Aspiring Pianists

At A. B. Academy of Music, Aspiring Pianist does not refer to a particular age, level, or professional status. We use the word aspiring in its fullest sense: a pianist who continues to strive, explore, refine, and grow. From developing students to experienced teachers and professional musicians, we believe that meaningful artistic work is never truly finished. 

Aspiring Pianists is a 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 Pianists 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.

Four sessions. Your schedule. The full Academy experience.

Musical growth doesn't always follow a predictable schedule. Aspiring Pianists Flex offers a flexible way to participate in the musical life of AB Academy of Music for pianists who are eager to learn, perform, and connect but may not be able to attend every Academy session.

With Flex, participants can select any four eligible Academy sessions throughout the school year, enjoying the same Aspiring Pianists program privileges during their chosen sessions.

Whether you are balancing music with a busy teaching schedule, returning to the piano after time away, pursuing musical interests alongside other commitments, or simply looking for a more flexible way to engage, Flex allows you to shape your Academy experience around your availability.

Perform, Learn, and Connect

Flex participants can take part in Piano Labs, share music in a supportive performance environment, gain new perspectives through listening, and connect with fellow pianists and musicians.

Performance opportunities are subject to scheduling and availability, with the same participation guidelines that apply to all Aspiring Pianists.

Choose Your Own Path

Select four sessions at any point during the school year. Attend when your schedule permits, focus on the experiences that interest you most, and remain connected to the Academy community throughout the season.

Want to participate more? Additional sessions may be added for $75 each. If your availability changes, your tuition payments can be applied toward an upgrade to the full-season program. Tuition: $320 for four sessions. Additional sessions: $75 each.  Full Season upgrade cap: $600.

Special tuition is available for current MMTA members: Tuition:  $230 for four sessions.  Additional sessions: $60.  Full Season upgrade cap: $375.

All four sessions must be used within the enrolled school year. Session selection and performance opportunities are subject to availability.

Small steps, growing confidence, and a joyful introduction to musical performance.

Aspiring Pianists Junior is AB Academy of Music's flexible program for young pianists ages 14 and under who are ready to begin sharing their music but may not yet be prepared to participate in a complete Musical Gathering.

Through Piano Labs, young musicians have opportunities to perform in a welcoming environment, listen to other pianists, develop confidence, and experience the excitement of being part of a musical community.

The program emphasizes encouragement, curiosity, and gradual growth. Students may share short pieces or works in progress without the pressure of preparing a formal recital performance.

Junior participants attend only the Piano Lab portion of a Musical Gathering, with a shorter, age-appropriate participation window. A parent or guardian is welcome to accompany each child.

Junior Flex Enrollment — $200. Includes four Piano Lab sessions during the academic year. Additional sessions may be purchased for $55 each, subject to availability.

As young pianists develop greater confidence, independence, and readiness for longer musical experiences, they may transition into ABAM's regular Aspiring Pianists program.

Junior enrollment includes Piano Lab participation only. Master Classes and Gala performance opportunities are not included.

Wondering whether Full, Flex, or Junior is the best fit? View our side-by-side comparison of tuition, scheduling, participation expectations, and included opportunities.  Compare Programs