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The Purple Piano: Music, Mindfulness & Movement
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
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Who can take lessons?
The Purple Piano offers lessons to students of all ages and abilities. While ages 5–6 are often a great starting point, we also welcome 4 year olds who are ready to unlock their musical potential, as well as teens and adults at any stage of their musical journey.
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Where do lessons take place?
Lessons are offered in-home throughout the Boulder/Denver metro area, as well as in our studio locations in Louisville and Erie. Virtual lessons may also be available upon request. Each option provides a supportive, focused learning environment tailored to the student.
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Do I need an instrument at home?
Yes. Students are expected to have access to an instrument for regular practice. An acoustic piano or a digital keyboard (88 keys) is ideal. Weighted keys are strongly recommended to support proper technique and long-term development. Additional details about instruments and supplies can be found on the separate instrument pages listed under Private Lessons.
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How are students matched with instructors?
Students are matched with instructors based on age, learning style, instrument, scheduling availability, and musical goals. We aim to create a strong student-teacher connection that supports both long-term musical progress and a positive learning experience.
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Do you offer trial lessons?
We’ll help guide you through the best starting point for your student, match you with the right instructor, and get your first lesson scheduled. After the first lesson, we’ll ask if you’d like to continue with lessons on a regular basis. There is no pressure to continue past the first lesson if it is not the right fit (you can always try out another instructor) or if your student is not ready for private lessons. While the first lesson is not typically free, we do offer seasonal discounts and promotions.
Progress & Practice​
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How quickly will my student progress?
Every student progresses at their own pace. Our focus is steady, sustainable growth rather than rushed results.
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How much practice is expected at home?
Regular practice is an important part of musical growth. Consistent high-quality practice sessions are more valuable than sporadic lengthy practice sessions. For young beginners, practice may look like just a couple of minutes at a time. Your instructor will help you determine what is best for your learner.
Scheduling
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How are semesters structured?
Our year is organized into three semesters:
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Fall Semester: mid-August through December 31
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Spring Semester: January 1 through the end of the school year
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Summer Semester: the week after Memorial Day through early August
We accept new students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Most students continue lessons year-round to maintain steady progress and retain their place in the studio. Enrollment may be discontinued at any time with two weeks’ notice.
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When is my lesson?
Lessons are scheduled weekly at a recurring time. Most of our instructors teach during the after school hours of 2:30-8pm on weekdays, though we do also have some availability for lessons during daytime hours and on weekends.
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How are holidays handled?
Our studio provides 45 weeks of lessons per year. The 7 remaining weeks are prescheduled off weeks. These off weeks are built into our flat monthly tuition rate and typically include the weeks of: back-to-school, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Spring Break, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July.
A full Studio Calendar is available for reference.
Tuition & Billing
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Are there any costs aside from monthly tuition?
The Purple Piano does not charge any additional fees outside of tuition. Families may need to purchase an instrument and basic accessories, along with lesson books as recommended by the instructor.
Tuition includes:
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Two recitals per year
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Three group classes per year
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Two make up lessons during the fall and spring semesters
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No registration fees or per-lesson charges​
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How is billing handled?
Tuition is billed at a simple, flat monthly rate to keep scheduling and payments predictable for families.
We use My Music Staff to manage:
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Invoicing and payments
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Scheduling
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Practice notes and resources
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Event registration
Payments are automatically debited through the portal on the 15th of each month via credit card or ACH.
Performances & Enrichment
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Do you offer recitals? Are they mandatory?
Yes. We host a minimum of two recitals per year, typically held at venues such as Muse Performance Space in Lafayette or Steinbaugh Pavilion in Louisville.
Recitals are designed to be positive, low-pressure opportunities for students to share their progress and celebrate their hard work. While participation is not required, we strongly encourage it, as performance experiences help build confidence, motivation, and important life skills.
What are Piano Parties?
Piano Parties are small, seasonal gatherings that take place throughout the year (typically September, January, and April) and are included in tuition at no additional cost. These group classes give students a fun, social way to explore music through games, crafts, and improvisation in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Each session is one hour, and attendance is optional. Students enrolled in lessons on any instrument in any location may attend.
Policies & Communication
What is your sickness policy?
We prioritize the health of all students and families. If illness arises, we encourage students to move their lesson online, submit a video to their instructor, or schedule a makeup lesson when appropriate.
We offer up to two makeup lessons during both the fall and spring semesters. Unlike many studios, we do not require 24-hour notice, understanding that illness can arise unexpectedly. We simply ask that families notify us prior to the scheduled lesson time.
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How do I log in to my online portal?
Students and families can log into My Music Staff at app.mymusicstaff.com. This portal is used for scheduling, invoicing, payments, practice notes, event registration, and lesson resources. A login link is also available at the bottom of our Current Students page for convenience.
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How can I get in touch with my instructor?
Instructor contact information is available through the My Music Staff portal under the Contact tab. Families may also reach us anytime at office@thepurplepiano.com.
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Are instructors background checked?
Yes. All instructors undergo background checks to ensure a safe, supportive, and trustworthy learning environment for every student.