The Breth Piano Studio offers piano lessons to children and adults from late elementary through professional level of advancement. Contact us to schedule an audition.
Regular Piano Lessons
Pre-college students choose a tuition plan of weekly private lessons 60, 75 or 90 minutes in length. Parents of young children are expected to observe lessons so that they can help children practice at home. Lesson observation is discontinued by the student’s 9th-grade year, or earlier if the family desires.
Adult students take weekly or bi-monthly lessons of 60, 75 or 90 minutes in length, with fee per lesson or as arranged.
Individual Coaching Sessions
Nancy Breth enjoys working with her colleagues. This might mean…
- A teacher-to-teacher session on any aspect of our profession.
- A single or occasional coaching session for a colleague’s student.
Chamber Music
Nancy Breth’s own performing career centered on chamber music. She has published articles on teaching chamber music and books of music for chamber players. She has been coaching chamber music players of all ages—from young children to retirees— for over 40 years.
Adults or prep students who play in a chamber group may request either an individual coaching session or a package of 4, 8 or 12 coachings.
Group Class
In addition to weekly private lessons, students are required to attend and perform in group piano class, held every 2 to 4 weeks as the schedule allows. Both pre-college and adult students attend, but these classes are not open to parents. We also welcome any student or teacher who has received individual coaching sessions in the studio.
The primary purpose of the class is two-fold: performance practice and interaction among students. The tone is informal, encouraging participants to develop friendships and to gain confidence and comfort by performing in a supportive network of peers.
Other issues addressed in group class:
- What to listen for in music
- How to talk about what we hear
- Structure and imagery in music
- Composers’ lives and styles
- How to practice
- Music theory
Performances, Examinations & Competitions
Recitals: We hold two or three recitals each year. The entire studio takes part and the public is invited. All students take annual state examinations in theory and sight reading and participate in our technique event, Piano Olympics. All students play in selected community music events. Students may choose competitive or noncompetitive events or they may do some of each.
Read more about performances and competitions
Practice Commitment
Grades 1-4: 60 minutes daily with one day off.
Grades 5-8: 75 minutes daily with one day off.
Grades 9-12: 90 minutes daily with one day off.
Adults: One hour daily, or as arranged.
These are minimum times for students who hope to make satisfactory progress. Most of our students do more.
STUDIO Location
Lessons are offered in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of northwest Washington DC.
Nancy O'Neill Breth 