• Certified Piano Teacher 30+ years & have a Minor in Music

  • Elementary / Preschool Educator

  • Gold Medals - National Federation of Music

  • Skilled in working with children with special needs

  • Lessons tailored for all ages, abilities, and learning styles

Conveniently located in SE Mesa/Apache Junction.

About Ilene

I believe people learn best when they love learning. My approach blends skills, confidence, and joy so every student experiences success and naturally wants to keep playing.

Teaching is my first love and lifelong dream. I bring years of experience, a warm style, and a talent for tailoring lessons to each student—children, adults, and those with unique learning methods.


Want to know more?

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting piano should feel exciting—not overwhelming.
These are the most common questions I get from new students and parents. My goal is to make learning piano simple, supportive, and confidence-building from day one.

Question 1: Do I need a piano to start lessons?

Short answer: No.
A piano isn’t necessary to start. A keyboard is ideal for beginners and allows time to see if piano is something you want to continue and invest in long-term.

Question 2: Why start with a keyboard instead of a piano?

Starting with a keyboard:

✔️ Reduces upfront cost

✔️ Requires no tuning or maintenance

✔️ Fits easily into a home or apartment

✔️ Makes piano more accessible and stress-free

Question 3: What kind of keyboard is best?

What does matter for a beginner keyboard

✅ Full-size keys

(Standard piano-size keys — this is the must-have)

➕ Weighted keys (optional)
Helpful as students progress, but not required to begin

💲 Cost range:
Most beginner keyboards on Amazon run $130–$300+

🎛️ Extra features & sounds:
Fun to have, but not necessary for learning to play
(More gadgets = higher price, not better learning)

Question 4: How long are lessons and what happens during a lesson?

📅 Lesson frequency
• Typically once a week
• Adults often do best with every other week lessons

⏱️ Lesson length
• 30 minutes for beginners
• 45–60 minutes for more advanced students

Inside a lesson

🎵 Warm-ups & review
Build comfort, reinforce skills, and ease into learning

📘 New learning
Songs, techniques, music reading, and skill development

🎯 Recap & weekly goals
Clear focus so practice at home feels simple and doable

💛 Teaching philosophy
Each lesson meets the student where they are, not where they “should” be.

Question 5: How much practice is needed?

Progress in piano is less about "how long" vs "how well" the lesson is understood and learned.

For beginners:

🎵 10–15 minutes a day

🎵 About 5 days a week

🎵 Short and consistent beats long and exhausting

Progress comes from consistency, not perfection.

I teach students how to practice so they feel confident and capable.

Question 6: Are there additional materials or costs for piano lessons?

Students use a method book as part of their learning.

I use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures system because it is:
🎶 The right pace for beginners
🎶 Fun and engaging
🎶 Comprehensive (reading, rhythm, technique, and musicality)
🎶 Affordable

Cost:
📘 Books are typically about $30 per level (I provide the books and charge a materials fee)

Timing:
• Beginning levels usually last 2–6 months, depending on the student
• After that, levels typically last 6 months to about 1 year

This structure allows students to build skills thoroughly without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Question 6A: What if I already own method books?

That’s perfectly fine.

If a student already has method books, I’m happy to use them at the beginning. As the student progresses, I gradually transition them into the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures system so learning stays consistent and well-sequenced.

This approach:
🎵 Supports a smooth transition
🎵 Keeps learning consistent and clear
🎵 Avoids unnecessary purchases
🎵 Keeps progress smooth and aligned

Question 7: Where do lessons take place?

In my home. In-home lessons may be available for an additional fee.