Adult Piano Studies
Have you always dreamed of being able to play but are finally getting around to pursuing lessons as an adult? Or perhaps you want to build on existing skills and play harder music?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more intermediate to advanced player looking for some coaching, you have come to the right place. I love working with adults- it is always enjoyable and rewarding for both the students and myself!
What to Expect:
At Christina Toole Piano Studio (locations in Murphy NC and Blairsville GA), adult students enjoy all the benefits of traditional classical training, presented with a fresh approach that makes playing the piano a relevant and gratifying hobby (no stuffy old method books or endless Hanon drills here!)
You will learn a wide variety of engaging repertoire (from oldies and rock/pop/movie music to timeless piano classics) while developing healthy technique, knowledge of music theory, and musicianship.
Best of all, your lesson experience is tailored to your needs and goals, at your own learning pace - whether your lessons are purely for pleasure or to hone some serious, advanced-level skills. Adults are not required to perform, but I do offer opportunities if you are so inclined.
Enroll now for Duo Lessons:
Want to learn piano alongside a friend for double the fun? “Duo lessons” are being offered in downtown Blairsville (Thursday afternoon) and Murphy (Monday afternoon), beginning Sept 2024.
This class is a fantastic way to experience the therapeutic and mood-boosting benefits of playing the piano, in a low-pressure environment! You and your piano partner will learn together, supporting and encouraging one another along the way. Classes will offer a balance of duet playing and individual work, focusing on building piano skills and musicianship as we learn beautiful, appealing pieces.
Remote Lessons: In today’s high-tech world, we now have the luxury of remote piano instruction via Facetime or other applications. Over half of my studio is currently remote or hybrid, which testifies to its success! I have students in other states that love being able to continue working with me, and even some local students who simply find it more convenient to take lessons from home. I have found that this model works very well for adults, and would be particularly convenient for students who reside in different locations during summer and winter. All you need for successful remote lessons (besides your own instrument) is a good internet connection, your phone or iPad and a simple adjustable stand for your device. I am always happy to help with setup/equipment recommendations.
Adult Student Reviews:
“I highly recommend Christina Toole as a piano teacher for adult learners, whether just learning piano or returning after a time away. After retiring, I wanted to return to piano to improve my skills and challenge my brain. I had learned as a child and could read music but my technique needed guidance. Christina was a perfect match! She has an amazing way of explaining and showing in different ways how to create beautiful sound from the piano. She is very patient when I am struggling with a music piece and can just suggest a simple change that makes the piece accessible. She challenges me to play advanced pieces that I would never have learned on my own and does not let me give up. My husband has heard a big difference in my playing after working with Christina for a couple of years. While she is a classically trained pianist and focuses on those techniques, she makes an effort to find other music I enjoy. I love spending time playing the piano and working with Christina! She is a talented and approachable teacher and so happy I found her!”
“Christina is wonderful! I’ve been with her for 7 years now and wouldn’t think of working with another teacher. My lessons are remote via Facetime and are very enjoyable. Never thought I would learn the things I’ve learned at my age!”
“I am a retired Human resources professional who decided to take up the piano a few years ago. Learning to play has been a bit more complicated than I anticipated, but I look forward to and enjoy my weekly lessons with Christina Toole! She is incredibly patient, which to teach me, is extremely important. The music we use is challenging without being frustrating. Christina understands my learning style and has a remarkable ability to explain musical theory and techniques to me in ways that make sense.
Five years ago, she relocated a few hours away so we switched to lessons via FaceTime. This has been wonderful! I don’t have to leave my house and can use my own piano! I receive notes and a “to do” list each week after my lesson. Whatever your age, if you are looking for a good piano teacher, call Christina!”
“I have been studying piano weekly with Christina for over six years now; we have been doing remote lessons quite successfully for the past four years. I initially asked Christina to please teach me how to play the instrument, that is - with correct technique, musicality, and interpretation of the piano literature.
Christina has been wonderful in this regard, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working through several instructive method collections. While I’m still somewhat of an advanced beginner, I am starting to look, feel and sound like a real pianist. Christina has been super patient and encouraging, and her teaching methods and materials have made the traditional ones feel updated and fresh.
In summary, I highly recommend Christina as your next piano teacher, at all levels of playing ability. She is a superb pianist and teacher, with a warm and always encouraging personality.”
“I have studied with Christina (first in-person then remotely) since fall of 2015, when I sought to return to piano lessons after many decades without playing. I am considered to be at early advanced level, however my skills had suffered considerably and I sought out a teacher who could help me reacquire my old playing ability. I am very glad I signed on with Christina - she diagnosed some bad habits and has not only helped me knock off the rust from my playing, but to become a much better pianist. She helps me see nuances of expression in a composition that were lacking in my playing before. By believing in my ability, she also instilled in me the confidence to learn to play pieces that would have intimidated me before I began studying with her.
What I like most about Christina is that she doesn’t simply indulge me - she wants the best that I can give! She doesn’t believe in heaps of unearned praise- rather her critiques are at once candid and encouraging. When she illustrates a point, her own polished technique serves as an inspiration. I leave a lesson feeling challenged to improve - which is exactly what I was looking for in a teacher. And when I do improve - when the project piece comes together - the genuine pride in my progress that she expresses is all the more gratifying, because I know I earned it.
It is obvious to me that Christina loves what she does. She is passionate about all things piano and loves imparting what she knows to her students. She communicates that knowledge through a buoyant personality that will appeal to any student, young or no longer young. ”