RCM Celebration of Excellence
Frances and Owen were invited to perform in the Celebration of Excellence, honoring students from the Southeastern United States for outstanding RCM Spring Exam scores.
Child & Teen Lessons · Online worldwide
Growing skills. Developing musicians.
Individual piano study that connects technique, reading, theory, and musical expression — fostering sharp critical thinking, creative curiosity, and the genuine joy of making music.
For young musicians age ten and older with some prior experience, and for motivated high school students. Teens are warmly welcome to reach out directly.
Teaching approach
Understanding the music, developing the player.
- 01
Critical thinking at the keys
Lessons are built on questions, not just corrections: What did you hear? Why did that passage feel unsteady? What clue did the composer leave? Students learn to listen, analyze, and solve musical problems for themselves.
- 02
Technique built for artistry
Technique is built for artistry, not mechanical note-accuracy. We replace the unguided habits that often come from apps or self-study with natural physical alignment and sound mechanics—giving students the physical freedom to produce a singing tone, and the deep musical understanding to bring a score to life.
- 03
Curiosity, ownership, and fun
Students play music they genuinely love. Serious repertoire sits alongside their own musical interests, and the real breakthroughs — a piece finally clicking, a sound they didn’t know they could make — are what keep study joyful.
- 04
Becoming their own teacher
Teens are treated as the thoughtful young adults they are. The long goal is independence: a musician who can evaluate their own playing, choose what to do next, and keep music close for life.
What study includes
Everything in place, online.
- Weekly individual online lessons, with scores shared on screen and the student’s own markings saved
- A clear written assignment after each lesson, so practice at home has direction
- A practice app included, supporting focused work between lessons
- Studio recitals, performance opportunities, and examination and festival pathways
Student achievements & honors
Real results, earned over years.
GMTA Piano Festival · Outstanding ratings
Every participating studio student earned an Outstanding rating at the Georgia Music Teachers Association Piano Festival.
RCM Preparatory A · Southeastern Region winner
A studio student took first place in the Southeastern Region and was invited to perform in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s North American honors recital.
Graduating senior solo recital
A graduating senior prepared and performed a full solo recital, closing years of study with a complete program of their own.
Twenty-five years of teaching young musicians
Dr. Monique Arar has taught children, teenagers, and university students for more than twenty-five years, including faculty appointments at five institutions.
In a student’s own words
As much as I’m looking forward to college, I’m already missing our lessons together. I’ve improved so much as a pianist over the past few years. You did such a great job of encouraging me to work on my technical skill and improve my repertoire while still allowing me to incorporate my own music, and that’s the kind of balance I hope to maintain in my practice even years down the road. Thank you so much for everything.
What families notice
Anna and I would like to extend many, many thanks to you for the years of tutelage you have provided Lina. We are, of course, aware of how her skill has advanced, and how she was encouraged to seek out challenging new pieces to play. But, your patience and ability to listen has been invaluable as well. You seem to have a unique ability to listen to and gently encourage your students as they advance their skills. We hope you and Lina are able to continue working together.
Monique is incredible. She gives lessons to me and my 12-year-old, and she tailors her approach to fit both of us seamlessly. I’m a former opera singer, and he’d never studied music before. Monique is patient, attentive, generous with us when we haven’t practiced enough, and always finds something encouraging to say. I come away from every lesson having made improvements, as does my son.
My son is now also taking lessons with Monique. His lessons have shown me a whole new side of him! We had struggled to help him find a good fit in an activity that could both challenge him and keep his attention and piano has met that for him. I’ve been amazed by his progress in just the short time he’s been with her.
My older daughter commented that Dr. Monique is more focused on teaching her to read her music rather than rote learning her piece so that she is better able to go back and play it whenever she likes.
She not only learned theory and practice skills, but she also learned performance skills.
Practice & parental support
Building independence, with support.
The student
Takes ownership of a steady practice routine, arrives with questions, and works with the feedback.
The parent or guardian
Protects lesson and practice time, encourages progress, and stays reachable for essential communication.
The teacher
Builds the individual plan, gives specific guidance, and steadily hands responsibility to the student.
How to begin
Three simple steps.
- 01
Schedule a Call
A complimentary conversation about the student’s background and goals. High school students are welcome to reach out directly; tuition and enrollment terms are always reviewed with a parent or guardian.
- 02
Consultation & Placement Lesson
A paid individual session at the piano to hear the student play, discuss goals, and determine the right placement.
- 03
Semester Enrollment & Study
Weekly lessons, written assignments, and performance goals for the semester ahead.
Discuss your young pianist’s next steps.
Prefer to write? DrMonique@musicwithmonique.com