Piano Lessons
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Piano Lessons for Adults
Adult Piano Lessons
Learn How to Play Piano As An Adult
Calling all adult beginner piano students! Yes, you can learn the piano as an adult. No, it’s never too late. It will feel as satisfying as you hope it will. And yes, we have teachers who have walked this path thousands of times with mature learners just like you and achieved incredible success.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a musical background or not, or whether you have a fancy instrument (though you certainly may want one by the end). All you need is the desire to learn, and a passion for music. Take a risk-free trial adult piano lessons today!
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Best Quality Adult Piano Lessons
Canada's #1 Adult Piano Lesson Program
Beginner piano lessons are too often focused just on the young piano students amongst us – and while it’s an awesome skill to pick up early in life, there are millions of people around the world who have the time, resources, and desire to add piano to their life well into their adult years.
Merriam School of Music has over 3000 weekly music students, and close to 600 of those are adult piano students, learning with us in person at our GTA campuses, and online around the world.
We work with popular method books you might already be familiar with, such as Piano Adventures or Alfreds, or our very own Merriam curriculum that teaches awesome new skills like improvisation.
Good Fit Guarantee
Love Your First Piano Lesson, or It’s Free
Your first lesson with a new tutor is protected by Merriam’s Good Fit Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your lesson, you don’t pay. No questions asked.
Expert Instructors
Not every teacher can switch gears back and forth between 8 year olds and 45 year olds. We don’t pair our adult students with just any teacher – our team of adult educators has been picked because of years of successful student experiences.
Convenient Scheduling
Merriam Music offers three lesson formats (in-studio, in-person, and online) all 7 days of the week. You can study in-person at our Oakville or Vaughan campuses or online with one of our 150+ teachers.
Popular Repertoire
What’s the best part of learning to play the piano? Getting to play the songs you love! Imagine sitting down to play that BIlly Joel or Elton John tune you’ve always wanted to play…or maybe that Chopin Nocturne you’ve always loved hearing.
HD Performance Videos
Our students receive a High-Definition Video Log that captures each and every single one of their performances throughout the year. This way students' families and friends never have to miss those special moments ever again.
Ensembles & Bands
At Merriam Music, you can choose from a variety of ensemble and band programs that cover every musical style imaginable. Most courses are paid, but there are some incredible free options available to our students as well.
15+ Recitals
Adult piano students have just as many performance opportunities as our younger students. With at least 15 optional concerts and recitals, you will be given a chance to perform your repertoire on stage.
No Long-term Contract
We have the highest retention rate of students for a reason. However, if you wish to stop your lessons at any point, you can do with 30 days' written notice. That is all we require for you to be able to cancel or suspend your lessons without any financial penalty.
5-Star Google Rating
Merriam Music is the highest-rated and most reviewed school. With a 97% customer satisfaction rating, we are proud to serve 3000+ students each and every week.
Learn Piano Online or In-Person
In-Studio, In-Home & Online Piano Lessons
Beginning your piano journey can be a bit daunting at first. That is why we make the process as easy, convenient, and stress-free for you as possible. With scheduling available 7 days per week, you can enroll in adult piano classes with Merriam Music in 3 different formats: in-studio, in-home, and online. You will have the ability to work with one of our world-renowned teachers in the way that best fits your needs and schedule. Whether you are local to the GTA or an international student, we have a lesson option that will work for you.
Learn to play the piano through our highly specialized online platform which has been praised by top-rated music teachers and professional musicians alike. For in-person sessions, study at one of our two GTA-based campuses (Oakville and Vaughan).
Piano Teachers With Degrees
The Perfect Adult Piano Teacher
The perfect piano teacher is waiting for you at Merriam Music. Boasting a selection of over 100 piano teachers with a range of specializations, we guarantee that you will be matched with a teacher that gets you and fits your learning style.
Every student is unique and, as such, their adult piano lessons should be unique to them. Our coaches will custom-tailor lesson plans to your goals and ambitions at all times.
