School of Music Piano Lessons in Richmond, BC
Private piano lessons for children from age 4, teens and adults, at our school in Steveston.
one-on-oneLessons that fit each student
Every student has a weekly one-on-one lesson with their own teacher at our school, Unit 5, 12491 No. 2 Road. Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and most beginners start with 30. Your teacher sets the pace, from a 4-year-old’s first notes to RCM exam preparation, and from adult beginners to players coming back after years away.
ages 4+Kelly Kirby first, then the RCM
Our youngest pianists start with the Kelly Kirby Piano Method, which builds sight reading, ear training and music basics that carry over to any instrument. Our Head of School, Linda Shirley, publishes the Kelly Kirby method, and every teacher who teaches our beginners is Kelly Kirby certified. After Kelly Kirby Book 4, students move on to Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) books, with Faber and Bastien books where they suit the student. Each lesson mixes playing, reading and written work.
never too latePiano lessons for adults
It’s never too late to start. Adults take the same weekly private lessons as our younger students and choose their own goals: favourite pieces, reading music, or RCM exams. One of our teachers’ oldest beginners was 86.
goals to work towardRecitals, masterclasses and exams
Every student can perform at our two recitals each year. Piano students also play in two masterclasses a year, where an adjudicator listens and gives advice, just as at a music festival or exam. Students who want a goal prepare for RCM exams and the Kiwanis Music Festival.
In 2024-25, all 29 of our students’ RCM piano exams earned First Class Honours or First Class Honours with Distinction (marks of 80 to 98). In 2025-26, our piano students won three first places at the Kiwanis Music Festival.
13 teachersMeet our piano teachers
Our 13 piano teachers include Linda Shirley, Head of School and publisher of the Kelly Kirby Piano Method, with 45 years of teaching; Vance Hoy, a former professor of piano at the University of Calgary; and teachers with ARCT diplomas and music degrees from UBC and Western, several with more than 30 years of teaching. Brenda Lam specializes in children aged 3 to 6.
2026/27Prices and your $99 trial
New students start with 4 private 30-minute lessons for $99, with any teacher. Piano beginners also need the Kelly Kirby starter set (Lesson Book 1, flashcards and workbook pages, $34.65 including GST). After the trial, lessons are:
- 30 minutes: $30 to $40 a lesson
- 45 minutes: $45 to $60 a lesson
- 60 minutes: $60 to $80 a lesson
Rates depend on the teacher. The school year runs from September to July (44 lessons), and August is for make-up lessons or a break. You can pay monthly or for the full year. Exam, festival and recital fees and the membership fee are extra.
good to knowQuestions parents ask
We recommend private piano lessons from age 4. Younger children can start with music in RCM Smart Start, our early childhood music program.
For most beginners, yes. Young children focus best in short lessons, and a weekly 30-minute lesson with a little practice at home builds steady progress. Students move to 45 or 60 minutes when their teacher recommends it.
Yes, students need a piano or keyboard at home to practise between lessons. Your teacher can advise you on what suits a beginner.
Send us an inquiry online or call 604-241-0141 ext. 231. Our School of Music manager will tell you which teachers and times are open, then send you a link to register and pay.
Looking for another instrument? See all our music lessons in Richmond, including violin lessons and singing lessons.