Piano and Theory Lessons

CPS provides both piano lessons and theory lessons to our members. We recruit teachers who have more experience performing or have good knowledge of music theory to teach members who are eager to learn more. Teachers can take on as few or as many students as they like, and students and teachers can set their own lesson schedules.

On this page:
Overview   |    For Students   |    For Teachers   |    Level System   |    Quick Links   |    FAQ

Important Dates:
  • Piano and theory lesson sign-ups begin Saturday, January 28, 2012.
  • Piano and theory lesson sign-up deadline is Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:59 PM.

Overview
Piano lessons are perfect for members who are just beginning, want to keep up their practicing, want to pick up their skills after time off from piano, or want to learn about a new musical genre. We welcome players of all backgrounds and levels of experience - whether you're a total beginner or a virtuoso, the best way to develop your skill is to practice, practice, practice!

Theory lessons are a great way to begin learning the fundamentals of music, or to improve your knowledge of more advanced music theory. Having a good technical musical foundation allows you to be able to read and write music, and to get the most out of your piano lessons if you are taking them. Whether you're just beginning to read music or you're interested in advanced topics like harmony, scalar theory, counterpoint, and music history, theory lessons are a great investment. You'll learn concepts that will enable you to learn piano pieces quickly and help you understand different genres and types of music.

For Students
How It Works
Every semester, CPS recruits a team of advanced members who are interested in teaching others about theory and how to play piano. These teachers volunteer their time to share their passion and enthusiasm for music. In return, we try to provide exclusive services to teachers, and make the lessons a valuable experience for them as well as for our students.


Lesson Pricing
Cornell Piano Society sells piano and theory lessons on a semesterly basis, in a few different time slots:
Note: Prices are for Spring 2012 only. Prices subject to change in future semesters.

Piano Lessons
  • 30 min/week = $50/semester (about $4.17 / lesson*) + $10 dues ($15 for non-Cornell affiliates)
  • 45 min/week = $60/semester (exactly $5.00 / lesson*) + $10 dues ($15 for non-Cornell affiliates)
  • 60 min/week = $70/semester (about $5.83 / lesson*) + $10 dues ($15 for non-Cornell affiliates)
* Based on 12 lessons per semester. This number is a guideline - it is up to you and your teacher to fit in 12 lessons. Even if you cannot, we would like to note that the lessons are still worth your money. (Professional teachers can charge $40/lesson - and that price is on the rather low side!)

Theory Lessons
We will now be holding group lessons rather than individual lessons. Once we have the full roster of students who wish to take theory lessons, we will divide students into multiple groups, based on skill level. For example, there will be one class dedicated to students who have never read music, another for those who need a review of theory, etc. Prices will be $20/semester for 45 min/week, held on Saturday afternoons. Time and location to be decided.

How to Sign Up
  1. Complete the online application at the link below:
    Student Lessons Request Form  External link
    • You will be asked for your CPS skill level. You can see a preview of this list below.
    • To request a particular teacher (e.g. if you are reapplying for lessons), please indicate your preference when asked "Any special requests or comments?"
    • When indicating your piano and theory lesson choices, you are exempt from the dues payment if you are a volunteer teacher; otherwise dues cost $10 for Cornell affiliates (students, faculty, and staff) or $15 otherwise.
  2. Make your payment (cash or personal check to "Cornell Piano Society").
    IMPORTANT: We cannot pair you with a teacher until we receive your full payment.
    You can submit your payment in one of four ways:
    • Bring it to our next general meeting (most Saturdays at 2:00 pm in B20 Lincoln Hall).
    • Mail it to:
      Cornell Piano Society
      WSH Mailbox 86
      Ithaca, NY 14853
      (free through campus mail)
    • Set up a personal meeting with one of our Lessons Coordinators (see our contact information).
    • Pay by credit/debit card via Paypal - it will be available through the online form
  3. We will match you with a teacher and contact you by email. Then you will be able to set your own schedule with your teacher at a time and place that works for both of you.

