Testimonials
Testimonials
Different starting points. Personal goals. Hear what studying with Dr. Monique has meant to her students.
“With Monique's guidance, I was able to master pieces I once thought were beyond my reach.”
Nathan M. · Software Developer
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Working with Monique finally helped me make meaningful progress after a few years away from lessons. Her expertise made it easy to pinpoint the areas where I could improve, especially in technique, dynamics, and overall form. With Monique's guidance, I was able to master pieces I once thought were beyond my reach. I now feel like a stronger, more confident pianist, and I know I'm better equipped to continue my musical journey.
“Her clear and specific instructions allowed me to practice and apply myself effectively.”
Jeff S.
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What I loved most about Dr. Monique's Technique Course is that even with my busy schedule, she was willing to work with me through every assignment. Her clear and specific instructions allowed me to practice and apply myself effectively. I highly recommend it to anyone who is ready to elevate themselves in the art of music.
“Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge in both music theory and technique, she pays critical attention to how the student learns and develops in their own respective way.”
Bobby G.
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Dr. Monique has been phenomenal towards my progress with learning piano. Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge in both music theory and technique, she pays critical attention to how the student learns and develops in their own respective way. For me, I find learning music theory while playing more effective in retaining what I learn. Accounting for this, she is able to block certain parts of the lesson to explain theoretical concepts I may at first find confusing.
When I first began lessons with Dr. Monique, she took the time to understand and discuss how I learn best. I was struggling to break old habits that I had picked up from self-teaching; we would play a piece and identify the problem areas within the phrases to work on so she could understand the root of the habit. Once we understood my opportunities, she selected specific exercises that swiftly replaced old habits with the correct ones.
Dr. Monique has been very flexible with my busy schedule and has taken the extra time out of hers to allow makeup lessons should something conflict with the date. She proactively communicates with her students and encourages them to learn by either bonus group lessons or external resources.
I am so fortunate to have found a teacher that not only is a wonderful musician, but also an incredible teacher. I recommend her courses to anyone who has an interest or passion for piano — no matter the skill level!
“I was so nervous! But I ended up loving getting to play for an audience.”
Jennifer P.
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I played a Gershwin Piano Prelude for our group masterclass in April. It was the first time I ever played piano for someone that wasn’t my teacher or child. I was so nervous! But I ended up loving getting to play for an audience. And it was made even more special because I got to perform alongside my son, and hearing him perform for people was magical.
“Together, we identified meaningful, achievable goals that reflect my love of music and my desire to keep growing as a pianist.”
Christine C. · Physician
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Returning to piano as an adult after many years away has been both rewarding and challenging, and my goal-setting session with Dr. Monique helped me put that journey into perspective. I had the privilege of studying with her several years ago and was thrilled to return to her studio when I decided to resume playing. She took the time to understand both my musical background and my aspirations for this new chapter of learning. Together, we identified meaningful, achievable goals that reflect my love of music and my desire to keep growing as a pianist. Her insight, encouragement, and genuine investment in my progress left me feeling motivated, focused, and excited about what lies ahead. I am grateful for her ability to create a personalized learning experience that honors my past experiences while inspiring future growth.
“It gave me the opportunity to share my previous piano experience, discuss any concerns and outline my short-term and long-term goals.”
Ladan R. · Business Strategist
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The goal-setting session was a great introduction to lessons. It gave me the opportunity to share my previous piano experience, discuss any concerns and outline my short-term and long-term goals. I appreciated how Dr. Monique used that conversation to tailor her teaching approach, and it gave me confidence that I had chosen the right instructor for where I am in my piano journey.
“Monique is patient and considerate, yet detail oriented and clearly cares about tailoring lessons to my novice needs.”
Matt L.
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I decided to finally face the music and follow through on my New Year’s Resolution from like... 2010 to start taking lessons in piano. I couldn't have chosen a better teacher. Monique is patient and considerate, yet detail oriented and clearly cares about tailoring lessons to my novice needs. She's also super cool!
“I have taken other piano lessons with other teachers in person and I’ve learned more with Dr. Monique via Zoom than I have in any of my other lessons!”
Denzel C. · Adult student
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I have taken other piano lessons with other teachers in person and I’ve learned more with Dr. Monique via Zoom than I have in any of my other lessons! Even over Zoom you will learn more than you would anywhere else in my opinion.
“I’m finding myself not only playing music, but reading it myself!”
Steven G.
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I have been taking lessons for two years and never even learned to read music, I only memorized and regurgitated. After only a few lessons, not only did I find myself practicing more, and having more fun with what I was playing, but I'm not memorizing anymore. With the easy practice curriculum Monique set for my personal needs, I’m finding myself not only playing music, but reading it myself! Monique is the best if you want to really excel in your piano skills. See for yourself!
“I found a lot of joy in learning from her and can now perform Mozart!”
Clara K.
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Monique is a patient, kind and really wonderful teacher who really cares and it shows. She has a PhD in music and a lot of experience teaching. I found a lot of joy in learning from her and can now perform Mozart! many thanks to Monique.
From Atlanta to the world
Built on a five-star reputation as one of Atlanta’s highest-rated piano studios, Monique Arar Studio now welcomes students online worldwide.
Looking for lessons for a younger student? Learn about Child & Teen Lessons.
Your musical goals, your next step.
Begin with a complimentary conversation about your background, goals, and whether the studio is a good fit.
Prefer to write? DrMonique@musicwithmonique.com