Keys to Artistry Studio policy
The Piano Studio of Dr. Maira Liliestedt
3040 Sussex St. NW, Canton, OH 44718 (330) 456-0275 maira@keystoartistry.com www.keystoartistry.com
Goals and Objectives of the Keys to Artistry Piano Studio
Music study involves every aspect of one’s person. It provides intellectual growth, solicits emotional involvement, and, at certain levels, can be a deeply spiritual experience. I view music as an entirely unique mode of expression that deserves respect, commitment, and one which can yield progress in artistic terms, but more importantly, in human terms. Students in my studio are challenged to become better pianists in their technique, interpretation, and overall musicianship. Qualities that yield successful music study—dedication, passion, commitment, perseverance, and a thirst for learning—are all qualities that make for successful professional and personal lives. The main goals of my teaching are to help students improve as pianists, and to be able to use music as a means for professional and personal growth.
Benefits of Piano Study on the Human Brain
“Playing a musical instrument develops an important neuro-cognitive skill known as executive function. Strong executive function is critical for the brain to operate in school and in life. Focusing on a topic, memorizing information, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and paying attention to multiple ideas simultaneously are examples of it. It is at the heart of all learning.” ~Mia Chung of the “Philadelphia Inquirer”
According to the Associated Press, playing the piano actually grows the non-dominant side of the brain! https://mic.com/articles/91329/science-shows-how-piano-players-brains-are-actually-different-from-everybody-elses#.wyl4utuCZ
Pianists’ brains are also more agile in many other ways: http://braininspired.net/science-says-piano-players-brains-different-everybody-elses/
Playing the piano offers an avenue for individual expression and for capturing the beautiful in a way that cannot be quantified; that is music’s best quality.
Music is not a luxury or a pastime; it is essential to human survival: Nazi camp prisoners made art of every kind; first organized gatherings after 9/11 were musical~ Karl Paulnack of the Boston Conservatory of Music. https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/boisi/pdf/s091/Welcome_address_to_freshman_at_Boston_Conservatory.pdf
Lesson Breakdown
Consistent study and practice are vital for continued progress at the piano. Therefore, students in the Keys to Artistry studio commit to a total of no fewer than 36 lessons a year. Additional lessons can be purchased at a discount as described below.
2025–26 academic year: August 25–July 31
2025–2026 Tuition (includes all studio classes)
30-minute lessons
Full tuition *due Aug. 10: $1,152
Two payments *due Aug. 10 and Jan. 10: $576
12 monthly payments *due the 10th of each month, starting Aug. 10, ending Jul. 10: $96
45-minute lessons
Full tuition *due Aug. 10: $1728
Two payments *due Aug. 10 and Jan. 10: $864
12 monthly payments *due the 10th of each month, starting Aug. 10, ending Jul. 10: $144
60-minute lessons
Full tuition *due Aug. 10: $2304
Two payments *due Aug. 10 and Jan. 10: $1152
12 monthly payments *due the 10th of each month, starting Aug. 10, ending Jul. 10: $192
Additional lessons
Additional lessons beyond the 36 included above may be purchased singly and payment should be brought to the beginning of each additional lesson (*this price also applies for regular lessons for Maira’s former University of Mount Union students):
30-minute additional lesson: $30
45-minute additional lesson: $45
60-minute additional lesson: $60
One time yearly library fee
$30 per private student, due Aug. 10.
Over the years, I have amassed a large music library, and have used it for most/all students to provide new repertoire pieces, sight-reading materials, workshop and music theory materials, etc. Inadvertently, we all forget and misplace items; the consequence, however, is that my once-complete collections of various music books are missing more and more items. This library yearly fee will cover my costs for organizing, maintaining, and updating the library, the wear-and-tear on the materials when students borrow them, and the eventuality that items become lost. This is a new policy. If you have questions or concerns, let’s please discuss them, as I am always looking to improve my studio, and I value your input.
Please make checks payable to Keys to Artistry, bring cash, or Zelle to Bruce Liliestedt at 330-430-9703.
Note: for adult students, and for self-motivated, busy teenagers, I am willing to do lessons every other week or once a month. Please discuss such an 18-lesson or 9-lesson per year package with me in person.
Studio Recitals
Fall Studio Recital: September 28, 2025 at 4 pm at the Keys to Artistry Studio Recital Hall
Winter Recital: December 21, 2025 at 4 pm at the Keys to Artistry Studio Recital Hall
Spring Recital: May 16, 2026 at 4 pm at the Keys to Artistry Studio Recital Hall
Independence Day Recital: July 4, 2026, time TBA at the Keys to Artistry Studio Recital Hall, possibly followed by a pool party and cookout
Studio Classes
Studio classes are included in each student’s tuition and will be held September through April. Studio classes are an opportunity for students to play for each other and receive peer feedback in a friendly, constructive atmosphere, to develop their performance skills, listening skills, and prepare for more significant performances. Since we need an audience for the students performing, I will only hold studio class if three or more students sign up. Please complete the form below to sign up for a studio class when you have some music ready to perform. Attendance at studio class is strongly recommended for students taking 60-minute lessons; critical listening skills are developed by hearing and discussing other students’ performances. Students taking 30- or 45-minute lessons may choose to attend studio class.
