Private piano instruction is offered to students of all abilities, from beginner through advanced. Lessons take place once per week in a comfortable piano studio located on the Seacoast of NH. The studio is equipped with a Yamaha grand piano as well as the latest in keyboard and recording technology.  A waiting room is available.

**Note: Lessons are currently being held remotely/online

School age students study:

• Students build a solid musical foundation studying a proven piano method that advances the student through six levels of proficiency.
• Skills developed include a mastery of proper music reading, music theory, and keyboard technique.
• Each student uses 3-4 books at each level. The method books are fun and age appropriate and use a variety of styles (classical, folk, jazz, popular, Disney songs etc.) to teach the essentials
• Once a student has acquired some experience they are encouraged to choose songs that they like from the radio, movies etc. provided the songs are within their capabilities.
• Students may be assigned additional music in a variety of styles that may interest them or are popular at the time
• Improvisation is introduced and creativity is encouraged.
• Students focus on holiday music in late November-December. The kids really enjoy this time of year!
• Once students reach an advanced level they will have more input on the direction the lessons take in terms of musical style. Some students may want to focus on classical, or jazz improvisation, while others may be interested in playing pop songs. Individual interests are respected.

Advanced students may also study:

• The chord or "Real Book" method of  playing popular music
• Basic and advanced jazz improvisation
• Ear training
• Synthesizer technique and programming
• MIDI and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) recording techniques
• Songwriting and composition

Lesson Scheduling

• Lessons are 1/2 hour long, once per week.
• Your lesson day and time will be the same each week.
• Lessons follow the local school schedule, generally September through mid-June.
• There are no lessons on major holidays and school vacation weeks.
• There are lessons on teacher workshop early release days or days off.
• Summers are optional: I teach a reduced schedule in the summer and you may sign up for as many or few lessons as you wish.
• There is a one month minimum for scheduling lessons. No trial lesson.

Payment Information

• Payment is due on the first lesson of each month for the coming month.
• Payment can now be made using PayPal or Venmo.
• Your lesson day will determine the number of lessons each month, taking into account holidays and school vacations.
• Payment is required for all regularly scheduled school year lessons.
• There will be an additional fee for books and sheet music when a student starts a new level. I will purchase the books and notify you as to the cost.

Cancellation Policy

• If you cannot attend a scheduled lesson, please e-mail or call in advance.
• You may reschedule or make-up a lesson due to sickness or snow storms only.   It is up to you to contact me to schedule a make-up within 2 weeks of the cancellation. There are no refunds or credits for missed lessons.
• If a lesson is cancelled for any other reason (sports, concerts, vacations other than school scheduled weeks, lack of practice, parties, TV shows, etc.) you are required to pay for the missed lesson with no makeup option. You are responsible for your time slot as I am reserving this time for you.
• If you need to miss a lesson you may want to consider participating in my voluntary "Lesson Switch" program. By filling out a form online you will send a message to other parents requesting to switch times on a particular week. You will then be notified by any parent willing to switch. Please note that you are still responsible for payment of missed lesson if no one is available to switch.
• If I cancel a lesson, I will make it up at your convenience or credit your next monthly payment.
• I require a two week notice for termination of lessons.

In the interest of fairness I can make no exceptions.

For availability and rates, please contact Rob at rob@robdumais.com.

See Rob's students perform their online piano recitals.