Piano & Guitar

Entering 1st grade and older.

We strongly recommend waiting until a child has completed Kindergarten for a variety of reasons. Exceptions are sometimes made, but generally there are few advantages to starting earlier. Younger children should join an age appropriate Kindermusik class.

Lessons may be in your home, at Our Redeemer Lutheran, or St. Thomas Aquinas. There is an additional fee for in-home lessons. All lessons will be scheduled according to SoundSteps’ teacher’s schedule. In-home locations must be in one of the following areas of Dallas: Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas–south of LBJ, or Kessler/Stevens Park.

We strongly recommend your child take at least 2, preferably 4, semesters of “Kindermusik for the Young Child” first. Children who take this class experience greater success sooner than those who do not. It is the ideal preparation for learning an instrument: It is fun, age-appropriate, and has a wealth of musical learning, including reading and writing melodies and rhythm, and basic keyboard, string, and wind instrument playing. Children do not have to be frustrated by trying to read music and simultaneously play an instrument before they’re developmentally ready.

Lessons are 30 minutes, once a week. Enrollment is for a term of one year (September-August), although we will accept prorated late enrollment after September pending availability. Withdraw anytime with 30 days advance notice.

Please use the lesson request form  for details on all fees including sibling discounts, optional in-home fees, and general tuition.

For piano students: A piano or keyboard at home is required. A piano is ideal, but a keyboard with standard full-size keys will suffice for the first 2 years of lessons. In this case, we recommend attending lessons at one of the churches so the child has the opportunity to play an acoustic piano regularly.

For guitar students: A guitar is required. SoundSteps can offer recommendations of inexpensive guitars for purchase.

Students will learn to play, read, write, and create music. Repertoire is chosen for the needs of each student. Classical literature & traditional technique are emphasized; however, there is also the opportunity to learn popular music & improvisation at all levels.

Each year, we have a holiday program and an end of the year recital. We ask each student to prepare 1-2 pieces for the programs and attend the two events, but the child may choose not to perform at the event. The holiday program is held at an area retirement home. The end-of-year recital is held at Greenland Hills UMC.

We have a variety of teachers and their teaching schedule and students are determined by their availability, which may change from year to year. All teachers are experienced in teaching and have been trained by Lisa Muratore, owner of SoundSteps. Their qualifications vary, but all have played piano for more than 10 years, some for hobby, some professionally.

All SoundSteps teachers undergo background checks and safe environment training annually.

We strongly recommend parents (or other caregivers) attend lessons in order to take an active role in your child’s learning.

In-home lessons: A responsible adult must be at home during all home lessons.

Lessons at St. Thomas Aquinas: Parent/adult attendance is mandatory.

Lessons at Our Redeemer Lutheran: Parent/adult attendance is not required but we strongly encourage a responsible adult to attend.