If you have been thinking about adding more creativity and joy to your daily life, learning the piano is the perfect place to start.
Winter often encourages us to find cozy indoor activities, and there is no better time to dedicate yourself to learning a new skill. We know taking the first step is often the hardest, which is why they are welcoming new students of all ages this season with a range of welcoming programs, from private lessons to engaging group classes and the specialized CMC Sparks program for young children. To help ease beginners into the process, CMC has shared two practical video tutorials designed to give anyone quick, tangible success at the keyboard.
The first video features Zahra Rothschild, a talented pianist and vocalist who brings a refreshingly diverse background to her teaching. With a B.A. in Music (specializing in vocal performance) and double minors in Latin American and Ethnic Studies, Zahra has studied and performed everything from opera and vocal jazz to Middle Eastern popular music. This rich expertise informs her approach: she believes strongly in documenting and celebrating student successes and focusing lessons on the music the student is genuinely passionate about. In her tutorial, Zahra focuses on getting sound out of the piano immediately using easy chord progressions. She breaks down how to build basic chords using just a few notes and demonstrates the essential technique for moving between them smoothly. This lesson is fundamental, as simple chords are the backbone of countless songs, and mastering this small step allows beginners to create expressive music right away. As a bonus, Zahra is also fluent in Spanish, ensuring her lessons are accessible and welcoming to a broader community.
The second video is taught by Irene Giovannetti, who specializes in building beginner’s confidence and making the initial steps fun. Irene is highly trained, having earned double bachelor’s degrees in both piano and trumpet from the Conservatory P. Mascagni in Italy. Her international education means she understands the importance of a strong foundation, but she balances technique with engagement. In her lesson, Irene tackles the goal of learning a complete song in one day. She provides clear, patient guidance, demonstrating the correct hand placement and walking the viewer through the exact steps needed to follow the musical pattern and rhythm. This structured approach is perfect for beginners, proving that anyone can successfully finish a melody quickly. Irene is also fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, and she particularly enjoys working with young children, helping them develop a lifelong love for music and self-expression.
We welcome students of all ages and abilities, and our faculty is dedicated to supporting your musical growth every step of the way. Whether you are curious about one-on-one instruction or prefer the social atmosphere of a group class, there is a place for you in our community. Registration for the Winter Quarter is open now. The 12-week term begins on January 5 and runs through March 30, 2026. To ensure music study remains accessible to everyone, we also offer tuition assistance. We can’t wait to welcome you to CMC!