OUR BLOG

Piano Academy: New Program Spotlight

Where Young Pianists Are Growing Faster Than Ever: Inside the Institute's New Piano Academy 

This afterschool season, the Institute of Music for Children introduced Piano Academy, a new comprehensive piano track created to give young musicians a focused and connected learning experience in comparison to our traditional piano lab. Designed to offer students a more consistent pathway for growth, the program strengthens technique, nurtures confidence, and encourages students to enjoy the process of becoming well-rounded musicians.

Piano Academy opened one month ago and has already welcomed 12 committed students of different ages and skill levels. The program offers two classes each week, steady practice expectations, and regular assignments that help students develop strong musical habits. Leading the classroom is Teaching Artist Anthony “Tony” Martinez, who was selected to develop and conduct this program, bringing to it his experience with our community and strong rapport with students. 

“I'm so excited about the curriculum that Mr. Tony has developed for us. It's fun, it's thorough, and it's challenging. I'm confident that we will see the level of commitment and skill advancement that would take root in our musical community,” says Alysia Souder, Executive Director.

A Season of Musical Progress

Piano Academy offers more than weekly piano instruction. It provides a full approach to learning that includes technique development, sight-reading, music theory, and the exploration of new repertoire. Students are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones at a pace that is both challenging and supportive.

Meeting twice each week has created stronger continuity in learning. Students arrive prepared, engaged, and excited to share their progress. With guidance from their instructor and encouragement from their peers, they are developing discipline that supports both musical growth and personal confidence.

Innovation Led by the Institute

While we still offer introductory classes in piano, this Academy format was developed in response to the student's desire to keep growing in their skills in community, supportive and collaborative space. To help bring this vision to life, we turned to Mr. Tony, who has an inspiring passion for connecting youth to music. His journey reflects the full-circle experience that is common at the Institute. He first served as a youth leader and, through his dedication, he went on to become a teaching artist. His insight and experience helped shape the program into an offering that truly reflects the needs of our students.

Piano Academy also includes parent engagement. They are involved to help meet the students goals, receiving program updates, keeping up with assignments, and helping their children through monthly assesments. This represents an important step forward in piano education at the Institute, one that strengthens skills, builds consistency and elevates the student as a musician.