Lessons are taught in Barbara’s studio in East Arlington, near the intersection of Everett and Broadway (close to the Thompson School). In-person lessons are our preference and is the default format for lessons, but we cannot guarantee a specific number of in-person lessons per semester. Lessons will switch to an online format for health or safety reasons.

For example, a community-wide surge of a COVID-19 variant or unsafe travel conditions because of weather could trigger a switch to an online format, or if the teacher is contagious but well enough to teach.

For online lessons, families will need a good internet connection (ethernet preferred), a device that can run Zoom or similar video conferencing software (tablet/ipad or laptop preferred to a phone), and headphones.

Yes please! For younger students, parents or a caregiver provide an invaluable resource for keeping the student engaged and on track at home, and having them in the lessons allows for excellent communication with the teacher as well. It can also provide a level of ease to the student who is getting used to having one-on-one instruction for the first time. As the students get older there will come a time when it is appropriate to attend the lesson alone.

Yes, of course! Siblings often come and bring a quiet activity (coloring, puzzle, book, homework, iPad, book on tape) to do while they listen. The studio space is somewhat small, so check with Barbara if you have a large crowd.

No, all lessons take place at Barbara Lieurance’s private studio near the Thompson School.

This depends on the child, the family, and the teacher. In general, most beginning piano students start between the ages of 5 and 8. For younger students it is important that the family or caregivers are able to attend the lessons and support the child at home as they learn to make practicing a regular routine, until they master the skills needed to learn independently. This process can take several years, but can be a real joy if implemented with consistency and understanding.

I do occasionally accept students that are younger than 5 if all the elements that are needed for a successful start are in place. This is determined by taking some introductory lessons so that I can evaluate our fit.

I was very impressed with the Dalcroze Eurythmics classes that my young son took at the Winchester Community Music School – they call them “Music and Movement” classes. (Full disclosure: I am also on faculty there). I would be absolutely thrilled if all of my private students were first able to take those classes before coming to me for private lessons, and those classes are really well suited for the younger age students.

Absolutely! Students do not get very far without regular playing and practice between lessons.

Many families start out on a keyboard at first – if you choose to do this, make sure that it has 88 keys and that they are weighted. I strongly recommend planning for an acoustic piano for your child’s long-term musical development. It is a much more powerful and expressive tool than a keyboard (even the really nice ones) and having a responsive instrument is a big factor in inspiration and success.

What if I have only signed up for the three-lesson intro package – do I still need a piano?

You will definitely need access to a piano somewhere – a school, or a church, or a friends’ house – in order for your child to progress and be excited about lessons. When I started lessons we didn’t have a piano, and I practiced at my elementary school, getting there a little early each day and practicing before the rest of the children were allowed in.

Contact Barbara for tuition rates and further information.