Piano Lessons for Tweens
(ages 10-12)
build confidence & self-belief
Dear Parents,
I believe we lay a foundation for a love of music by nurturing each child’s creative spirit.
This belief has developed over many decades for me, shifting my teaching style and impacting how I now see children, the work of piano lessons and music education in general.
Lessons include improvisation games and duets, music theory and a range of repertoire.
You’ll soon discover I’m an encourager, providing support with a positive and affirming teaching style.
There is no “one right way” and every child is unique.
Program fees
30-minute lesson each week in your home
Sept- Dec – $672
Jan – June – $1008
Click to download further details re: studio policies + calendar
45-minute lesson each week in your home
Sept- Dec – $1008
Jan – June – $1512
Click to download further details re: studio policies + calendar
Openings for September 2026
Several of my long-term students graduate in the spring of 2026. Some had longer lesson times from 45 minutes up to 2 hours each week.
What this means is, for the first time since 2013, I have several after school & early evening spaces available for new students!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday (waitlist)
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
What children say…
“Thank you so much for being an awesome piano teacher and helping me to pass my piano exam. Thank you for also making my lessons fun and for bringing me licorice and other treats.
What children say…
“She’s fun & she inspires me to play and be creative.”
“Thanks for everything. For helping me learn guitar and bringing me new music AND teaching me theory! I couldn’t have asked for a better Piano Teacher!!!”
What you’ll see at home
When piano lessons take place in a child’s home it’s a more relaxed experience than studio lessons.
Children are often doing a last minute practice session as I arrive at the door, or running in from jumping on the trampoline or finishing up homework.
The energy is generally focussed, uplifted and happy.
In-home lessons are especially wonderful for super-active kids and busy families who also have dance rehearsals or sports on the same day.
You won’t be scrambling to gather up music books for the lesson or forgetting anything because the music books are already at home on your piano.
Your child gets to practice AND have their lesson on their own piano so their confidence stays intact and they don’t feel a need to make excuses for why the studio keyboard feels different or the touch is different from there regular piano at home.
I’ve been teaching for many decades and I’ve noticed many of the reasons a parent invests in music lessons often have little to do with music.
Parents mention they choose ongoing music lessons for their child because the effects of lessons ripple out into other areas of life including
✔ Better focus during homework
✔ More patience when things are challenging
✔ Increased confidence
✔ A healthy way to relax and reset
✔ Pride in accomplishing something meaningful
These skills positively impact school, friendships, and everyday life.
The tweens are an age where kids are forming their identity,
and in a society that is changing fast, these non-musical impacts matter more than ever.
What’s Happening at This Age
The years between 10–12 are a powerful window for growth.
Your Tween Is Changing – Fast
Between 9 and 12, kids are thinking more deeply, becoming more self-aware and naturally noticing what they are good at.
This is the age where confidence can be stimulated and we can really see growth in their “I-can-do-hard-things” attitude.
With structure AND flexibility embedded in the lesson, piano gives them a place to succeed, to focus, and to discover what they’re capable of.
Many still love to play theory games at this age, especially if they’re new to the piano and I really love making sure they learn music theory as part of the learning of their pieces.
This Stage Doesn’t Last Forever
The tween years are a window when your child is ready to grow and still open to guidance.
Learning piano is a wholesome activity that can grow with them into their teen years and beyond and lessons are a process that develops the mind, the emotions, and a deep sense of self.
Common questions
Do you teach popular music? YES
Do you prepare students for exams? YES
Do you use the Royal Conservatory repertoire? It depends on your child’s goals. Only with some kids
Does my child have to do exams? NO
Do you teach students to improvise? YES
Do you teach theory? YES. I begin teaching theory through super fun games as soon as your child starts lessons. I have taught theory at every level, including preparing students for upper level exams.
Do you work with teens? YES
How many lessons per week? It depends. Typically once a week but sometimes more often.
Do you teach other instruments? Yes, I’m a multi-instrumentalist so can explore other instruments with your child including guitar, ukulele, recorder and other wind instruments, voice, theory, percussion.
My child has special needs and learning challenges. Can you adapt your teaching to suit? Most of the time, yes. I have a background in music therapy, developmental movement therapy, learning assistance and special needs work so I’m accustomed to adapting lessons to suit each child.
“It’s a treat for our kids (and their parents) to have in-home lessons and not to have to shuttle off busily to another after-school program!”
Some students love a more serious approach, preparing for exams and learning Royal Conservatory repertoire with ear training and technique, including formal music theory. These families tend to have more of a commitment to practice and encouraging conversation in the home supporting that journey.
Some students want it all! Exams and a range of repertoire from conservatory to pop songs.
Regardless of commitment to practice and styles of music enjoyed, I engage all students in some form of improvisation during their lessons.
Read more about my extensive training and experience here.
To connect and explore learning possibilities contact Susan.
Mobile lessons
in your home !
Contact me through my contact form or send an email.
We’ll have our initial conversation by phone or email.
If it seems like I may be a good fit for your family, we can set up a time to meet in person and have a free trial lesson.
Once you’ve made your decision, we can confirm and reserve regular lesson times for your family.
What parents say…
“Susan is kind, caring and a wonderfully inspiring teacher. Her gentle demeanour and quick praise has brought out our son’s artistic side like no other teacher or program has before.”
“Thanks so much for the amazing work that you do! You bring so much joy and love, not to mention a depth of knowledge and experience to your work – we love it!”
What parents say…
“She is remarkable! Our children like absolutely everything about lessons with Susan. Seriously.”
“Thank you so much for yet another wonderful year of music with our daughter! You have nurtured such a wonderful love of music and joy in music. We feel truly blessed to have you in our lives!”