Summer Piano Programs
Summer is the perfect time to maintain piano progress, try out piano for the first time, or get back into piano. Our package of 4 private lessons + 2 group classes allows for flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to work with one of our outstanding teachers.
Students are encouraged to select additional group sessions from the many new and unique offerings this year! Check out our descriptions below.
Intro to Piano (ages 5-7)
Led by Dr. Rebecca Pennington
& Dr. Qin Ling
Join us for a fun-filled introduction to the piano! Students will experience beginning musical concepts such as keyboard topography, rhythm, intervallic reading, composition, and they will learn new pieces. This friendly and encouraging introduction will set students on a path to becoming lifelong musicians.
Ideal for brand new beginners, ages 5-7, with no prior piano experience. Piano or digital piano required for home practice.
Music & Movement (ages 5-9)
Led by Dr. Qin Ling, specialist in connecting music to body movements
Get moving with music!
This will be a fun, interactive class for young pianists. More details coming soon.
Classical Repertoire
Led by Dr. Molly Sanford, Piano Performance
with a minor in Music History
There's so much classical music to explore! Learn how to tell the difference between Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Bartok as we listen through the different time periods and greatest hits of classical music. Discover new music that might become your favorite from the wealth of classical repertoire – we'll even get you started playing famous melodies and pieces from each era, and you'll understand the differences in sound and playing style.
Each class will feature different pieces, so students will enjoy attending any or all of these sessions.
How to Practice
Led by Dr. Molly Sanford,
Piano Performance
How do you learn piano quickly, effectively, and frustration-free? You learn how to practice! ...What is practice? Many people are not sure what it should look like. Come try out foolproof piano practice with Dr. Sanford, who has practiced for at least 6,000 hours in the past 10 years.
Students will learn the essential components to practicing well. Learn how to level up and master your pieces with confidence! This class is invaluable for both new and returning piano students as you progress through lessons - you'll leave with a toolbox of practice strategies to set up for success at home.
Piano Performance Boot Camp
Led by Dr. Rebecca Pennington,
Piano Performance
This class will focus on all the skills necessary to bring a performance to life. Key components will be refining stage presence, developing the artist's individual voice, and conveying the musical mood. Mental preparation for performance and specific performance practice strategies will also be addressed.
Students should bring 1-2 repertoire choices to each class.
Sight Reading Challenge
Led by Dr. Carla Salas-Ruiz, Piano Performance
with Music Education focus
Build your sight-reading skills in a relaxed, fun group setting! Each class explores new material to improve fluency, accuracy, and confidence, tailored to each student’s level.
Repertoire includes solos, duets, trios, and ensemble playing.
Learn a Pop Song in a Day
Led by Dr. Carla Salas-Ruiz, Piano Performance
with Music Education focus
Learn a song from start to finish in a supportive group setting. Styles can vary based on student preferences, with parts adjusted to each level while focusing on timing, style, and musical expression.
Students are encouraged to bring their own song ideas, and we’ll work together on arrangements.
Summer Piano Class
Led by NSMS Admin Team (Dr. Rebecca Pennington,
Dr. Carla Salas-Ruiz, Dr. Molly Sanford, and Dr. Qin Ling)
Join our group classes featuring music theory and ear training, games, activities, and performances. At NSMS, all of our students enroll in both private lessons and group classes. This helps students regularly practice performing, hear other students' pieces, and reinforce fundamental musical concepts – with the added bonus of a fun, group-learning setting!
