Let's Play Piano!

Let's Play Piano! - Registration Now Open

Let’s Play Piano includes 10 weekly 45-minute group classes that will kickstart your personal piano journey. Each week will feature engaging activities centered on movement, listening, instrument play, singing, and games that will all lead back to the piano. We’ll delve into musical topics like rhythmic patterns, high vs. low sounds, composing melodies, the musical alphabet, piano finger numbers, and more! Along the way, students will experience the basics of healthy piano technique, develop listening skills, build patience and perseverance, and have fun.

Program Information

Update: Due to overwhelming interest in Level I, we have changed to two Level I piano classes to allow the greatest number of students to join. For more advanced students, please check out our Private Lessons and email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu with any questions. We will help your student(s) get set up with piano instruction at their level!

Level 1 - 5:15 and 6:15 Classes Available

  • Ages: 7-11, no experience necessary
  • Instructor: Amber Joy Koeppen
  • Price: Regular price is $250, but need-based scholarship options can be selected in registration (partial or full scholarships).
  • Location: Broyhill Music Center Room 405
  • Time: Class will meet 10 times on Mondays starting September 11. Choose from two time options for Level I:
    • 5:15-6:00pm
    • 6:15-7:00pm
    • Regular class dates are September 11, 18, and 25; October 2, 9, 23, and 30; and November 6, 13, and 20.
    • No class on October 16.
    • If a class must be canceled, a make-up session may be held Nov. 27 or Dec. 4. 

Materials

To make the most of practice time outside of class, it is recommended that students have access to a piano or keyboard. 

Parking for CMS Classes

As of Fall 2023, there is now a charge for parking between 7am and 7pm on weekdays at Appalachian State University. Please visit the CMS Parking and Directions page for complete parking information.

  • Free Options: Instead of purchasing a parking pass, participants can be dropped off at their class/lesson or take the free AppalCart bus to the Broyhill Music Center.
  • Visitors who do not already have an App State parking pass can purchase parking passes in their Community Music School registration form:
    • 5pm-7pm visitor parking pass - $10/month
    • 7am-7pm visitor parking pass - $25/month
  • After purchasing a pass in registration, please plan to pick up your parking pass off campus before your first class (or first use of the pass). See the CMS Parking and Directions page for details.

Register Here!

Before registering, please read the Community Music School's Musician Handbook and COVID-19 Policies.

There are two time options for Let's Play Piano! Level 1. Please register through the form for your preferred time option. Each class session is capped at 8 students, so completing registration early is recommended. There is space in the class as long as the registration form is accepting new submissions.

5:15 Class Registration: https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/Piano515Fall23

6:15 Class Registration: https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/Piano615Fall23

  • If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one (tutorial here). 
  • If asked for a code, enter Piano515Fall23 (for the 5:15-6:00 class) or Piano615Fall23 (for the 6:15-7:00 class).
  • A parent/guardian will need to complete the registration. To register another student in your family, click “Create Additional Registration”

Permission Forms

  • For musicians under 18, a parent/guardian will need to fill out the Youth Form online before the first class. 
  • All participants (and parents/guardians), please come a few minutes early to the first class to fill out the Media Form. We will provide blank copies. You can preview the Media Form here.

Connect with CMS!

  • Have questions about Iris? Katie Jensen (jensenke3@appstate.edu, 828-262-6568) can help with the registration forms.
  • For questions about our programs, contact us at asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu or (828) 262-6629.

Payment and Scholarships

Offering this program costs the Community Music School $250 per participant. Depending on the program, our expenses include faculty, assistants, staff/administration, facilities, instruments, music, books, supplies, stands, and more. 

We are still testing a model in which participants can select need-based pricing options for group classes on the honor system. By selecting an amount according to your needs, you can help us sustain this program!

Based on financial need, you may select the regular tuition or a reduced payment from the options below during the regstration process. At this time, no waiting or approval is required to select these options.

  • Pay $250 - Regular Class Tuition
  • Pay $150 - Need-based pricing option
  • Pay $75 - Need-based pricing option
  • Pay $25 - Need-based pricing option

Registrants needing their full class tuition waived will need to begin the registration form first and then contact Conference and Event Services (Katie Jensen, jensenke3@appstate.edu / (828) 262-6568) and the $25 minimum will be waived before you complete registration.