Crescendo School of Piano
Melody McGeary
Piano Lessons (5-7 yr beginners, 8+ beginners, or premium adaptive)
Early Childhood Music (6mo - 5yrs)
Top-Notch Pedagogy Meets Unbeatable Fun with Melody at Crescendo School of Piano
Crescendo School of Piano provides a solid musical foundation for children of all abilities through early childhood music classes and our comprehensive piano program.
The art of music-making is so much more than the mechanics of playing an instrument. Crescendo School of Piano prioritizes developing proficiency in the language of music, creating well-rounded musicians who can enjoy music for a lifetime. To do this, we teach the way kids learn and use proven methods like multi-sensory learning, parent participation, and play-based exploration.
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You can also call or text 858-859-1191 and we’ll get back with you in 24 hours.
Classes offered to charter school students are non-religious.
Melody McGeary’s Resume
Instruments Taught
Primary - Piano and Early Childhood Music (Caregiver & Me, Preschool, Piano Readiness)
Secondary - Adaptive Lessons
Classical fundamentals through a fun, kid-friendly approach
Education & Experience
Melody McGeary has over 20 years of experience teaching piano to students of all ages (preschool to adult). She graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Ithaca College and is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through the Music Teachers National Association and a Certified Group Piano University Piano Teacher. She has also completed training in teaching students with disabilities.
About ME
I am an educator at heart! At the age of ten, when my first piano teacher moved out of our home, I took up the responsibility of giving my 5-yr-old brother piano lessons, which soon expanded into a studio of friends and acquaintances that continued through college music school. I had the privilege of studying under seven different teachers myself (plus piano pedagogy professors and collaborative pianist coaches), some excellent and others not so good, who have shaped me as an educator today. I thrived under the teachers who were experts in the craft of music making, clear in their expectations, and encouraging in their feedback—three things I strive to provide for my students.
I believe music is meant to be enjoyed spontaneously in community. This has led me to prioritize sight reading, ear training, and ensemble skills with my students, so they can become proficient in the language of music from the get go. My fondest music memories all involve making music with others—performing my first piano trio in high school, singing in chorus in college, singing hymns in harmony with friends. Only piano is routinely taught exclusively solo, an isolating experience, especially for a child. This is why I am thrilled to adopt Forte School of Music’s research-backed group piano curriculum that takes piano instruction to another level, developing well-rounded musicians that can enjoy music in community for a lifetime, well beyond lessons.
Additionally, I am excited to offer early childhood music instruction because I love kids and there is so much that can be taught well before a child is developmentally ready to read musical notation or even play the piano. It has been a pleasure to watch my own children explore music and find delight. Laying this solid foundation early will help students to thrive when they enter instrumental instruction.
Because great pianists are great musicians first.
Methods Used
Piano and Caregiver & Me classes are based on Forte School of Music’s research-backed group piano/early childhood curriculum. Preschool classes use the Mini Musicians curriculum by Nicola Cantan.
Even when using group curriculums, Melody draws on her years of experience teaching private lessons with a variety of method books (Alfred, Piano Adventures, WunderKeys, Music Tree, Bastien, Milestone Method).
She especially loves Piano Safari because it emphasizes healthy and artistic technique development. It also blends rote exploration of the entire keyboard with a slowly scaffolded development of music reading skills.
Melody also makes use of the Vibrant Music Teaching resource library for supplemental activities (sight reading, theory games, improvisation, etc.).
Teacher’s Philosophy
At Crescendo School of Piano, students don’t just take piano lessons, they grow as musicians, learners, and people—one purposeful STEP at a time.
Shared Musicianship
Real music-making together, not lab-style private lessons in parallel.
Students gain ensemble skills, confidence, motivation, independence, and friends because lessons take place primarily in small, collaborative groups.Thorough Training
Developmentally-appropriate cultivation of ear and reading skills, never one at the expense of the other.
Students gain the solid classical foundation needed for advanced study and lifelong enjoyment because lessons integrate aural skills, reading, technique, theory, and artistry, guided by a degreed, certified, and experienced teacher.Enjoyment & Expression
Active, creative lessons, not endless sitting and drilling.
Students love coming to lessons and stick with piano because engaging, kid-friendly activities make learning fun, dynamic, and deeply musical.Purposeful Pedagogy
Instruction that matches how students learn, not just how teachers were taught.
Students progress faster and remember more because we use research-based, brain-aligned teaching that treats music as a language and engages the whole body through multi-sensory learning.Supportive Studio
Welcoming, family-oriented learning, not isolated private lessons for select ages and abilities.
Students and parents feel connected and encouraged because participation is invited and every stage of growth is celebrated together, from baby to adult.
Program Tuition
Tuition can be paid in full, per term, or per month and is equivalent to the following rates:
Jungle Music (Caregiver & Me, 6mo–4yrs): $25/class
Mini Musicians (Preschool, 3.5-5): $30/class
Junior Keys and Piano Keys (Beginners 5+): $40/lesson
Premium Adaptive Private: 45-min: $100/lesson, 60-min: $150/lesson
Receive your first lesson free! Prorated tuition for mid-year enrollment (Contact Crescendo School of Piano for full studio policies and current tuition schedule)
Schedule
Monday afternoons, Tuesday Mornings, Wednesday Mornings
From their students:
“If you're considering signing your kids up for piano, she is simply the best.” -Gracie
“We have absolutely loved her and her teaching style! I highly recommend her for any kiddos who want to become proficient at piano—not just learning to play a few pieces but really understanding the theory.” -Tessa
“Melody combines a clear, structured weekly curriculum with a fun, encouraging approach that keep students engaged and progressing.” -Brenda
“My 3.5 year old LOVES Mrs. Melody and piano class!” – Lisa
“Ms. Melody’s energy and kindness helped my son build a love for piano.” -Hannah