child may submit videos of assigned songs, or pictures of written work. The teacher will provide feedback to the student throughout the week.
There are no refunds for missed lessons.
Students are also encouraged to watch instructional videos for the assigned songs or written work in Seesaw, our chosen remote learning application. From there your child may submit videos of assigned songs, or pictures of written work. The teacher will provide feedback to the student throughout the week.
There are no refunds for missed lessons.
What is the minimum commitment?
Piano lessons at our school are a month-to-month commitment, and students may cancel enrollment at any time. With that said, we recommend committing to at least 6 months of lessons, or until the first recital (there are two recitals per year) so your child can experience a tangible growth benchmark and celebrate their achievements before moving on to other activities.
How do I terminate my child's piano lessons?
To terminate lessons, submit a request in writing to info@pianolabmn.com by the 15th of the current month, to avoid charges for the next month of lessons. If notice is received after the 15th of the current month, your child's enrollment will continue to the end of the next month.
All payments are non-refundable. We require this notice so we can plan for the next month of lessons and keep our programs running smoothly for the benefit of all students.
All payments are non-refundable. We require this notice so we can plan for the next month of lessons and keep our programs running smoothly for the benefit of all students.
My child has never played piano before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. We will help your child get started and work with your child every step of the way.
Do we need to buy a piano?
We highly recommend obtaining a digital keyboard or acoustic piano for your child to play on at home. Students progress much faster if they are able to play piano outside of lessons. With that said, it is not required to have a piano at home.
If you would like recommendations on digital or acoustic pianos to consider, send us a message! We are happy to help you find a piano in your price range, and we will also connect you with a dealer who offers discounted prices on new instruments.
Digital piano characteristics to look for:
The pianos at our studio are all Casio Privia PX-870 models. Many students have opted to purchase this model at home, to make practice and understanding how to work the different features easier.
If you would like recommendations on digital or acoustic pianos to consider, send us a message! We are happy to help you find a piano in your price range, and we will also connect you with a dealer who offers discounted prices on new instruments.
Digital piano characteristics to look for:
- Has all 88 keys
- Has a sustain pedal (metal pedal preferred)
- Has weighted (preferred) or semi-weighted keys (this allows your child to play loudly and softly)
- Preferred brands: Casio, Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Korg
The pianos at our studio are all Casio Privia PX-870 models. Many students have opted to purchase this model at home, to make practice and understanding how to work the different features easier.
How much does my child need to practice?
Your child will progress much faster through their books if they play piano at home throughout the week. With that said, practice is encouraged but not required. Students are recommended to play each song they are assigned about 4 times per week. This would add up to about 10-30 minutes of playing at home, depending on the student's level.
If students are unable to play at home, they are completely welcome to work on music during the lesson. We are committed meeting students where they are at, with encouragement and support. This is a shame-free space.
If students are unable to play at home, they are completely welcome to work on music during the lesson. We are committed meeting students where they are at, with encouragement and support. This is a shame-free space.
How do I register my child for MMTA contests and exams?
During your child's introductory lesson make sure to let the teacher know if you are interested in learning about MMTA programs. These programs are offered beginning in our Accelerated Piano Lab program, when your child has graduated from Junior Piano Lab. Your child's teacher will reach out and recommend these programs as your child develops his or her piano skills to the point of being ready. If you have any questions about MMTA opportunities, please email our team at info@pianolabmn.com.
Have another question?
Send us a message or give us a call! We are happy to help.
Inspire your child through music.
Schedule your child's complimentary introductory lesson today.
