BEMUS POINT - Cindy's Piano Studio has expanded by adding an additional teacher which will now allow for both group and private lessons.
The studio, which is located at 4957 Main St., Bemus Point, has added piano teacher Brianna Lopez who will be joining Cindy Robison, owner. Cindy's Piano Studio was started in 2010 with lessons being taught at both the studio and Robison's Lakewood home. Through the years, the business has expanded to the point where Robison needed more assistance in teaching students the piano. Luckily for Robison, Lopez was passing the studio one day, saw the business' sign, and thought there might be an opportunity to teach.
''She saw the sign and called me and asked if I was interested in hiring her,'' Robison said. ''I was getting to the point where I couldn't do it just by myself anymore.''
Article Photos
From left, Brianna Lopez and Cindy Robison performing at Cindy’s Piano Studio, 4957 Main St., Bemus Point. Robison has expanded her business by adding Lopez which will allow for both group and private piano lessons.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
Robison said by adding Lopez, not only will she be able to handle more students and be more efficient, but she will be able to add teaching private piano lessons, as well. Last year, Robison said she had 30 students learning in groups. Starting the weeks of Sept. 3 and 10, Robison will be interviewing those interested in private or group piano classes.
Private lessons will be available for those who are beginners with no experience or those who have had piano lessons, but are looking to refresh what they have learned.
''Many older adults are returning to the piano in their later years. It has been proven that making music as an older adult helps to improve overall wellness,'' Robison said. ''Some benefit from less pain of arthritis, less memory loss and the enjoyment of expressing themselves through music at the piano.''
Group lessons are arranged by age and ability. Classes include learning to read music, computer games to reinforce music theory, improvisation, ear training, ensembles and performance opportunities.
''We have enough pianos here in the studio where each student can have their own to play,'' she said. ''The group sessions are great because it is like they are in school. They are used to being in groups. Used to doing things together. They help each other as a group. It is also wonderful preparation to perform in class. It gets them used to playing in front of others.''
At Cindy's Piano Studio, Robison teaches piano by using modern technology with the students from computer games to Web recordings to software for making their own compositions. Because it is a class, Robison said the students have more fun competing in contest and playing games during lessons. Last year, a $20 gift certificate for the Erie Zoo was awarded to one student for succeeding in a competition.
Lopez said she is very excited to be teaching with Robison. She has worked with all ages, individually and in groups.
''There is something great about music that makes sense to me. It's art, it's science and it's beautiful to share with people,'' she said. ''I love teaching and I love the piano. This is an exciting opportunity for me.''
Robison said the best part of teaching music is enjoying when a student is proud to show off what they've learned.
''I love when students come back and say look at what I can play,'' she said. ''I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile.''
In order to receive lessons at Cindy's Piano Studio, each student will need their own 88-key piano or keyboard in order to practice between lessons. For more information, call 763-1197 or email pianolessons@cindyspianostudio.com. Also, visit Cindy's Piano Studio's website - www.cindyspianostudio.com - or visit her Facebook page or Twitter feed.