Keys to Artistry will be CLOSED on:
Ohio Music Teachers’ state conference: September 26-28
Thanksgiving, Thursday November 27 to Sunday November 30
Holidays, December 24–January 4
Summer break, May 20 to early June
End of the year break, first three weeks of August
Performances
Performance opportunities will be regularly offered, including semester recitals, masterclasses with guest artists, and competitive events. See events listed on the Concert Series and Events pages of Keys to Artistry website.
During each academic year, students must perform at least three times in a recital or competition setting.
Outside performances: If students wish to perform in an event outside of the studio (like a church service or school talent show), they MUST confer with the teacher before doing so to ensure adequate preparation.
Practice Expectations
Dedication and passion for music are the primary elements of successful piano study.
60-minute weekly lessons imply that students agree to practice one to two hours daily at the minimum. Gradually working up to three hours of practice most days of the week is highly recommended.
30-minute weekly lessons imply at least two hours of practice per week, split up into 20-25 minute sessions most days of the week.
45-minute weekly lessons imply at least three-four hours of practice per week, split up into two or three 25-minute sessions daily most days of the week.
The lesson time is NOT a time to practice. We can only make meaningful progress if the student has prepared and presents a foundation we can build on each week. We all have busy weeks, and life sometimes prevents us from practicing as we would like. But repeated instances of coming to a lesson unprepared may result in forfeiting that lesson and the student being sent home early, or, in serious cases, dismissal from the studio.
Attendance/absences
Punctual attendance is expected at every lesson. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for non-emergency reasons, otherwise the student shall forfeit the full lesson fee. Lessons cancelled outside of the twenty-four hour window will be offered a chance for a make-up lesson. Teacher absences will always be made up. All regular lessons must be made up by the end of the summer term (July 31, 2026), or remaining lessons shall be forfeited. Scheduling consistency is vital to the smooth functioning of the studio; consequently, no more than six (6) lessons may be rescheduled during the academic year. Any lessons cancelled beyond the six permitted shall mean forfeiting the lesson, even if the lesson was cancelled outside a 24-hour window.
Physical Touch Policy
Teaching piano sometimes requires shaping a student’s hand or arm in a healthy manner for playing the instrument. Especially for young children, mere verbal explanations are not sufficient to help them shape their apparatus in a proper way. Consequently, I may occasionally need to hold or touch a student’s hand, arm, or shoulders. If you are not comfortable with such physical touch for yourself (if you are the student) or your child, please let me know ASAP.
Required Equipment for Students
A well-tuned acoustic piano at home or at a location easily accessible most days of the week, like a church or a neighbor (an electronic keyboard is not an acceptable replacement, though a high-end hybrid piano may do well)
A metronome or metronome app
Purchased scores of repertoire to be studied or printed public domain pieces; no photocopies of copyrighted music
Notebook for assignments brought to every lesson
Dismissal
I retain the right to dismiss students from my studio based on late payment or non-payment of tuition, rude or unacceptable behavior, and/or repeated instances of lack of practice for lessons.
Note: If the goals of the student and instructor become noticeably different, the instructor may recommend a change in piano instructors to better suit the needs of the student. The latter action is meant to be a positive change, not a dismissal, and meant to encourage the most effective musical improvement in a student’s study.
Concert Attendance
Informed listening is a critical part of a musician’s development. Consequently, students are expected to attend at least one public concert every month, bring a program to the next lesson, and be able to discuss the performance. Some arts organizations with great concerts in the area:
Our own Keys to Artistry Concert Series, presenting professional musicians and highly advanced students in our intimate house concerts
Cleveland Orchestra, one of the best in the world
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD; watch the Met Live at Tinseltown Cinema in Canton!
Tuesday Musical Association in Akron
Communication
These lessons are for the students’ benefit. Please openly communicate with me (preferably in person, studio phone, or email, not text to my personal mobile number). I want to hear about students’ goals, concerns, and any issues about private piano study. I am here to help you improve.
Most importantly, find enjoyment in piano study! Try to put more tedious aspects of study in the perspective of how they will help you achieve the goals you want to reach. And embrace what you love about the piano and use it as a motivator. Applied study involves hard work, but can yield satisfying results.
If you'd like more details about lessons in our studio, fill out our Contact Form.
Registration Form
(due on August 10, or, if starting lessons later in the year, at the first lesson)
Please make checks payable to Keys to Artistry.