Dedicated Support Team
Exceptional Customer Service
Our families and students know all about our incredible customer service team! Merriam Music is very fortunate to have a team of the most dedicated, helpful, and pleasant customer care representatives that make Merriam Music feel like a second home to teachers, staff, and students alike.
With an intimate knowledge of the Merriam community, our customer service members work diligently to make sure they are available to you both remotely and on-site around the clock. They will take care of all your needs to allow you to focus solely on your music lessons.
Join the ever-growing community at Merriam Music today!
Piano Classes & Programs
Private • Group • Enriched • Online
Private
Online
Private
Private Piano Lessons
One-On-One Adult Piano Lessons
Start your piano journey with a one-on-one experience that will quickly start to build your confidence and notch quick and meaningful wins. Our adult teaching staff have years of experience teaching older learners and understand how different the path often needs to be.
And as tempting as it is to download the latest software or app, the reality is is that learning the piano is complex, and you’ll frequently experience moments of doubt and frustration along the way.
Online
Online Adult Piano Course
Online Piano Lessons
Student’s of all ages are raving about our online lessons, and after more than 200,000 online lessons taught, we’ve learned a few things. With the right technology, the right interface, and the right lesson plans and goals, we can fit more into an online lesson than an in-person one, and most students actually prefer it.
It’s not Zoom, it’s not glitchy, and it’s not boring. If you’ve loved the convenience of an online world, but worry that you won’t learn as much, give us a try and experience one of the most effective online lessons in the music world.
Best Adult Piano Lessons in Toronto
You've Waited This Long. Make the Experience Great.
It’s everything you’ve wanted – a pastime to invest in, to be passionate about, that opens up a whole other part of your soul and adds an extra dimension to your day. More adults are learning piano now than at any time in the last 50 years, and you could be one of them here at the Merriam School of Music.
We’re the go-to choice for older learners and have been for over 30 years. For us it’s not an afterthought, it’s a unique experience that we’ve been honing and delivering on for 600+ students every year.
For a lot of people who start to contemplate piano, it may start with a Youtube video, an app, or a software subscription. You get your appetite wet and dive in. But for most adults (and students of any age), this is where an immersive environment with encouragement and accountability becomes critical to a positive outcome.
You’ll have moments of doubt along the way, and you’ll come across songs and techniques that seem too hard to tackle at first – and these moments are precisely where software fails to catch you before your engagement and motivation wain and you get frustrated with a lack of progress.
With us, we monitor your progress closely and ensure that the goals we’ve set make sense to you and genuinely motivate you to keep going. And when we see you stumble, we reset and find a new way to work through the roadblock.
Are you looking to master the piano, increase cognitive abilities, or tap into your inner creativity? If so, Merriam Music can help you unlock all of the hidden skills and abilities innately within you.
A piano brings an indescribable joy to any home. They can capture and express feelings that simply cannot be expressed through words. That is what makes music the universal language. Not only will playing the piano make you feel more connected to others and yourself, but it will also help you develop a wealth of transferrable skills and traits.
Piano playing will help improve your academics, build your confidence, and simply make your life more enjoyable. You will bring these newfound skills into every dimension of your life. Whether it is landing your dream job by nailing an interview with your newfound confidence or establishing a deeper connection to your friends and family, the benefits of learning the piano are infinite and profound. Within even a few short weeks at Merriam Music, you will notice a drastic and positive change in your life.
A Piano School Beyond the Notes
There is much more to music than meets the eye…literally! While the notes we read on the page and the knowledge we gain through lessons and masterclasses are certainly important, becoming a well-rounded musician requires a very deliberate educational approach.
At Merriam Music, we believe that a student’s adult piano lessons should provide them with more than the ability to play a few songs. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students have a complete understanding of all realms of music. From composing and improvising to performing and producing music, we want you to feel in complete control of the language of music.
This holistic approach to music is one of the ways we help students of any age develop quickly and effectively. The mind and body benefits you will receive through our educational approach will be invaluable.
Merriam Music is different than any other music school in the area. The unique approach we take with our students is what has led to our school being internationally-recognized as a leader in music education.
When you join the Merriam School of Music, you are entering a world of endless possibilities and opportunities. Whatever your dream may be, we will help you realize it.
