Piano
We believe using classical music as the basis for piano lessons provides students a strong foundation upon which they can build musicianship. We offer private piano lessons to students from age five to adults. Auditions are held three times a year, typically in August, January, and June; however, appointments may be made throughout the year. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced.
At every level, performance is emphasized. In addition to private piano lessons, piano students are encouraged to attend and participate in studio classes, monthly departmental workshops, and school-wide recitals, all of which allow students to exercise performance skills.
Advanced students may have the opportunity to participate in the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute.
Private Piano Lessons
Private lessons by our accomplished faculty offer students focused instruction so they remain challenged and continuously progressing. Lessons may vary in duration based on an instructor’s determination. Of course, practicing newly acquired skills is mandatory for future success. Therefore, we ask all piano students to secure access to an acoustic piano (minimum 66 keys).
If you’re interested in enrolling in piano lessons, please fill out our online inquiry form. Space is limited.
Group Piano
Colburn’s Group Piano program offers a rigorous six-semester course of study for students ages 5–12, guiding young pianists from their first experience at the keyboard through preparation for an audition for private piano lessons. Far more than an introduction to the instrument, this fast-paced and comprehensive sequence develops complete musicianship through repertoire, technique, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and performance.
Students progress through the Faber Piano Adventures series from Level 1 through Level 3A before transitioning to selected repertoire from the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 2 Repertoire book. By the completion of the sequence, students will have developed secure technical foundations, including hands-together scales and arpeggios, chord inversions, and tonic-subdominant-dominant progressions in every key. They will also have learned effective practice habits and the process of memorizing, polishing, and preparing larger works for performance or audition.
The group environment is central to the program’s success. Students perform for one another regularly, participate in musical drills and theory games, and collaborate in student duets, ensemble repertoire, and student-teacher performances. This shared experience builds confidence, accountability, musical independence, and strong listening skills while inspiring students to progress alongside their peers.
Students must have consistent access to a piano or keyboard at home. Because the curriculum moves quickly, regular attendance and daily practice are essential. Please contact the instructor, Dr. Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu before enrolling to determine the appropriate placement.
Designed for young students with no previous piano experience, this introductory course offers a welcoming first encounter with the keyboard. Students explore keyboard geography, finger numbers, musical patterns, steady beat, basic rhythm, and the foundations of healthy piano technique through games, guided improvisation, elementary repertoire, and collaborative activities.
This course can serve as preparation for the six-semester Group Piano sequence. Students should have access to a piano or keyboard at home.
Please contact the instructor, Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu prior to enrolling.
The first semester of Colburn’s six-semester Group Piano sequence establishes essential habits from the very beginning. Students learn healthy posture and hand position, keyboard geography, rhythmic coordination, music-reading fundamentals, and the foundations of independent practice.
Through Level 1 repertoire, technique exercises, theory drills, and musical games, students develop fluency in basic note values, steps and skips, intervals, and elementary five-finger patterns and chords. Regular individual performances, student-teacher duets, and ensemble activities help students develop confidence, listening skills, and a secure sense of pulse.
No previous piano experience is required. Students should have access to a piano or keyboard at home.
Please contact the instructor, Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu prior to enrolling.
Beginning II reinforces foundational reading and technique while introducing more varied rhythms, expanded keyboard positions, increasingly independent hand coordination, and more sophisticated musical expression.
Students complete Level 1 and begin Level 2A repertoire while continuing their study of scales, chords, intervals, and written theory. Sight-reading, ear training, theory games, solo performance, and collaborative playing are incorporated throughout the semester. Students begin learning longer pieces and develop more structured, independent practice habits.
Prerequisite: Beginning I or equivalent experience, subject to instructor placement.
Please contact the instructor, Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu prior to enrolling.
Intermediate I develops greater fluency, coordination, and musical independence. Repertoire from Levels 2A and 2B introduces expanded hand positions, increasingly complex rhythms, articulation, phrasing, dynamics, and more advanced coordination between the hands.
Technical study includes developing scales, arpeggiated figures, chord inversions, and primary chord progressions. Students strengthen their understanding of keys, intervals, chord construction, and musical form through written work, whiteboard drills, and interactive theory games. Solo performances, duets, and ensemble assignments build confidence and encourage students to listen and respond as collaborative musicians.
Prerequisite: Beginning II or equivalent experience, subject to instructor placement.
Please contact the instructor, Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu prior to enrolling.
Intermediate II prepares students for more substantial intermediate repertoire. Students work toward greater technical control, faster and more accurate sight-reading, rhythmic precision, expressive phrasing, and increased independence between the hands.
Scales and arpeggios expand in range and are coordinated hands together. Students also study chord inversions and tonic, subdominant, and dominant progressions in an increasing number of keys. Through repertoire, theory work, performance assignments, duets, and ensemble playing, students learn to recognize musical patterns and make informed interpretive decisions independently.
Prerequisite: Intermediate I or equivalent experience, subject to instructor placement.
Please contact the instructor, Anthony Cardella, at acardella@colburnschool.edu prior to enrolling.
This is a class for serious high school musicians (vocalists and instrumentalists) who are not pianists. Students will learn basic piano technique and functional skills. Students must be able to read music prior to enrolling and have at least 2-3 years of rigorous musical training.
This class will be highly beneficial for students who want to go on to major in music, as keyboard skills are a requirement at all major universities and conservatories.
Honors Piano Seminar
The Honors Piano Seminar is a unique combination of lectures and master classes designed to help students develop an individual style and personality in performances. The seminar will feature presentations and master classes with world renowned pedagogues. Participating students must be age 13 and up.
The 2026–27 Honors Piano Seminar is scheduled for 6:15–9:15 pm on the following dates:
- November 14:
- Presenter/Master Class: Alessandro Mazzamuto
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- February 6:
- Presenter/Master Class: Oliver Jia
- March 6:
- Presenter/Master Class: Kirill Gliadkovsky
- April 17:
- Presenter: TBD
- Master Teacher: Grace Fong
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- May 8:
- Student Showcase Recital
- Presider: Teresa de Jong Pombo
Registration does not guarantee actual participation as a performer in the master classes. All students must be pre-approved to enroll by Mrs. de Jong Pombo. Please contact instructor prior to enrollment at tdejongpombo@colburnschool.edu.