Aspiring Pianists

Aspiring Pianists is AB Academy of Music’s program for pianists of all ages who want to stay engaged with the piano, continue growing as musicians, and enjoy meaningful performance, learning, and community experiences.

The program welcomes a broad community of pianists: adults returning to the instrument after playing in their youth, dedicated amateur musicians seeking new artistic goals, piano teachers interested in their own continued musical growth, and pre-college pianists who would benefit from ABAM’s performance and educational environment but may not yet be ready for the Rising Stars program.

Whether participants are rediscovering the piano, preparing repertoire for personal fulfillment, returning to performance after many years, or simply looking for a musical community beyond the weekly lesson, Aspiring Pianists offers a place to play, listen, learn, connect, and be inspired.

Perform, Experiment, and Grow

Aspiring Pianists are encouraged to participate in Piano Lab, ABAM’s welcoming performance forum where musicians can share works in progress, try new repertoire, gain experience performing for others, and learn through listening.

Piano Lab is intended to be a supportive and flexible space. Participants may use it to prepare for an upcoming performance, become more comfortable playing in public, return to the stage after a long absence, or simply experience the satisfaction of sharing music with an engaged audience.

Aspiring Pianists may sign up for multiple Piano Labs throughout the year, space permitting. ABAM is committed to creating meaningful performance opportunities for pianists at many different ages and stages of their musical lives.

Discover New Ways to Learn

Although Aspiring Pianists are generally not selected for the Academy’s primary Master Classes or Gala Concerts, ABAM plans to develop additional learning and performance opportunities especially suited to this community.

Depending on enrollment, participant interest, and the experience and performance level of the group, these opportunities may include mini master classes within Piano Lab, written comments from faculty or guest artists, workshops, special coaching opportunities, or additional curated performances.

These experiences will evolve throughout the year as ABAM learns more about the interests and goals of its Aspiring Performer community.

Experience the Academy

Being part of ABAM is about more than performing. Aspiring Pianists have opportunities to attend Academy performances and events, hear distinguished artists and talented young musicians, and take part in the larger musical life of the Academy.

For musicians who may spend much of their time practicing or teaching independently, these shared experiences can offer fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a chance to encounter repertoire and perspectives beyond their own.

Become Part of a Lifelong Musical Community

At the heart of the Aspiring Pianists program is the belief that musical growth has no age limit and no single path.

A pianist may be returning after decades away from the instrument, pursuing music alongside another profession, teaching the next generation while continuing to develop as a performer, or building skills and confidence as a younger musician. What participants share is curiosity, commitment, and a desire to keep music an active part of their lives.

Through performing, listening, exchanging ideas, and spending time with fellow pianists, teachers, and artists, Aspiring Pianists become part of a community that values both artistic growth and the lifelong joy of making music.

Piano teachers who are current members of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) receive a special tuition discount.