PIANO lessons IN SANTA MONICA
DESCRIPTION
We offer piano lessons at different levels to meet aspiring pianists where they are. Our program is incredibly unique as we also offer multiple performances within a semester to help students reflect on their progress, grow their confidence, connect with peers, and even give back to the community with our assisted living home recitals.
Students work on 2-3 pieces at a time and are expected to prepare for the upcoming monthly performances offered at LJMA.
PIANO CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Scales
Students develop technical fluency through the study of scales in a variety of forms and patterns, building finger dexterity, coordination, accuracy, and a deeper understanding of key relationships.
Warm-Ups
Students learn effective warm-up routines that improve technique, flexibility, hand coordination, tone production, and overall playing readiness before practice and performance.
Chord Progressions
Students learn common chord progressions used across a variety of musical styles, helping them develop harmonic understanding, accompaniment skills, improvisation techniques, and songwriting foundations.
Key Signatures and Chords
Students learn to identify key signatures and understand the chords associated with each key, strengthening their knowledge of harmony, chord functions, and musical structure.
Improvisation and Soloing
Students learn how to create original melodies and solos through guided improvisation exercises, developing creativity, musical expression, listening skills, and confidence in spontaneous performance.
Accompaniment
Students learn self-accompaniment as well as how to accompany others for performances, such as our Spotlight Sessions and our Black Tie Recitals.
Sight-Reading
Students learn to sight-read using a mix of our curated curriculum and materials, as well as the internationally recognized ABRSM curriculum.
Ear Training
Students learn to recognize chords, harmonies, keys, intervals, rhythms, and styles of playing.
DIRECTIONS OF STUDY
Classical
Students can choose to study a traditional route of classical playing or instead learn to accompany themselves when learning voice. Students opting for classical study are encouraged to study for the ABRSM classical exams. These are internationally recognized examinations and teach sight reading, performance, ear training, scales, and are an excellent curriculum to ensure a well-rounded piano education. Students who study ABRSM and complete grade 5 are eligible to apply for our Teacher-In-Training Program.
ABRSM Exams
We train and submit students for the internationally recognized ABRSM classical grading system. Multiple months are spent preparing for exams, which become increasingly more advanced as students progress. Students are required to learn a set of scales, three classical pieces ranging from different periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary), must sight-read music, and are tested on their ear training. Exams are graded with three pass rankings: Pass, Merit, and Distinction, with Distinction being the highest mark awarded. There are 8 Grades to study for, with Grade 8 being considered concert pianist level. Students who pass Grade 5 are required to then complete and pass the Grade 5 Music Theory exam before they are permitted to continue with Grades 6, 7, and 8. This ensures students learn music with a full understanding of the language.
Accompaniment
Alternatively, many students wish to learn to accompany themselves in addition to the vocal lessons they study with us. This is a huge skill and focuses more on chord progressions, harmony, and piano techniques. Being able to accompany yourself means you no longer require a pianist to perform, and also aids in songwriting and overall musicianship.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS
FAQS
1. Do you offer private piano lessons for beginners?
Yes. We offer private piano lessons for complete beginners through advanced students. Our beginner program focuses on learning notes, rhythm, sight reading, and basic technique before moving on to full pieces.
2. Where are your piano lessons located?
Our piano lessons are based in Santa Monica, California. We also offer online lessons for students who are unable to attend in person.
3. Do you offer online piano lessons?
Yes. We provide live online private piano lessons for students anywhere in the world. While online lessons are highly effective, we generally recommend in-person lessons whenever possible.
4. What ages do you teach?
We teach children (aged 5+), teens, and adults. Lessons are customized to each student's age, experience level, goals, and learning style.
5. How often should students take piano lessons?
We recommend weekly lessons. Consistent instruction allows students to follow a structured curriculum, prepare for performances, and make steady progress toward their musical goals.
6. What length is recommended?
Every student is different, but our general recommendations are:
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30 minutes: Ages 5–9
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45 minutes: Ages 10–16
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60 minutes: Ages 14–18 and advanced students
We are happy to recommend the best lesson length based on a student's focus, experience, and goals.
7. Are there performance opportunities for piano students?
Absolutely. LJMA is a performance-based academy that offers more than 35 live performance opportunities each year.
Most students perform monthly at local assisted living communities and twice annually at our formal Black Tie Recitals. Intermediate and advanced students may also participate in our Artist Development Program, which provides additional opportunities to perform original music and curated set lists at local venues.
We believe live performance develops confidence, accountability, stage presence, and purpose. As students progress, even more performance opportunities become available.
8. Can I still participate in LJMA performances if I take online lessons and do not live locally?
Absolutely! We currently have students travelling in from San Francisco, New York, Orange County, and Arizona each semester to partake in our Black Tie Recitals.
9. Do students need to have a piano at home?
Yes. Students do need access to a tuned piano or keyboard (with a pedal), as we require at-home practice and send homework after each lesson.
10. What makes your piano program different from other music schools?
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Performance-based learning with 35+ live performances annually, including monthly opportunities at local retirement homes for beginners.
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Guaranteed results.
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Teachers and staff become truly invested in every student at LJMA, creating a second-family environment.
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Our methods focus on accountability, discipline, and independent learning. Students are taught leadership through the skill of music, and are taught to take pride in their own progress.
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100% of students who have studied with us for more than five years have been accepted into top-ranking universities for music and academics. See alumni
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Supportive community that encourages confidence and growth. See what parents and students have to say about LJMA
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We offer unique advanced programs for students to continue their craft.
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Structured curriculum with standardized teaching methods across all instructors
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Exceptional teacher retention which allows students to build long-term mentoring relationships with their instructors.
11. Do you prepare students for auditions, exams, and performances?
Yes. Our instructors are experienced performers who regularly prepare students for school auditions, honor ensembles, college auditions, competitions, and live performances with a very high success rate.
12. What is sight-reading, and why does it matter?
Sight-reading is the ability to play music from written notation without prior preparation. Students use a combination of LJMA curriculum materials and the internationally recognized ABRSM curriculum to develop this essential skill.
13. How long does it take to learn piano?
Every student progresses at a different pace. With consistent practice and weekly lessons, most beginners can play simple songs within a few weeks. Thanks to our performance-based curriculum, nearly all students are able to perform at an LJMA Black Tie Recital during their first semester of lessons.
LJMA bands bring together the most dedicated students at LJMA to work together and experience playing in a high-quality and dedicated band. They train solo throughout the spring semester in their private lessons, learning the material, and then come together for a week-long practice session before performing live at a music festival in June.
High-school students who demonstrate excellence in piano and have passed or are working towards their Grade 4 ABRSM exam are eligible to participate in our teacher-in-training program, where they'll mentor beginner students and learn how to:
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Engagingly teach younger students according to LJMA methodology & curriculum
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Set lesson plans and manage their own schedules
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Set homework and communicate with families on student progress
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Prepare students for upcoming performances
Artist Development
Once a student is able to perform a 15-minute set comfortably, they can sign up for solo performance bookings provided by LJMA as part of their artist development training. These performances range from local farmers' market shows, public restaurants, city shows, and requested private bookings.
ABRSM Exams
