Why Join Presto Piano Studio?

At Presto Piano Studio, piano education is about more than weekly lessons. Our goal is to develop well-rounded musicians who grow in confidence, discipline, and artistry. For inquiries of joining Presto Piano Studio please email PrestoPianoPGH@gmail.com. 

The studio is built on three pillars that shape the complete pianist: Performance, Achievement, and Community.

A common challenge in long-term music study is that students invest years of effort but finish with little tangible evidence of what they have accomplished. Presto Piano Studio provides a clear pathway so students not only grow musically, but also leave with recognized achievements and experiences they can proudly include on college and scholarship applications.

Performance

Students at Presto Piano Studio perform regularly throughout the year, gaining valuable experience that builds confidence and stage presence.

The studio presents two major recitals each year in the Spring and Winter, held at Chatham University in Shadyside. In addition, students perform in fun, more informal settings at venues such as Carnegie Music Hall, Mt. Washington, and retirement communities throughout Pittsburgh.

These varied performance opportunities allow students to become comfortable sharing their music with different audiences. Presto Piano Studio students have also performed on major stages, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City in 2017 and 2019.

Achievement

Presto Piano Studio emphasizes clear goals and measurable progress through participation in the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), an internationally recognized system of graded music examinations.  Students progress through eight structured levels that develop technique, musical understanding, and artistic maturity. Completion of the full program represents a significant accomplishment and provides a respected credential that students may include on college applications.

Students also have opportunities to participate in piano competitions. Winners may receive monetary awards and invitations to perform in prestigious venues such as Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.

 

Community

Presto Piano Studio encourages students to use their musical skills in service of others through regular community performances and outreach.

Students perform at retirement communities throughout Pittsburgh and participate in benefit concerts that support local causes. Most recently, in March 2026, Presto Piano Studio students performed in Music for Food at Chatham University, helping raise over $900 for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.

Many high school students also mentor or teach beginning pianists, developing leadership skills while strengthening their own musical understanding.

Q&A with Jimmy

Q: How old are your students?

A: My students vary in age from 5-75.  The best time to begin is when they’re between 5-7 years old.  However, I also teach adult students that are beginners, or those who would like to resume lessons after taking piano lessons when they were younger.

Q: Do I need a piano when first starting lessons?

A: The short answer is yes, I do not accept students who do not have a piano to practice on.  A keyboard with weighted keys is fine in the first year of study, but an acoustic piano will be needed for steady progress.  The reason is you cannot replace the touch and feel of an acoustic piano with a keyboard.  The make of the piano is very important and the ONLY brands I recommend would be Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Steinway, or Young Chang.  I then recommend the piano be tuned and service at least once per year, please check out my piano tuning page for more details.

Q: What piano do you teach on in your studio?

A: Students play on a Bosendorfer 225 (7 foot long) and I play on a Steinway Rosewood B.

Q: How much time do I need to practice?

A: It depends on the level of the student.  In general, beginners should be practicing around 20-30 minutes each day, 45 minutes for intermediate level, and 1 hour or more for advanced students.  This does not need to be done in one sitting, and can be spread out through the day.  You’ll see more results through consistent practice habits rather than cramming everything over the weekend and practice for 5 hours.

Q: Do I need to perform regularly?

A: I believe performing is an important part of taking piano lessons.  It is the culmination of much hard work, and provides the student with a sense of achievement after spending learning a piece.  I help all of my students deal with stage fright, and will never push a student on stage if I do not feel like they are ready to perform.  There are at least two large studio recitals per year, as well as a number of other opportunities to play such as in group classes, events, and engagements around the community.

Q: How much are lessons?

A: I charge by tuition instead of by the lesson or monthly.  For a copy of my studio policy and updated tuition costs, please email me at PrestoPianoPGH@gmail.com.