For Teachers
Interested in Teaching?
We are always on the lookout for students interested in volunteering to teach piano lessons! Enjoy several benefits, such as:
  • Free club membership during the semester(s) in which you teach
  • Free key to the Lincoln Hall grand piano practice rooms (unfortunately, this is not available in the summer - we will get you a different gift instead!)
  • The opportunity to earn service hours in the Cornell Traditions Program (email us for more details)
  • Great leadership experience for any resume
  • And of course, the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping someone else learn!

How to Sign Up
  1. Complete the online application at the link below:
    Teachers Application Form  External link
    • You will be asked for your CPS skill level. You can see a preview of this list below.
    • To request particular students (e.g. if you are reapplying to teach), please indicate your preferences when asked "Any special requests or comments?"
  2. We will match you with one or more students and contact you by email. Then you will be able to set your own schedule with each of your students at a time and place that works for both of you.

    We look forward to working with you!

Level System
This is used to determine your skill level on the piano. (For those who applied during Spring 2010, please note that new changes were made to the numbering system.)
  • Level 0. Complete Beginner - 0 years - No prior experience in piano or musical notation. 30 minutes each of piano and theory lessons recommended.
  • Level 1. Beginner - usually about 0-3 years experience - Limited or no prior experience in piano. Assume sufficient knowledge of musical notation. 30 minutes each of piano and theory lessons recommended. Beginners coming from other instruments may start here.
  • Level 2. Intermediate - usually about 3-6 years experience - Basic knowledge of piano and musical notation. Should be able to play short pieces (5 minutes or less) and read piano music at some level. 45 minutes each of piano and music theory lessons recommended.
  • Level 3. Early Advanced - usually about 6-10 years experience - Good knowledge of piano and piano literature. Should be able to play longer pieces (5 minutes or more) consisting of some technical difficulty. 45 or 60 minutes of piano and music theory lessons recommended. Teaching positions also recommended - if interested in teaching, please fill out the Teachers Application Form.
  • Level 4. Advanced - usually about 10+ years experience - Extensive knowledge of piano and piano literature. Should be able to play technically difficult pieces. 60 minutes of piano and music theory lessons recommended. Teaching positions also recommended - if interested in teaching, please fill out the Teachers Application Form.
  • Level 5. Concert Level - usually about 10+ years experience and some experience in performance, competitive contests, or top-level studies. May be invited to perform some amazing concerts. Teaching positions recommended - if interested in teaching, please fill out the Teachers Application Form.
^ up to Students ^   |   ^ up to Teachers ^

Quick Links
Student Lessons Request Form  External link
Teachers Application Form  External link

Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I still sign up for lessons?
A: Yes! It's never too late to sign up. Please note that due to our low prices, all late sign ups are subject to the same pricing.

Q: Can I still pay dues? / How do I make payments?
A: Yes! Come by our general body meetings on any Saturday at 1:00 pm in B20 Lincoln Hall. Cash or checks to "Cornell Piano Society" only, please!

Q: I'm a student/teacher who can't contact my teacher/student... what should I do?
A: Email your teacher/student (check the Cornell directory  External link to find current students' email addresses). Tell him/her that you are their student/teacher, and that you'd like to plan a time to meet every week for your lessons. Find a time and location that works for both of you.

Q: I've really been trying, but I still can't make contact with my teacher/student... what should I do?
A: If you haven't been able to contact your teacher/student after repeated efforts, email us and let us know who your teacher/student is and we will make reassignments.

Q: I really can't work with my teacher/student... what should I do?
A: If you have irreconcilable differences (e.g. different genre interests, incompatible levels of teaching/learning, incompatible schedules, etc.), email us and let us know who your teacher/student is, what the problem is, and we will make reassignments if necessary.

Q: I want to switch to a different lesson level/genre/time slot. What should I do?
A: Email us and let us know what switch you would like to make.

Q: I still have questions!
A: Email us, or contact the appropriate officer directly.