Piano Lessons
Our piano program offers world-class instruction that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and fosters a love for music. Under the guidance of our exceptional faculty, students receive personalized lessons that develop strong technique, musicality, and artistry. Whether your child is just beginning or aiming to excel at the highest level, our comprehensive curriculum provides the foundation for their success and joy in music.
Enroll today and open the door to a world of musical possibilities!
DIANA & JOEL PETERSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Our approach
The Piano Area at Peterson School of Music offers an exceptional musical journey, led by world-class faculty and a thoughtfully designed curriculum. Under the direction of Dr. Vera Oussetskaia-Watanabe, our dedicated piano instructors inspire and support students of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring concert pianists. With a focus on nurturing talent and fostering a love for music, our program is designed to help students reach their individual goals.
Our piano students have a proud history of success, going on to study at top conservatories like Juilliard, the New England Conservatory, and Peabody Conservatory. Many of our students have also been selected to perform alongside the Utah Symphony through Salute to Youth concerts, showcasing their artistry on prestigious stages.
Piano skills are a fundamental cornerstone for any musician, providing a strong foundation for all musical endeavors. Our Piano Area also offers high-quality, affordable supplementary lessons to instrumentalists and vocalists looking to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of music. Join us, and let the piano be your gateway to musical excellence and discovery.
A GIFTED MUSIC SCHOOL TRADITION
EST. 2008
What to expect
Weekly lessons
15 in the fall semester, 17 in the spring, with holiday breaks included
Summer lessons
Flexible schedule, with a minimum of six lessons required to retain a spot in the studio
In-person format
While in-person lessons are preferred, remote lessons are available based on teacher discretion
Lesson durations
30, 45, and 60 minutes are common, with extended 75 or 90-minute lessons for advanced students
Studio recitals
Each semester includes a performance opportunity for students to showcase their progress
Who our lessons are for
We offer world-class training for students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to adults—our oldest student is 90!
Most of our programs are designed to support growth from preschool through high school graduation, we provide an integrated pathway for musical and personal development. Every program contributes to our goal of fostering future community leaders, engaged citizens, and passionate musicians.
What students will learn
Students will familiarize themselves with the keyboard layout through learning the names of the notes and learn to identify groups of black and white keys. Students will also learn to read music at a basic level by understanding treble and bass clefs, note values, and basic rhythms.
Our comprehensive approach enables students to grow in their skill and enthusiasm. They will not only foster strong piano skills but will gain a love for music that lasts a lifetime.
Lesson costs
Tuition for piano lessons varies depending on the instructor and the length of the lesson. Detailed tuition ranges by department are available here. This allows families to choose the best fit for their needs. The lesson package includes all regular lessons, studio recitals, and group performance opportunities, providing a well-rounded musical education.
Our school’s mission is to help as many students as possible experience the joy of music, regardless of financial constraints. We offer several need-based and merit-based scholarships. We would love to have you apply.
Meet the faculty
-
![]()
Dr. Whitney Pizza
Dr. Whitney Pizza leads the piano department at Peterson School of Music bringing a wealth of solo and collaborative performance experience. With a Doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music and extensive concert appearances alongside orchestras like the Utah Philharmonic and Ballet West, she inspires students to achieve musical excellence. Dr. Pizza’s passion for fostering artistry and technique in her students makes her an exceptional mentor and leader within the program.
-
![]()
Dr. Vera Watanabe
As a visionary co-founder of our school and a Steinway Artist, Dr. Vera Watanabe’s influence has shaped the school’s dedication to excellence in music education. Her students have gone on to study at top music conservatories like Juilliard and New England Conservatory, achieving recognition at national and international competitions. With her commitment to nurturing talent and leadership in music, Dr. Watanabe inspires students to reach their highest potential.
-
![]()
Yelena Bates
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Yelena Bates provides comprehensive instruction in piano and voice. Her work in both the U.S. and Russia, along with her students’ success in competitions, showcases her dedication to nurturing musical talent.
-
![]()
Koji Atwood
Koji Attwood, a Kansas native, made his solo debut at the age of ten, and one year later won 2nd prize at the Young Keyboard Artists International Competition. He earned 2nd prize at both the Stravinsky and Missouri Southern International Keyboard competitions, was a winner of Astral Artistic Services’ 2003 International Auditions, and was a featured artist on yamahamusicsoft.com’s “New York City Rising Star” series.
-
![]()
Linda Duan
Linda Duan is from Las Vegas, Nevada, and recently moved to Salt Lake City, where she is the Conservatory Director at Gifted Music School. She was the first recipient of a double performance degree in violin and piano from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Piotr Milewski and Robert Ruckman. She also holds a Master of Music degree and an Artist Diploma in violin performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, as a student of William Preucil.
-
![]()
Jonny Cardenas
Jonny Cardenas is one of our fantastic Jazz program staff. His education includes ABD (Ph.D.), UC San Diego, MM, Brigham Young University, BM, Snow College. He helps to lead our jazz jam sessions at the school and is passionate about providing jazz genre exposure for anyone with the curiosity.
-
![]()
Suzannah Rose
Suzannah Rose earned a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University studying with Dr. Stephen Beus, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from the University of Utah studying with Dr. Vedrana Subotic (piano) and Dr. Pamela Jones (harpsichord). She has over a decade of teaching experience during which she has taught music theory, aural skills, sight singing, group piano, and private piano for all ages and levels from elementary school children to college students at Brigham Young University. She is an instructor in the University of Utah’s Piano Preparatory Division and maintains a private piano studio.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to learn more? See further details here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss any additional questions. You can always find us at:
info@petersonschoolofmusic.org
(385) 222-7787
-
Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.
-
We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:
Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.
Academy: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.
GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.
Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.
Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.
-
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
-
Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.
-
To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.
-
Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.
“We feel lucky to have found this school two years ago. At first, our kids were just in children’s choir, but we later added voice, violin, and piano lessons. All the teachers are top notch!”
Anna Taylor
PSM Parent