Piano Lessons in Iowa City

Welcome and thanks for visiting! I recently moved from Seattle, where I taught at Puget Sounds Piano Studio in Issaquah. There, I taught all ages and styles of music, from very beginning to early advanced levels. I also teach composition and songwriting. I have taught piano for the past 6 years and love helping people grow their own love of music through learning the piano. Students are encouraged to prepare for a music festival once a year, and performances twice a year. I teach from my home ($20/half-hour) or at the student's home ($30/half-hour). Please email sarahmburgess@gmail.com for a complimentary introduction lesson!

Summer Session

I am offering summer Musikgarten classes June 24 - August 12, Wednesday evenings from 6 to 6:40pm at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center in Columbia City (Alaska & Rainier). Fee for all 8 sessions is $115, which includes CD and booklet. Children from birth to age 5 are welcome to attend! The older children love to lead, while the little ones love to learn from the big kids. All benefit from the weekly immersion of music class, from storytelling and poetry to listening to sounds; making music with percussion instruments, dancing and moving about the room in creative ways, and of course - lots of singing! These classes are a great way to help bring more music time to your home, and offer a special time set aside each week to bond with your child. Additional sibling discount rate is $75. Please contact me with any questions at 206-329-1650. Prorated tuition is available for planned absences (max 2). Deadline to register is now - or by Friday the 19th. Thanks!

Private Lessons

Interested in taking a lesson? I teach piano, voice and songwriting lessons to learners of all ages; beginning to intermediate levels in classical, jazz and popular styles of music. Please contact me to set up a time to meet; rates are $20/30 minute lesson; $30/45 minute lesson; $40/60 minute lesson.

All About Musikgarten

Musikgarten is a program of early childhood music and movement classes, involving children and parents in musical activities of bouncing, rocking, dancing, singing, listening and more. Class activities are designed with the child's age and window of development in mind.

Why Musikgarten? Musikgarten classes benefit the young child in many ways. They offer the child a chance to interact with their parent/caregiver in a musical context, moving and listening to different musical melodies and rhythms. Children delight in participating in class with other children and parents. Classes and materials provide a model of activities to do at home.

The Musikgarten curriculum reflects the latest research in early childhood development and combines the talents of top authors, musicians and artists to bring a complete and holistic approach to teaching music. Musical activities immerse the child in language, evoke movement, stimulate the brain and foster physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community.
There are many skills that Musikgarten classes help to develop: self-expression, memory, social interaction, fine motor skills, listening, problem-solving, coordination, music-playing, creativity, self-esteem, confidence, emotional development, voice expression and more. (For more information, please visit www.musikgarten.org).

Registration is happening now, please contact me if you are interested (206-329-1650 or sarahmburgess@gmail.com).

Classes offered:

Family Music for Toddlers
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:40pm (child and parent/caregiver attend)
15 months to 3 1/2 years
January 20 - April 28
$200 Tuition, includes 14 class sessions, CD, songbook and rhythm sticks

Once babies start walking, everything changes. Children explore and experiment with the world of sound more on their own. These learners in constant motion get to sing, chant, play, dance, move, listen and play simple instruments. Classes stimulate musical interaction between child and parent; channel toddlers’ energy productively; facilitate expression of feelings; assist memory through repetition; develop musical aptitude and focused listening.

Cycle of Seasons
Thursdays, 6:00-6:45pm (parents join class for last 15 minutes)
3 to 5 years old
January 22 - April 30
$205 Tuition, includes 14 class sessions, CD, songbook and nature cards

A musical celebration of the four seasons. Activities build on child’s growing independence and competencies, including use of language, and dramatic play within the musical context. Lessons include songs, movement activities, exploration of instruments, and imaginative stories for children to make their own. Classes enhance moving, singing and talking skills; develop listening, focused attention and self-expression skills; tap into the child’s vivid imagination; lay foundation for creative development via storytelling and play-dance response to poetry.

Musikgarten Classes at Rainier Valley Cultural Center

I am offering Musikgarten classes January 13th - April 30th in Columbia City! I'm excited to announce the classes will be held at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (on Rainier and Alaska). Classes offered will include Family Music for Toddlers (ages 18 months to 3 years with parent or caregiver in attendance) on Tuesdays and Cycle of Seasons for children ages 3-5 years on Thursdays (parents/caregivers join for last 15 minutes of class). Classes will begin at 6pm and run about 40-45 minutes. Full descriptions of classes will be posted soon. Tuition is $200 and includes 15 class sessions, CD & songbook, and small instrument pack. Please email me at sarahmburgess@gmail.com or call 206-329-1650 if interested.

Musikgarten Classes!

I'm excited to be preparing for Winter/Spring semester classes, which will run January-May. Days, times, and location to be posted soon. If interested, please let me know! I will be offering the following classes: Family Music for Babies (age 3-18 months), Family Music for Toddlers (1 1/2 - 3 years), and Cycle of Seasons (ages 3-5). More details to follow.

Fall Openings

Currently available lesson times are weekday evenings and a few slots on the weekend. Students can take 30, 45, or 60 minute lessons. Shared lessons are also available. The first lesson is free, and will be a chance for the student and I to meet and make sure we are a good fit for each other. Please email sarahmburgess@gmail.com if interested.