Piano Lab

Music sparks in kids from a young age, and these kiddos show us that, with a little guidance, young minds can easily understand complex music theory in a fun and engaging manner.

Our Piano Play classes are perfect for kids aged 4 to 6, giving them an exciting kickstart into learning the basics of piano and music theory. This week, our students are focusing on how to play Lento (slow) and Allegro (fast). Watch these rockstars show us how it's done!

This week, in celebration of Black History Month, we would like to highlight the renowned classical pianist Andre Watts (1946–2023).

Throughout his career spanning over six decades, Watts was a distinguished soloist known for performing Romantic-era compositions by composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt. He collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. At the age of 16, he performed with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. By the mid-1970s, he was performing close to 150 concerts, recitals, and chamber music events each season, which lasted about eight months.

Andre Watts was a beloved figure in the classical music community, deeply dedicated to his craft and his passion for music

Rihaan played a hindi song at the recital! This piece is Tum Hi Ho from the Hindi movie, Aashiqui 2, composed by Mithun Sharma.

We interviewed Rihaan to hear what he had to say about learning and playing this complex song.

This week for Black History Month, we’re shining the spotlight on Florence Price, a talented classical pianist and composer. She composed over 300 pieces, including symphonies, concertos, choral works, art songs, chamber music, and pieces for solo instruments.

Florence began her career as the head of the music department at what is now Clark Atlanta University. In 1927, seeking to escape the Jim Crow laws in the South, she moved north to Chicago and started creating her own compositions. She was part of the Chicago Black Renaissance, a vibrant cultural movement that emerged from the South Side of Chicago in the 30s and 40s. Florence was nationally recognized and praised for how she beautifully blended African American culture into her music. Her work, like her Symphony in E minor, broke racial barriers and carved the pathway for other African American composers.

This year on January 31st, the Minnesota Opera premiered "My Name is Florence," an opera celebrating her life and legacy. Florence Price truly was a remarkable and resilient woman.

Recital day is a milestone for our students.

It’s the day they step into something they’ve worked toward for months.

We do everything we can to make it positive and supportive.

Parents often get emotional watching their kids perform, and coaches are just as proud.

This is where our community really shows up!

Be sure to share or tag your friends who would love to see this!