Piano Lessons

30 mins, 45mins or 1hr piano lessons offered both in-person or online. Piano lessons will cover a wide range of topics to help develop a well-rounded musician:

1. Technical Skills

  • Finger Exercises & Technique (Hanon, Czerny, scales, arpeggios)

  • Hand Coordination & Independence (separate and hands-together exercises)

  • Posture & Hand Positioning (proper ergonomics to avoid strain)

  • Articulation & Touch (staccato, legato, accents, dynamics)

  • Pedal Techniques (sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals)

2. Music Theory

  • Reading Sheet Music (treble & bass clefs, note values, rhythms)

  • Key Signatures & Scales (major, minor, chromatic, whole-tone, modes)

  • Chord Progressions (I-IV-V-I, ii-V-I, seventh chords, diminished, augmented)

  • Harmonic Analysis (understanding cadences, modulations, counterpoint)

  • Rhythm & Time Signatures (simple, compound, and complex meters)

3. Sight-Reading

  • Instant Recognition of Notes & Chords

  • Rhythmic Accuracy & Counting

  • Hand-Eye Coordination

  • Playing Without Looking at the Keyboard

  • Pattern Recognition (scales, arpeggios, common motifs)

4. Ear Training & Aural Skills

  • Interval Recognition (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished)

  • Chord Identification (major, minor, seventh, diminished)

  • Melodic Dictation (hearing and notating melodies)

  • Rhythmic Dictation

  • Playing by Ear & Improvisation

5. Repertoire & Music History - students will learn music from different historical periods including:

  • Baroque (1600–1750) (Bach, Handel, Scarlatti)

    • Ornamentation, counterpoint, harpsichord techniques, fugues

  • Classical (1750–1820) (Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn)

    • Clear phrasing, sonata form, structured harmony, Alberti bass

  • Romantic (1820–1900) (Chopin, Liszt, Schumann)

    • Expressive phrasing, rubato, expanded harmonies, dramatic dynamics

  • Impressionism (Late 19th - Early 20th Century) (Debussy, Ravel)

    • Floating harmonies, whole-tone scales, modal influences

  • Jazz & Blues (20th Century) (Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Oscar Peterson)

    • Swing rhythms, blues scales, improvisation

  • Contemporary & Modern Music (20th–21st Century)

    • Experimental techniques, minimalism (Philip Glass), film scores

6. Improvisation & Composition

  • Basic Improvisation Techniques (chord-based, melody embellishment)

  • Jazz Improvisation (blues scales, modes, chord substitutions)

  • Composing Simple Pieces (writing melodies, basic harmonization)

  • Harmonic Progressions & Modulation

  • Lead Sheet Reading & Chord Symbols

7. Performance Skills

  • Stage Presence & Confidence

  • Memorization Techniques

  • Playing with an Ensemble or Accompanist

  • Interpreting Emotion & Expression

  • Overcoming Performance Anxiety

8. Accompaniment & Collaboration

  • Playing with Singers & Other Instruments

  • Chordal Accompaniment Techniques (block chords, arpeggios, stride piano)

  • Orchestral Reduction & Score Reading

A wooden piano sits against a textured wall, with an open music book placed on the music stand. A simple chair with a fabric seat is positioned in front of the piano. The colors are earthy and muted, and a small cup is placed on top of the piano.
A wooden piano sits against a textured wall, with an open music book placed on the music stand. A simple chair with a fabric seat is positioned in front of the piano. The colors are earthy and muted, and a small cup is placed on top of the piano.
Beginner Classes

Students of all ages and all skill levels are welcome learn piano with Ms. Mimi!

A black piano with a sheet of music placed on its open cover against a plain white wall.
A black piano with a sheet of music placed on its open cover against a plain white wall.
A child in formal attire is seated at a piano, playing the keys with both hands. The perspective is from behind, focusing on the posture and concentration of the child as they engage with the musical instrument. The piano is in a dimly lit room, creating an intimate atmosphere.
A child in formal attire is seated at a piano, playing the keys with both hands. The perspective is from behind, focusing on the posture and concentration of the child as they engage with the musical instrument. The piano is in a dimly lit room, creating an intimate atmosphere.
A person is playing the piano with focused attention, framed in soft lighting. The scene appears to be indoors with sunlight streaming through a window, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
A person is playing the piano with focused attention, framed in soft lighting. The scene appears to be indoors with sunlight streaming through a window, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
Advanced Training

Ms. Mimi has 30+ years of experience training students at the college and professional level. She has prepared over 10 students for music conservatory and university admissions.

Piano Lessons with Ms. Mimi

Piano lessons for all ages in Sacramento.

CONTACT ME

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