Now Enrolling for Fall 2026
PIANO lessons
At Laura Jean Music Academy, piano lessons are personalized to each student's age, experience, and goals. Students build a strong musical foundation through technique, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and learning the songs they love, while developing confidence through regular live performance opportunities.
Whether learning for fun or preparing for ABRSM examinations, our curriculum helps students become well-rounded, confident musicians.
PIANO CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
CLASSICAL • SELF- ACCOMPANYING • JAZZ
Our structured, engaging curriculum helps students grow technically, musically, and creatively.
WARM UPS
Learn effective warm-up routines that improve technique, flexibility, hand coordination, tone production, and overall playing readiness before practice and performance
KEY SIGNATURES
Learn to identify key signatures and understand the chords associated with each key, strengthening their knowledge of harmony, chord functions, and musical structure.
SCALES
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
CHORD PROGRESSIONS
Learn common chord progressions used across a variety of musical styles, helping them develop harmonic understanding, accompaniment skills, improvisation techniques, and songwriting foundations.
IMPROVISATION / SOLOING
Learn how to create original melodies and solos through guided improvisation exercises, developing creativity, musical expression, listening skills, and confidence in spontaneous performance.
SIGHT READING
Learn to sight-read using a mix of our curated curriculum and materials, as well as the internationally recognized ABRSM curriculum.
ACCOMPAINMENT
Learn self-accompaniment as well as how to accompany others for performances, such as our Spotlight Sessions and our Black Tie Recitals.
EAR TRAINING
Learn to recognize chords, harmonies, keys, intervals, rhythms, and styles of playing.
From brand-new beginners to advanced musicians, we meet every student at their level and provide the guidance, support, and training needed to help them reach their full potential while making every lesson engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable.
Live performance opportunities
From community showcases to grand recitals on the big stage, students build confidence, stage experience, and unforgettable memories while learning from one another.
Our monthly Spotlight Sessions allow students to experience the joy of performing in a welcoming and supportive environment at local senior living communities. Designed for performers of all levels, these sessions help newer students build confidence, overcome stage fright, and take their first steps into live performance.
For more experienced performers, Spotlight Sessions provide a valuable opportunity to showcase new repertoire, refine performance skills, and prepare for upcoming recitals, competitions, and events. These intimate performances allow students to grow as musicians while sharing their talent with an appreciative audience and making a meaningful connection through music.
SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS
BLACK TIE RECITALS
Our Black Tie Recitals are a highlight of the LJMA year, allowing students to perform on a big stage in front of family, friends, and the LJMA community.
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Red carpet entrance with professional photography
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Award ceremony celebrating student achievements
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Intermission featuring freshly prepared tacos, live music, and refreshments, where families can connect and celebrate together
Students are encouraged to collaborate in performances, support one another, and learn the important skill of introducing themselves, their performance pieces, and entertaining an audience. More than just a recital, these events help students build confidence, self-esteem, stage presence, and pride in their accomplishments.
With students and families traveling from Arizona, New York, and Northern California, these special events quickly become a favorite family memory and a meaningful celebration of each student’s musical journey.
LIVE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
ADVANCEMENT
ABRSM PIANO EXAMS
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is one of the world's most respected music examination boards. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1889, ABRSM provides internationally recognized music exams, theory courses, and educational resources for students of all ages and abilities.
Its graded exam system (Grades 1–8) gives students clear goals to work toward while developing their technical skills, musical understanding, confidence, and performance ability. Millions of musicians around the world have used the ABRSM curriculum as a structured pathway to becoming well-rounded performers.
Exams are offered twice a year and take place in Santa Monica and Pasadena.
BAND
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.
TEACHER-TRAINING
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
High-school students who demonstrate excellence in piano and have passed or are working towards their Grade 5 ABRSM exam are eligible to participate in our teacher-in-training program, where they are trained to take on students for themselves under the supervision of the Director.
Teachers enrolled in the Teacher-Training program are taught how to:
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Engagingly teach younger students according to the 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 and exams
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 as young as 4 years old, 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.
READY TO
GET STARTED?
We require all new students to book a consultation with our Director to discuss teacher availability, pricing, and to learn more about how the academy operates to ensure the best fit for your goals.
After the completion of your consultation, you will be sent a welcome email with a link to sign up for lessons.