Piano Lessons at South Charlotte and Waxhaw

Musicians In Motion is proud to offer studio piano lessons at our South Charlotte and Waxhaw locations, as well as in-home.

We’re so glad you’re thinking of taking piano lessons at our studio! The piano is the most universal instrument, and a fantastic choice for those that have not played an instrument before. At Musicians In Motion, we pride ourselves in having experienced, patient teachers willing to work with students from young to old, beginner to advanced. We will place you with the right teacher based on your needs and personality, and we offer a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the first lesson!

For info on piano classes for children under 6, please click here. Click here to learn more.

Not sure which method is for you? Give us a call or fill out a contact form and we’ll help you out!

We offer traditional piano lessons where we teach students to read music from the beginning, but we also have a non-traditional method called Simply Music which is a playing-based method. If you’ve ever struggled with reading musical notation, this is the method for you because you don’t have to read music to play! It’s a great way to dive in and start playing great sounding songs from the first lesson. Click here for more details on Simply Music Piano.

For info on piano classes for children under 6, please click here. Click here to learn more.

Not sure which method is for you? Give us a call or fill out a contact form and we’ll help you out!

Learn And Develop A New Skill By Enrolling in Our Piano Classes

Playing piano can enhance your focus, uplift your mood, and give you a chance to hone your time-management skills. After sharpening your skills, you can participate in various concerts, and being a reputed musician can produce songs with soulful piano music. Connect with us at Musicians In Motion, where we offer students from all spheres the opportunity to learn piano from scratch. We have numerous experienced teachers for piano classes in Central North Carolina, who can give you personalized piano lessons for all age groups.

What Services Do We Provide?

Whether your child is three years old or your parent’s age is above 40, if they are willing to take part in piano lessons in Charlotte, North Carolina, Musicians In Motion has opened its doors for every aspiring learner. We will provide lessons from one of the best teachers who matches your needs and personality. Moreover, if you are not pleased with the lessons on day 1, we guarantee you that we will refund your deposit.

We teach the lessons in two ways, traditional and modern. The conventional method includes reading about music. In a modern and non-traditional way, we focus on helping individuals learn everything about music and relate it to the piano. We also have entertaining videos for all age groups where individuals can learn how to play piano in the easiest and most convenient way.

What Makes Us Unique?

Generate A New Hobby With Us!

Learning piano has many benefits, and if you spend time developing and honing your skills, you will feel more relaxed, eased, and positive. Besides this, it will boost your confidence as you can participate in various musical activities. So, why search on the internet for piano classes near me? Get in touch with us and develop a new skill today at Musicians In Motion! All the best for your new learnings!

Meet a few of our Amazing Piano Teachers

ARPINE BALASANYAN

Arpine was born and raised in Armenia and moved to the United States in 2008. She has received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology and Physiology. For about 7 years, she has enjoyed teaching biology to high and middle school students, but her true passion has always been music. Arpine attended and graduated from an accredited music school with emphasis in piano and ever since music became an integral part of her life. Arpine is a proud member of the World Pianist Group. She enjoys composing and arranging music to perform with other musicians who play various instruments. Not to mention she is the main pianist in the Chamber Orchestra!

In 2009 Arpine and her family moved to North Carolina and now call Waxhaw home.

MICKY FUKASAWA

Micky took the first piano lesson when she was three years old when her mother found her playing nursery rhymes on a toy piano by herself. While her family moved frequently, her piano playing helped her with making friends and being settled in a new environment. As she grew, she developed her musical interest in singing choral music and operetta. Since then, she started studying voice seriously.

Even after she received her degree on BA in English Linguistics in Tokyo and worked for a travel agency, she continued studying voice with numerous opera singers privately. Coming to the States, She decided to work toward a Fine Arts Degree in Music while she raised her two children.

As she began to teach piano and voice privately, she noticed how immensely making music relates to various sensory inputs physically and mentally. She wanted to learn how music can purposely influence people’s body and mind. Currently, she has been studying music therapy at Queens University of Charlotte. She is excited to join the team and put into practice what she learned from the music therapy program. Besides having fun, she wants the lesson environment to be a safe and comfortable place for students to express their thoughts and emotions.

GARRETT DAVENPORT

With 19 years of piano playing experience and 12 years of teaching expertise, Garrett is a passionate pianist and an exceptional music educator. He has mastered the art of using the piano as an escape and creative outlet, and he brings that same enthusiasm and love for music into his teaching.

Garrett believes that learning music should be an enjoyable and engaging experience. He understands the importance of making connections with his students and nurturing their individual musical interests. By encouraging his students to learn songs they are genuinely passionate about, Garrett fosters a deep appreciation for music and creates a personalized learning journey.