I’m sure you’ve seen young children playing a Beethoven sonata or performing to thousands of people on stage without a shred of nervousness. While many assume that this kind of success is an anomaly, it really isn’t. It’s simply the result of a proper, holistic music education. The best part is that it doesn’t matter what age you are. You can harness these methodologies for your own success at anytime.
The Science of Musical Excellence
I’m sure you’ve seen young children playing a Beethoven sonata or performing to thousands of people on stage without a shred of nervousness. While many assume that these kinds of successes are anomalies, they really aren’t. They are simply the result of proper, holistic music education. The best part is that it doesn’t matter what age you are. You can harness these methodologies for your own success at anytime.
Merriam Music has been dedicated to decoding the science of music education to ensure that all the students that walk into our classrooms reach levels of excellence that they never could have imagined. Every aspect of our school and adult piano lessons are considered and examined in great detail. The instruments we use, the technology we incorporate, and the curriculums we devise are all the results of decades of research.
Regardless of whether you are looking to play music for pleasure, successfully audition to one of the world’s leading post-secondary music programs, or reach the top of the Billboard charts, our pedagogical approach is designed to help you succeed. Merriam Music’s entire staff is committed to making your ambitions become a reality.
Throughout your adult piano class experience, you will also develop life skills that will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Enter a new world of limitless possibilities and an eternity of inspiration.
By becoming a student of music, you will be given powerful tools that will enrich your life and allow you to experience the world in a brand new way. Joining the ranks of Merriam Music’s ever-growing community is the first step.
The Merriam Curriculum
A Complete Music Education
Merriam Music’s pedagogical approach is not one-dimensional. We ensure that all of our students are exposed to all aspects of music throughout the entirety of their journey. Whether you are 5 years old or 50 years old, we have developed an educational approach that will give you a holistic understanding and appreciation for music.
private piano lessons
One-On-One Adult Piano Lessons
Start your piano journey with a one-on-one experience that will quickly start to build your confidence and notch quick and meaningful wins. Our adult teaching staff have years of experience teaching older learners and understand how different the path often needs to be.
And as tempting as it is to download the latest software or app, the reality is that learning the piano is complex, and you’ll frequently experience moments of doubt and frustration along the way.
Online Adult Piano Course
Online Piano Lessons
Students of all ages are raving about our online lessons, and after more than 200,000 online lessons taught, we’ve learned a few things. With the right technology, the right interface, and the right lesson plans and goals, we can fit more into an online lesson than an in-person one, and most students actually prefer it.
It’s not Zoom, it’s not glitchy, and it’s not boring. If you’ve loved the convenience of an online world, but worry that you won’t learn as much, give us a try and experience one of the most effective online lessons in the music world.
"Our mission and purpose is to help foster and inspire creative, connected, and well-rounded lives with the power of music."
- Alan Merriam, President of Merriam Music
Common Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Adults Learn to Play Piano?
Of course! Anyone at any age can learn to play piano. While adult students are often intimidated to start adult piano lessons due to the fear that they will not be able to pick things up as quickly, the reality is quite contrary to that notion.
Because adult students choose to take lessons on their own terms, they have an incredible amount of passion and drive that often make them some of the most dedicated and committed students.
Merriam Music opens its doors to students of all ages and skill levels. Even if you’ve never played a single note in the past, our expert teachers that specialize in working with adult students can help you unlock musicality within yourself that you never thought existed.
Is 30 Too Old to Learn Piano?
As the saying goes: “30 is the new 20”! All jokes aside, anyone at any age can learn piano and enjoy all of the musical and non-musical benefits it provides. Age is just a number and music is a universal language that is meant to be enjoyed by all.
Join one of the largest communities of adult students in North America by enrolling in the Merriam School of Music!
How Long Does It Take for Adults to Learn Piano?
As any piano teacher will tell you, the length of time it takes for a student to learn or master a new instrument varies based on a number of factors. Naturally, the amount of time a student dedicates to practice as well as the quality of that practice will often determine the rate of progress.
