Piano Lessons

At Hoffman Academy, we recommend that children start piano lessons between the ages of five and eight years old. The best time to start lessons depends on a child’s interest level, hand size, finger coordination, and their attention span. Not sure if they're ready? Schedule a $45 trial lesson!

Hoffman Academy offers piano lessons at our location in the Cedar Mill neighborhood (near Bethany / West Hills / Forest Heights). Not a Portland resident? You can enroll in remote piano lessons and learn with a live teacher from anywhere!

Tuition for private piano lessons is charged per semester with 45-minute and 60-minute lesson options. Each semester is 18 weeks weeks long, with the exception of Summer Semester. Learn more here.

We highly recommend practicing on an acoustic piano due to its superior tone and touch, which are essential for developing good playing habits. An acoustic piano provides a rich, authentic sound that digital pianos often cannot match. However, if an acoustic piano is not feasible, an 88-key digital piano with weighted keys is a suitable alternative for the first few years of lessons. These digital pianos simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, helping students to develop proper finger strength and technique while they learn.

Choosing the right piano is crucial for progress and enjoyment in your musical journey. Acoustic pianos not only offer a fuller sound but also help students build the necessary skills and techniques. Digital pianos with weighted keys provide a more affordable and space-efficient option while still supporting the development of proper playing habits. Whether you opt for an acoustic or digital piano, ensuring the instrument meets these criteria will greatly enhance your learning experience.

Piano tuning is essential to maintain the quality of your instrument's sound and to ensure it performs at its best. We recommend two experienced tuners who have provided excellent service in the past:

Eric Leatha: 503.997.1725

Dennis Wilkinson: 503.246.3337

Regular tuning keeps your piano in optimal condition, enhances its longevity, and ensures a pleasant playing experience. We trust these professionals to deliver high-quality tuning services for your piano.

For purchasing or renting a piano, we recommend Classic Pianos to our Academy families. They offer the best selection of new and used pianos in Portland, along with exceptional customer service. You can contact them at 503.239.9969 or visit their showroom at 3003 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR 97202. Mention that you're a Hoffman Academy student to receive preferred pricing. Additionally, you can sometimes find free pianos online, but be cautious of scams and be prepared to cover tuning and moving costs.

Yes! Learning the piano can be fun and rewarding at any age. Adult music students with a desire to learn and a commitment to practicing every day are often surprised by how quickly they’ll be playing their favorite songs.

Most students who are taking private music lessons find success with weekly lessons. The best way to guarantee excellent progress in developing your piano skills is simply practicing every day. At Hoffman Academy, private lessons are reinforced with video tutorials that can be watched and re-watched throughout the week to review key concepts.

Find our complete FAQs here, or contact the office!