Online worldwide
Your first steps at the piano.
Start with a conversation, explore your playing together, and choose a plan for your musical goals.
Getting started
From conversation to semester study.
- 01
Schedule a Call
A complimentary conversation about your musical background, goals, and whether the studio is a good fit. We’ll also discuss current tuition and available lesson times.
- 02
Consultation & Placement Lesson
A paid individual lesson and consultation to explore your playing, identify priorities, and recommend a plan. There is time for your questions and guidance on preparing for online study.
- 03
Semester Enrollment
Review your recommended plan and decide whether to enroll in a semester of individual lessons, Musical Foundations, group classes, and a recital.
“She is incredibly perceptive of students’ ability levels and areas for improvement, which she uses to tailor lessons to their needs.”
The semester
A complete semester of study.
Weekly individual lessons, Musical Foundations, group classes, and a studio recital bring personal guidance and shared musical experiences together.
Explore Adult LessonsExplore Musical Foundations
Tuition is arranged by semester and depends on weekly lesson length. Current fees and available lesson times are discussed during your introductory call.
The studio, in Dr. Monique’s words
Inside the studio.
Watch Dr. Monique explain the lesson experience and how semester study works.
Online setup
Your piano. Our online studio.
Meet live from your own piano, with a clear view of your playing and sound settings suited to music.
WHAT YOU NEED
- A tuned acoustic piano, or a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a pedal.
- A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera.
- A stable internet connection.
- Your scores, a pencil, and a notebook.
Sound
Enable Zoom’s Original Sound for Musicians so the app’s speech-focused processing does not interfere with your playing.
Camera
Position your device to show your hands, keyboard, and posture. A simple stand can help.
Materials
Scores, fingerings, and lesson notes can be shared digitally during study.
“I am 73 yrs old and play at an early advanced level. I have had a lot of teachers and I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy working with Dr. Monique. The offsite lessons (Zoom) are terrific. I have attended a recital and was very impressed with the musicality of her students.”
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
A short film on comfortable, natural alignment at the keyboard — useful viewing as you settle into study, and not something you need before scheduling a call.
Studio FAQ
Questions before you begin.
01
Experience & Fit
Do you teach complete beginners?
Yes. Adults can begin with no prior piano study and no previous experience reading music. Reading, rhythm, technique, and theory are introduced from the beginning.
I played years ago. How much will come back?
Usually more than it first seems, although the skills may return unevenly. The Consultation and Assessment identifies what is still secure and what should be rebuilt first.
Who is the adult program designed for?
The studio works with adult beginners, returning pianists, self-taught players, and musicians who come from another instrument. The common thread is a willingness to study consistently and strengthen the foundation beneath the repertoire.
Do you teach children and teenagers?
A separate online program is available for motivated students age ten and older who have an appropriate prior musical background. Child and teen study is kept distinct from the studio’s adult program.
How do I begin?
Begin with a brief conversation. If the studio looks like the right fit, the next step is a paid Consultation and Assessment. After receiving the written assessment, you decide whether to enroll for the semester.
02
Lessons, Practice & Tuition
How long are individual lessons?
Individual lessons are thirty, forty-five, or sixty minutes. The appropriate length depends on your level, goals, and the amount of work you plan to carry each week.
What is included in semester study?
Semester study includes weekly individual lessons, Musical Foundations work between lessons, group classes, an end-of-term recital, and structured reflection and goal-setting.
What happens in group classes and the recital?
Group classes give students a smaller setting for listening, discussion, and performance practice. The recital provides a clear musical goal at the end of the term, with repertoire prepared gradually during lessons and group classes.
What is Musical Foundations?
Musical Foundations is the studio’s structured work in Technique, Reading, Theory, and Musicianship. It supports private lessons and helps students become more independent between meetings.
How does tuition work?
Tuition depends on whether you choose 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lessons. Current tuition rates are shared directly during a brief conversation, before you decide whether to book the Consultation and Assessment.
How much should I practice?
Consistency matters more than an occasional long session. Most students need several focused practice sessions between weekly lessons. The amount is adjusted to your level, repertoire, and schedule.
What if work or family life interrupts my practice?
Keep the lesson. A difficult week can still be used to review, solve a specific problem, and reset the assignment. If practice is unlikely to fit most weeks, the call is a good place to discuss whether this is the right time for semester study.
What is the cancellation and makeup policy?
The public policy summary covers scheduling, cancellations, makeups, and technology interruptions. The complete terms are provided before enrollment so you can review them before committing to a semester.
03
Online Setup & Scheduling
Do online piano lessons work?
Yes. Lessons take place live over Zoom. With the camera placed to show your hands, keyboard, and playing position, Monique can teach technique, reading, repertoire, and musicianship in detail.
Where are lessons available?
Monique Arar Studio teaches online worldwide. Students join lessons, group classes, and recitals from home.
What instrument do I need?
You will need a digital piano with eighty-eight weighted keys and a pedal attachment, or a tuned acoustic piano.
What technology is required?
You need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera, plus a stable internet connection. A complicated multi-camera setup is not required.
When are lessons and group events scheduled?
Private lessons are generally offered during business hours, with some Sunday availability. Many adult students enjoy taking a lesson in the morning or during a lunch break, a focused pause in the workday. Group events are usually scheduled on weekends to make participation easier for students with busy schedules. Exact openings vary by semester.
Can I study from another time zone or outside the United States?
Yes. Students join lessons online from across different time zones worldwide. When you schedule your introductory call, the calendar automatically converts openings to your local time. Tuition is billed securely online in U.S. dollars.
Let’s discuss your musical goals.
A complimentary conversation with Dr. Monique is the first step.
Prefer to write? DrMonique@musicwithmonique.com