Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your most common questions about our studio, teaching methods, programs, and everything you need to know to start your musical journey with us.
Getting Started
Pianista is a dedicated piano studio on Castle Street, in the heart of Hinckley. We teach children and adults of all ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced students preparing for diplomas. We believe everyone can play the piano — and we've built everything here around helping you discover that for yourself.
Maria Torres is our lead teacher, with professional degrees in piano and harpsichord from conservatories in Caracas, Madrid, and Paris, and over 30 years of teaching experience. Roberto, Maria's husband and co-founder, leads operations, communications, and parent support. Together, we've created a studio where musical excellence meets genuine care for every student.
Yes. Both Maria and Roberto hold current Enhanced DBS certificates, updated regularly and available upon request.
Book a free introductory lesson. You'll see the studio, experience how a lesson works, ask any questions, and leave having played something you didn't expect to play. No obligation — just a chance to discover together whether this feels right.
We welcome students from age 4 through to adults of any age. Our youngest learners join Mini Musicians (ages 4–6), then progress to Piano Lab (ages 7–17). Adults are welcome at any stage of life — many of our students are complete beginners in their 50s, 60s, or beyond.
Our Programmes
We offer programmes designed for different ages and learning styles:
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Mini Musicians (ages 4–6): 40-minute sessions introducing our youngest learners to music and the piano through play, discovery, and joy.
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Piano Lab Juniors (ages 7–17): 60-minute small group sessions combining focused teaching with independent practice time.
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Piano Lab Adults: 60-minute small group sessions for adult beginners and intermediate players.
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Solo Lessons Juniors (ages 5–17): 30–60 minute one-to-one lessons tailored to your child's pace and goals.
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Solo Lessons Adults: 30–60 minute one-to-one lessons for adults at any level.
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Buddy Lessons was a programme we offered for children aged 5–7, blending one-to-one instruction with paired learning alongside a friend. We no longer offer this programme — our Mini Musicians students now progress directly into Piano Lab when they're ready.
Because a weekly lesson alone isn't enough. Real progress happens in the days between — and that's when most students are left unsupported. Our programmes include the lesson plus everything else you need: between-lesson guidance, practice support, video demonstrations, resources and music library access, workshops, masterclasses, recitals, and studio practice time. It's a complete experience, not just an hour a week.
Both offer excellent learning. Piano Lab suits students who benefit from moments of independent practice within the lesson, building self-reliance and confidence. Solo Lessons suit those who prefer continuous one-to-one attention throughout. During your free introductory lesson, we'll help you discover which feels right.
What We Teach
Whatever moves you. Classical, pop, jazz, blues, film scores, musical theatre, contemporary — bring the pieces you've always wanted to play, and we'll help you get there. We also introduce new music through our library, carefully chosen to match your interests.
Yes. We prepare students for ABRSM and Trinity examinations at all levels, with a 100% pass rate and over 80% achieving distinctions. We also support students working toward GCSE and A-Level music.
Equally welcome. Many students learn purely for the joy of playing. Your programme adapts to your goals.
Yes. Theory is woven into our teaching naturally. For students preparing for theory exams, we offer focused support.
Yes. Some students prefer creating their own music to playing others'. We embrace this fully.
Absolutely. We can help you develop this skill at your own pace.
Lessons & Learning
We find what you're ready to learn next. We break it down into pieces that make sense. You practise until it starts to feel possible. And before you leave, you play back what you've just learned — proving to yourself that you can do something you couldn't do an hour ago.
Mini Musicians: 40 minutes. Piano Lab and Solo Lessons: typically 60 minutes, with 30-minute options available for Solo Lessons.
We draw on over 30 years of experience and continuously explore new approaches. We adapt to how each student learns best — there's no single rigid method, just what works for you.
We welcome different learning styles and needs. Tell us what works for you, and we'll adapt.
Yes. Bring the pieces you've always wanted to play. We'll help you get there.
Yes — and that's expected. Mistakes are how learning happens. We teach you to meet yourself with patience, to understand that getting it wrong is how you eventually get it right.
Practice & Support Between Lessons
During your lesson, we often record short videos demonstrating techniques or tricky passages — yours to take home. If you get stuck during the week, send us a video and we'll send guidance back. You can message us with questions anytime. You're never alone in your practice.
We understand. We'll equip you to make the most of whatever time you have — five hours or five minutes. You'll always feel valued, whatever your circumstances.
Yes. Your programme includes access to our lending library of music books and games, plus online resources. We also curate music tailored to your interests.
Yes. Book practice sessions through your Student Portal. Some students stay after lessons; others come when home practice is difficult. Studio practice is included in your programme.
For Parents
We share progress regularly — videos and photos from lessons, breakthrough moments, guidance on supporting practice at home.
Yes. We offer sessions to help you support your child's practice. When a child learns piano, the whole family is involved — we're here to help.
That's how learning works. We create a space where mistakes are expected, not feared.
Motivation ebbs and flows. We design lessons to keep engagement high and adapt when something isn't working. Recitals and events give students something exciting to work toward.
For Adults
No. We've taught adults in their 30s, 50s, 70s, and beyond. If you want to learn, you can learn.
Many adults arrive having felt discouraged elsewhere. What we offer is different: genuine patience, methods that work for adult learners, and a space where you feel accepted. Come for a free introductory lesson and see.
Yes. We'll equip you to make the most of whatever time you have. Progress may be slower, but it will be real — and you'll enjoy every step.
Absolutely. Bring your wishlist.
Our Facilities
A spacious, quiet, welcoming space on Castle Street in Hinckley. Five pianos — three for lessons, two for student practice. Comfortable waiting area and good facilities.
Yes. Private parking on Stockwell Head Road, exclusive for our students.
High-quality digital pianos, ideal for private practice and learning. They include tools like a computer interface for supporting apps, sound and keyboard response tuning, metronome, and performance recording and playback for practice monitoring.
Regular practice at home helps progress. A keyboard with weighted keys is acceptable for beginners — we're happy to advise. You can also book studio practice sessions if home practice is challenging.
Events & Community
Yes. Warm, supportive occasions where students of all levels perform for family and friends — designed to build confidence, not competition.
At least one of each in Winter and Summer, exploring topics in depth: technique, improvisation, practice strategies. Included in your programme.
Yes. Immersive experiences that spark enthusiasm and accelerate progress. Ask us about upcoming opportunities. These are paid for separately.
Yes — students meet others through Piano Lab, recitals, workshops, and camps. Many develop genuine friendships. Some students are more reserved and prefer minimal social interaction, and that’s perfectly fine.
Practical Matters
All programmes include weekly lessons plus comprehensive support: between-lesson guidance, video demonstrations, resources, library access, workshops, masterclasses, recitals, and studio practice.
40 minutes
Mini Musicians
Programme
Duration
£23.03
Piano Lab
60 minutes
£34.54
Solo Lessons
£34.54
30 minutes
Solo Lessons
60 minutes
£69.08
Weekly Fee
Fees are payable monthly in advance. We'll explain the details when you enrol.
Cancel at least 24 hours before and you'll receive a makeup credit. Use it when another student cancels. Most students make up most missed lessons by year end.
24 hours' notice required for makeup credit. Less notice cannot be made up, except genuine emergencies discussed case by case.
Our focus is in-person teaching, where we can guide posture, hand position, and technique directly. We find this produces the best results and don't currently offer online lessons to new students.
English, French, or Spanish — nothing gets lost in translation.