PERSONALIZED PIANO INSTRUCTION

PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS MUSICAL GROWTH

Personalized piano instruction designed to develop the complete musician. Students strengthen technique, aural skills, music theory, improvisation, creativity, performance, and artistic expression through individualized study in jazz, classical, gospel/church, contemporary, R&B, and commercial music.

PREMIER PRIVATE LESSONS

Our most comprehensive private-study program for students seeking consistent, week-to-week musical development. Premier students receive 30 personalized 60-minute lessons throughout the academic year, providing the continuity needed for sustained progress in technique, aural skills, theory, improvisation, repertoire, creativity, performance, and artistic development.

Thirty 60-Minute Private Lessons
$2,500 Annual Tuition
10 Monthly Payments of $250 | August–May

STANDARD PRIVATE LESSONS

Designed for students who want high-quality personalized instruction with a less frequent lesson schedule. Standard students receive 15 personalized 60-minute lessons throughout the academic year, providing focused guidance, accountability, and individualized musical development while allowing additional time for independent practice between lessons.

Fifteen 60-Minute Private Lessons
$1,250 Annual Tuition
10 Monthly Payments of $125 | August–May

Why Choose Private Lessons?

Personalized Instruction

Individualized lessons designed around your current level, musical goals, strengths, and areas for growth.

Comprehensive Musicianship

Develop technique, aural skills, theory, improvisation, repertoire, creativity, and performance as an integrated whole.

Focused Accountability

Receive clear direction, structured goals, and ongoing feedback to support consistent progress between lessons.

Artistic Development

Build confidence, musical understanding, stylistic versatility, and an authentic artistic voice.

STUDENT SUCCESS

REAL GROWTH. REAL MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

Rated 5 out of 5

“Studying with Dr. Alton Merrell helped me deepen my understanding of solo jazz piano, improvisation, advanced chord voicings, and the musical language of pianists like Herbie Hancock and Kenny Kirkland. Through that focused study, I expanded my harmonic vocabulary, became more fluent as an improviser, and strengthened the skills I now use as a professional musician and touring keyboardist.”

Lucas Bowman

Professional Musician & Touring Keyboardist

"My studies with Dr. Merrell helped prepare me for the next level of my musical journey. Through focused instruction, high expectations, and attention to developing the complete musician, I grew in my playing, musicianship, and confidence—and ultimately earned a significant scholarship to continue my music studies at Duquesne University."

Raymond Porter

High School Student Pianist

“Studying with Dr. Merrell throughout my master’s and doctoral work profoundly shaped who I am as a pianist, educator, and artist. His teaching challenged me to develop not only the technique and vocabulary of jazz piano, but also my own musical voice. The depth of musicianship, discipline, and artistry he instilled in me continues to influence my work today as a college professor and performing artist.”

Dr. Alton Wong

College Professor & Pianist

“Dr. Merrell helped prepare me for collegiate music study and professional performance by strengthening my reading, expanding my jazz repertoire, and preparing me for competitive auditions. That foundation helped lead me to New England Conservatory and continues to shape my work today as a music director, keyboardist, and mentor.”

Kenny Peagler

Conservatory Graduate, Music Director, Church Keyboardist

“Studying with Dr. Alton Merrell has strengthened my technique, musicianship, and confidence, equipping me to serve effectively as a worship leader, keyboardist, and piano teacher.”

Kimberly Hazlett

Worship Leader & Keyboardist

"Dr. Merrell is an exceptional pianist, teacher, and encourager. His personalized instruction has transformed my playing, strengthened my confidence, and helped me grow across gospel, jazz, classical, pop, R&B, and more."

Bernard Hache

Church Keyboardist and Music Director

“Studying with Dr. Merrell has transformed the way I understand music theory. For the first time, I’m not only retaining what I learn, but seeing how to apply it creatively. His teaching is thorough, clear, encouraging, and has given me confidence that true musical mastery is within reach."

L'Tanya Williams

Professional Vocalist

READY TO BEGIN YOUR PRIVATE PIANO STUDY?

Whether you are building a strong musical foundation, preparing for college study, advancing your professional musicianship, or seeking continued artistic growth, personalized instruction at Minstrel School of Music is designed to help you reach your next level.

Common Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about personalized private piano study at Minstrel School of Music.

What is the difference between Premier and Standard private lessons?

Premier provides 30 personalized 60-minute lessons during the academic year for students seeking consistent, week-to-week development. Standard provides 15 personalized 60-minute lessons for students who prefer more time for independent practice between lessons. Both programs provide individualized instruction based on each student’s goals and musical development.

Do you work with beginners and advanced musicians?

Yes. Private instruction is tailored to the student’s current level, experience, and goals. Students range from developing pianists building a strong musical foundation to advanced musicians pursuing college study, professional development, and greater artistic depth.

What musical styles can I study?

Private study may include jazz, classical, gospel/church, contemporary, R&B, and commercial music. Instruction can incorporate technique, repertoire, aural skills, music theory, improvisation, creativity, performance, and artistic development according to the student’s goals.

Do you offer college audition and professional musician preparation?

Yes. Specialized instruction is available for students preparing for college music auditions, undergraduate or graduate study, and professional careers. Preparation may include audition repertoire, musicianship, improvisation, theory, aural skills, performance preparation, and development of an individual artistic voice.

Are lessons available online as well as in person?

Private lessons may be offered in person or online based on the student’s location, program, and scheduling arrangements. Online study makes personalized instruction available to students beyond the Pittsburgh area.

How do I enroll in private lessons?

Select the Premier or Standard program and complete the Minstrel School of Music enrollment form. After your enrollment is reviewed, you will receive information regarding lesson scheduling and tuition payment arrangements.