In addition to teaching, Garrett is a talented composer who enjoys creating his own music. He inspires his students to explore their own creativity and compose their own melodies, instilling a sense of ownership and personal expression in each student’s musical journey.

THOMAS EVANS

Thomas Evans has been teaching piano and cello for 6 years. He has studied under Dr. Mira Frisch, Gail Schroeder, Janis Nilsen, Holly Maurer, and Tanja Bechtler. He has taken master classes under Alison Crum. Thomas participated in an Early Music Workshop held in Cullowhee NC for three summers. He plays with a praise band as well as orchestra weekly at Assurance UMC. In addition to cello, piano, and electric cello, Thomas plays recorder and Viola de Gamba.

In 2009, he played in Conquistadors and Collaboration (early folk and art music in South America) with members of the Charlotte Symphony. Thomas has played in theater productions, including Floyd Collins and The Last Five Years. He played for the CAST Theater, Hickory Arts, and in Hickory for special events. Thomas performed with the Western Piedmont Symphony. He has played in Founders Hall for Embracing Piazzolla, a tango-inspired dance and music performance.

Thomas is an established, experienced, finely trained, professional musician. Thomas is intuitive,
innovative and versatile in his teaching methods, taking the time to give the students the care and
attention that they need. Thomas instills positive habits and healthy techniques into the student’s routines while paying attention to each child’s different learning styles, interests and abilities.

VALARIE VALOIS

Valarie Alexandra Valois is a concert pianist, collaborative artist , and master teacher who has been involved in making music quite literally since she was four. Dr. Valois actually began teaching when she was seven and has been working as a professional musician all her life. She is also a liturgical musician, and enjoys conducting choirs, playing the organ, and arranging sacred music in all forms.
She was blessed with an extraordinary group of teachers and mentors, and her studies and performances have taken her all over Europe, The Orient, The Middle East, both North and South America and Africa. Her students have won many international accolades and have gone on to become major influences in the music world, as performers, composers, teachers and arrangers. Valarie also has an extensive background in musical therapy!

CHERRIE BADAJOS CRUZ

Cherrie has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, from leading worship to performing in regional theater, theme parks, and Concerts in the Park. Some highlights include portraying Jasmine in Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular at Disney’s California Adventure and touring California with her dearest friends performing gospel musical presentations. Alongside her performing career, she has coached colleagues who have gone on to Broadway and national tours, helping them with vocal coaching, audition prep, and refining headshots and résumés.

Cherrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis in Voice from California State University, Fullerton, and has taught voice for all ages and levels and beginning piano. She combines her experience and education to help students improve their vocal skills, prepare for auditions, or simply enjoy music. Her lessons are personalized, focusing on vocal range, power, confidence, tone & technique, placement & shape, posture, breathing/breath support, phrasing, and musicality and so much more!

Cherrie is grateful for her career as a musician and finds great joy in inspiring others to improve their musical skills, whether through singing or as a beginner learning to play the piano.

RACHEL BAER

From a very young age, Rachel Baer was instilled with a love for music. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 5 and would continue lessons for 12 years straight, later adding cello, guitar, singing, and songwriting.

She first discovered her love of teaching music by helping out her own music teachers and volunteering at camps over the summer.

Classically trained, she graduated from Master Musicians School of Music and has been certified in the Mark O’Conner Method of teaching. She has taught students of all ages and has played in multiple orchestras, weddings, church events, and studio recordings. As well as participated in many recitals and scholarship competitions, receiving Superior performance four years in a row.

Rachel is passionate about helping encourage each of her students to not only learn and appreciate all types of music, but also reach their goals and become the musician they hope to be.

JOANNA DENDROLIVANOS

Joanna is a graduate of New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has over 20 years experience teaching vocal techniques, song preparation, audition and performance skills and beginner’s piano. She has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Portland Maine Opera and in Athens, Greece and the Islands. She teaches and loves all genres of music including jazz, musical theatre, pop, classical and opera. She loves to teach any age and any skill level. She currently sings shows of jazz, musical theater and spiritual music at nursing homes through out the Charlotte area.

THOMAS SAUNDERS

Thomas S. has been playing the piano for over 25 years. He has taught numerous styles using different techniques and approaches for over 20 years. His writing/playing styles span from Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Pop, R&B, Classical to Latin. This artist is a self taught guitarist, composer and writer, who mainly works in Charlotte, NC.

Thomas’s performance and compositional belt notches were derived from his appearances and performances playing with bands in NYC like The Albatross and Velvet Soul from 2000-2002. He has also played with soulful folkish bands like Eddie Kane and Melodic from 2010-2011. He was a regular on local TV shows in Charlotte such as The Modern Renaissance Man and The Johnny Millwater Show on Access 21 TV. He was also invited to play The Harvard Alumni Club in the summer of 2011. In his earlier years he played in various school plays from 2004-2005.

