Information about Piano & Voice Lessons

with Megan Blardo

Lessons are located at 1515 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, Illinois

Megan has taught piano lessons to all ages for the past 22 years. All levels are welcome and Megan tailors each lesson to the personality and level of the student. Some students want to prepare for all-state, competitions, and possible collegiate programs, while other just want to develop a love of music or supplement their other activities. Both type are welcome and we will work together to find a balance that works for you. Typically the youngest that is recommended is five, although if your student is extremely motivated, can count to five and read the alphabet, we can discuss starting earlier.

Price and length: Lessons are taught at my home studio, located at 1515 NE Glen Oak Ave. Lessons can be 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes in length (or longer, if your student is extremely advanced and would like to do a longer lesson). Ages 6 and up usually work best with at least a 45-minute lesson.  Sixty-minute lessons are great for students with prior experience, students who practice frequently, or students 12 and older. If you're interested in both voice and piano, we can do a back-to-back (for young students, usually 30 minute voice and 30 minute piano is good. Older students tend to prefer 45 and 45, or 45 minute of piano and 30 of voice).  However, we can start with whatever lesson length you would like and adjust later.  Prices are as follows:

30 minutes: $35

45 minutes: $48

60 minutes or longer: $60 an hour

Multiple children in one family are welcome to use the 60 minute rate as long as they are back-to-back weekly lessons.

Schedule: Lessons are scheduled individually and once we find a time that works for both of us, that will be your weekly time for the duration of the school year. Summer lessons typically have a different schedule and can be much more flexible. For school holidays (including spring break/fall break/winter break), I will touch base and ask if you would prefer to cancel or do a lesson and then invoice accordingly.

Payment: I will invoice at the beginning of every month for the lessons in the upcoming month. If you are sick or have to cancel a lesson with more than 24 hours notice, we can work together to try to make up that lesson (usually on a weekend). Payments can be made in whatever way is easiest for you. Payments can be made by Zelle, Venmo, check, cash, or whatever method is easiest. Books are usually around $5-$7 each for piano players and $20-$30 for voice students. Voice books last a very long time, usually at least a year if not more. Piano books tend to go a little faster and we usually have around three at a time. I can either order the books for you and add them to your invoice, or send you the information for the books and you can purchase them on your own. When we begin lessons, I’ll ask which you prefer.

Recitals: I hold recitals twice a year, usually in May and December. They are optional, but a ton of fun and really important for students. Most students will play or sing two songs and I give out trophies and certificates. The location varies, with one usually being held at TADA and the other at a local theater.  There is a small recital fee, usually $60 that helps cover the cost of the space rental, trophies, awards, and other materials.

Practicing: Practicing is what makes a student improve, so it is critical that they try to put aside time each day (or as often as possible) to sit down and practice. Singers will practice with rehearsal tracks we make during lessons (Mp3's that get emailed or texted) and piano students will need a piano or keyboard at home to practice on. There are many used keyboards that can be very inexpensive, so if you don't have one, just ask me and I can often help you find one.  All students will have their assignments written in a notebook. 

Cancellations: Missing too many lessons can make it hard for students to maintain progress, and it also creates holes in my schedule that are difficult to fill.  If you are sick or have to cancel a lesson with more than 24 hours notice, we can work together to try to make up that lesson (usually on a weekend). If you notify me more than a week ahead of time, I will not invoice you for that lesson. Last minute cancels will still be charged, as that time slot is reserved for you and I have no way to fill it if you cancel last minute.

The First Lesson: If you could bring a blank notebook and a 3-ring binder on the first lesson, that would be great. I will write assignments and information in the notebook to help students remember what to practice (and parents can see what we're working on). 

Contact Information: If you’re interested in either signing up for lessons or getting more information, you can fill out the form on this website, e-mail peoriapianoandvoice@gmail.com or call/text 678-522-5603.