“We are so grateful to have Val teaching piano to our 6-year-old son. With her encouragement, he is always excited and energized about going to piano lessons and even loves practicing throughout the week. Val’s warmth, skill, and wisdom have given him a true love of learning music.” – SS

“I returned to piano following a quarter-of-a-century hiatus. Val’s encouragement, patience, and insightful tutelage were the perfect combo for my re-entry. I have discovered a joy and confidence in my playing that, had they found me in middle school, might have sustained me all those years ago. Thankfully, it is never too late to discover that duo of possibility.” -DS

2025 Fall Schedule will be posted TUESDAY, JULY 15 at NOON

All current students and families will receive an email from Val inviting your time requests. See my email that day for detailed sign-up instructions.

Following fall sign-ups for my returning students, I will open up any remaining spots to my current waitlist. I apologize that I cannot immediately accommodate all interested students and remain very grateful for all community referrals.

Late June through end of August, 2025:

Current students may continue to access our shared Google summer spreadsheet for individual lesson sign-ups from the link sent from Val.

September, 2025  – June, 2026:

This year’s weekly lessons will run from Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Friday, June 19, 2026.

Due to the shortened month of June in 2026, regular tuition for June will be prorated to 75%.

More schedule details:

Val’s teaching schedule follows the Boston Public School (BPS) 2025-2026 calendar, with exceptions listed below:

These dates are exceptions to the BPS school calendar:

• Weekly lessons and monthly tuition begins Tuesday, September 2, 2025 and ends on Friday, June 19, 2026.
• NO lessons on Wednesday 11/26/25 (day before Thanksgiving, shortened day for BPS)
• YES lessons (1 bonus lesson for Monday students) on EITHER MLK Holiday 1/19/26 OR Memorial Day Holiday  5/25/26 (both are BPS holidays)
• YES lessons on Good Friday 4/03/26 (BPS holiday)
• YES lessons on Juneteenth Friday 6/19/26 (BPS holiday)
• YES lessons on BPS Snow days: On BPS snow/cold days when school is cancelled, I still hold lessons for all who can safely make it to my house. Online lessons for snow days are welcome for most students with technical support at home. I am happy to reschedule lessons for all who do not make it that day. No weather-related refunds are given during the school year.

Tuition:

For weekly lessons. Pay by month, due 1st of the month:

$180/month for 30-minute lessons (family member discounted rate: $170)

$250/month for 45-minute lessons (family member discounted rate: $240)

$330/month for 60-minute lessons (family member discounted rate: $300)

Notes:

1. signing up for weekly lessons comes without a financial commitment for the entire year. However, students who stop lessons before the close of the academic year, please note that 30 days’ notice and tuition is needed to allow for transition.
2. Rates were last adjusted in 2023. Rates starting September 2025 adjusts for inflation from 2023 – 2025.

Does Val have consideration for reduced tuition if needed?

Regardless of background and circumstances I strive to treat each and every student, and their families, with care and respect in a way they appreciate. I also strive towards more equity and diversity among my piano community. Should issues arise related to tuition hardship or access to instruction, I reserve the right to consider these factors when making decisions to adjust fees and manage my waitlist.

As always, reach out if you have need for tuition consideration and we can discuss!

Rescheduling:

Students may reschedule their weekly lesson FOUR times for personal reasons in the academic year (Sept- June). At least 24-hour advance notice is required.

For sickness, make-up lessons are allowed, and advance communication is appreciated.

Rescheduling lessons from sickness or personal requests are the responsibility of families to communicate with Val for available times, and must be held during the academic year (Sept-June). As a courtesy, I may proactively communicate about slots that are available for holding make-ups. I am always happy to coordinate individually with student families for finding times.

No-show lessons are forfeited.

If I need to reschedule a lesson, I will give at least 24-hour notice, with the opportunity to reschedule within eight weeks or I will credit the lesson 25% monthly tuition rate. Any lessons cancelled by me on the same day are credited to the student at 25% monthly tuition rate.

Have questions?

Email Val at pianobarwithval@gmail.com if you would like to discuss!