Thomas’s passion for the arts has proven to be a worthwhile adversary to his list of students over the years. His unique methods of reaching his audience no matter what culture or age range is a God given gift. Those who have opened their hearts and minds have allowed themselves to experience a teacher who has dedicated his mind, body and soul to each individual person.

DENNIS CONTRERAS

Dennis Contreras is a highly skilled and versatile musician who teaches violin, guitar, and double bass. With a deep passion for both performing and educating, he has dedicated his career to sharing the joy of music with students of all levels. His expertise spans multiple genres, including classical music, bluegrass, and jazz, allowing him to provide a well-rounded musical education to his students.

He holds a Master’s degree in Music from Northwestern University, where he studied under the renowned double bassist Daxun Zhang. This rigorous training has shaped him into a highly accomplished performer with a deep understanding of technique, interpretation, and musical expression.

Throughout his career, Dennis has had the privilege of performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Illinois Philharmonic, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony, and the Union Symphony. His experience in both orchestral and chamber settings has made him a sought-after musician, appreciated for his artistry and adaptability.

Currently, Dennis is an active member of the Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars, where he brings his talents to the vibrant world of bluegrass music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, he continues to inspire others through his dedication, passion, and love for music.

CHAD HARRIS

For over a decade, Chad has performed regionally and internationally as a Charlotte-based musician. From original projects to tribute bands, studio/session work, and on-call roadwork, he has gained a premium reputation for being capable of playing almost any genre or style on a variety of instruments, and for being a fun to watch stage presence with a strong band leader capability. Chad currently performs 3-5 nights a week on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, and violin/fiddle and is a staple in the Charlotte music scene. You can find him most often at Smokey Joes.

Founder of the Charlotte Bluegrass All-Stars, he stays busiest in the world of bluegrass, but is also part of a Rage Against the Machine tribute band, as well as being a first call sub for a Pearl Jam tribute, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, multiple 80’s/90’s tributes, and for wedding band gigs.

Chad is considered to be an exceptional teacher who cares deeply about the progress and development of his students and still routinely receives calls asking if he is teaching anywhere. He believes that having a good teacher is a crucial aspect to a long-lasting and rewarding pursuit in the art of learning an instrument, and he feels a sense of duty in passing on knowledge with the same patience and kindness that he received from his teachers when he was learning.

EVAN GARNER

Evan Garner has been a private and group instructor for over 16 years, with experience playing & teaching the guitar, bass, drums, cello, double bass, piano, banjo, mandolin & ukulele. Evan studied Classical Guitar and Double Bass at USC and spends his free time touring the US with his band Invoking the Abstract.

He believes that no matter what skill level or instrument, we can continue learning and remain student of our craft for as long as we desire. He offers lessons in all genres and emphasizes using modern and classical approaches to your instrument, as well as focusing on composition and performance at all levels.

TREVOR WALLACE

Music is Trevor’s passion, and has been since he was a child. Since then, he’s picked up many instruments, with his favorites being drums and guitar. For almost a decade, Trevor has also been producing music professionally at his studio, RED records, where he’s met a lot of amazing people and picked up some invaluable teachings on theory, composing, writing, and more that he enjoys passing on to his students.

Trevor has been drumming and playing guitar professionally for over 15 years. He has also played in multiple bands, touring the east coast, and has been teaching for almost a decade now. Trevor is a laid-back person and loves everything about the craft of making music. Trevor’s teaching approach is personalized and varies based on what his students are most interested in, but mainly follows a curriculum of music theory, reading music, building proper habits, songwriting, picking and fingerpicking, chords, rudiments, composing, chord progressions, scales, etc.

He teaches all styles and genres. On guitar he particularly enjoys indie, rock, and fingerstyle. On drums, he loves playing and teaching all styles of rock, pop, metal, gospel, indie, rap, country, and blues.

CHRISTINE MATTE

Christine Matte has been a musician her whole life , teaching for over 25 years. She currently composes and teaches piano, guitar, flute, ukulele, voice and song writing. With a Master Degree in Clinical Psychology from Capella University with an emphasis in Music at Edison State University. Christine specializes in teaching students with learning differences, attention issues, and other exceptionalities.

Christine encourages a love of music by keeping lessons individualized to the student’s personal goals and most importantly fun. Christine teaches students all ages and levels starting at age 3 on piano. The benefits of music include increased test scores, reduction of stress, emotional regulation and a healthy creative outlet. Music education is gift that students will use now and throughout their lives and it is my honor to be a part of a students musical journey.

MUSIC LESSONS IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE & WAXHAW

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