An experienced teacher will also help you progress faster. In addition to offering you continuous encouragement and inspiration, they will teach you effective practice methods that will ensure that you make the most of your practice hours.
Most adult students are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they can reach a point at which they are able to play their favourite songs and repertoire and even jam with others!
Can Adults Take Piano Lessons?
Absolutely! Merriam Music’s doors are open to students of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience. We have one of the largest and most diverse music communities in the world which is one of the many strengths of Merriam Music. The massive support network and experience we can draw from ensures that every student is given the very best music education experience possible.
Don’t put your dreams on the back-burner any longer! There is no time like the present to begin your piano journey.
How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost?
Every music school is a little different, and private piano instructors are normally a bit cheaper than music schools. The highest-priced music schools for beginners are around $5000 a year, and the lowest-priced schools are around $1200 a year. The highest-priced private piano teachers are around $100 / lesson, and the lowest is about $25 / lesson.
Private teachers usually charge per lesson and don’t include any extra programming or additional activities. Many larger schools (just like larger fitness centers) offer a wide range of programs, activities, facilities, and services.
Merriam School has 5 different tuition rates depending on the program, lesson length, and teacher specialization. We cost more than an average private lesson or small school, but less than ½ the price of similar schools in North America. You can expect annual tuition of between $1500 – $3000 depending on the program, which includes 40 lessons per year with our exceptional coaches (some exceptions apply), year-round video logging of every performance, 15 chances to perform on a professional stage, summer camps, recording studio time, and more.
To get an exact quote on what program is the best fit for your family – both musically and budgetarily – please call 647-417-1125.
Is It Hard to Learn to Play the Piano as An Adult?
Piano students are presented with mountains to climb regardless of their age. However, there is no real disadvantage to learning to play the piano (or any instrument for that matter) as an adult despite what some people may say. “My brain just doesn’t absorb information as quickly” and “my fingers aren’t as nimble as they once were” are constant complaints we hear from prospective adult students. While adults may feel like they are at a disadvantage, the evidence tends to prove otherwise.
While it is true that younger children in school daily are more attenuated to having their brains set to learn, adult students bring a lot of advantages to the table. From other non-musical activities, adults have strength, dexterity, and coordination that most younger students simply do not. This is a massive advantage when learning to play an instrument as intricate as the piano. Coordinating the left and right hand to play independent lines of music is always challenging, but the years of pre-developed dexterity usually allows adults to clear certain hurdles much faster than even their younger counterparts.
What Are Some Benefits of Taking Piano Lessons as An Adult?
The benefits of piano lessons are numerous at any age. In addition to enhancing your cognitive ability and coordination, you will also gain newfound confidence, creativity, and expressivity that will have positive impacts in other aspects of your life.
Furthermore, playing piano is fun! As any adult knows, life often becomes more complicated and more stressful with each passing year. That is why it is especially important to “stop and smell the roses” from time to time. Having an outlet like piano can reduce stress, increase happiness, and build new relationships.
Setting out on the path of learning the piano is a profound one that will unlock a door to a whole new world of possibilities. Take the first step on that journey today with Merriam Music.
Where Can I Find Adult Piano Lessons?
Adult students can conveniently study with our professional teaching faculty either in-person via in-studio or in-home lessons or remotely through online lessons. The multitude of options and 7 day a week scheduling ensures that you will find a time and format that fits into your lifestyle.
For students seeking in-person lessons, you can attend our Oakville or Vaughan campus. If taking lessons remotely is preferred, our cutting-edge online lesson format will make you forget you’re even taking lessons virtually.
What Is the Best Age to Start Piano Lessons?
While some studies may present the idea that beginning piano lessons between the ages of 4 and 8 are ideal, here at Merriam Music, we believe that any age is the best age to start. Every student is unique and, as a result, every student’s specific challenges will be unique to them.
Younger students may have an edge over adults in some regards, but adults certainly have the edge over younger students in others. Ultimately, a student’s success is determined by a number of factors, namely the quality of their teacher and curriculum as well as the amount of time and effort they invest into practice.
So, whatever age you are, you are the perfect candidate to begin your adventure into the exciting world of piano with Merriam Music!
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