What age can students start lessons?
We welcome students as young as 5 or 6 for piano and strings. The right age depends on the child — during the free trial lesson we can quickly assess readiness and make a recommendation. Adult beginners are always welcome.
Do we need a piano or instrument at home?
For piano students, a full-size weighted keyboard is acceptable to start, though we encourage families to invest in an acoustic piano as the student progresses. Violin and guitar students will need their own instrument — we're happy to make recommendations for rentals or purchases at any budget.
How are students matched with teachers?
After your trial lesson, we match each student with the faculty member best suited to their goals, age, instrument, and learning style. With six faculty members across piano, violin, viola, and guitar, we almost always find the right fit.
What is the difference between ABRSM and RCM exams?
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) is a UK-based examining body recognized in over 90 countries, widely used for international credentials and conservatory preparation. RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) is a North American program used extensively for college audition credentials across the US and Canada. We prepare students for both. During enrollment we'll help you decide which track — or combination — best fits your student's goals.
What happens if we need to miss a lesson?
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. Our annual program structure builds in flexibility — with 42 lessons included per year, the schedule accounts for holidays and occasional conflicts.
What is included in the annual program?
The annual program includes 42 private lessons, 2 group lessons per semester, participation in our studio recitals, and access to studio events and masterclasses throughout the year. There is no enrollment fee and the first lesson is always a free trial.
Do you offer lessons for advanced students and pre-college preparation?
Yes. Both Dr. Jaesung Kim and Dr. Karen Kim have extensive experience preparing students for conservatory auditions, competition circuits, and professional-level performance. Several of our students have gone on to study at major music schools. If your student has serious goals, this is the right studio.
Where exactly are you located and how do lessons work?
Our studio is located at 5633 Tylersville Rd, Mason, OH 45040. All lessons are by appointment. We serve students from Mason, West Chester, Blue Ash, Montgomery, Loveland, and throughout the greater Cincinnati area.
