Academic Piano Lessons

Welcome to the Academic Piano Studio, your premier destination for private piano lessons in Tampa, Florida. Located just outside Westchase in west Tampa, we have been providing exceptional piano instruction in the Tampa Bay area since 1992. Our dedicated and experienced piano teachers, Mrs. Ivanka and Ms. Emi, are committed to nurturing a love for music through hard work, discipline, knowledge, and creativity.

Our Teaching Philosophy

At the Academic Piano Studio, we believe that every student has the potential to unlock their musical abilities. Our teaching goal is to bring each student to the highest possible standard of playing, making music come alive through a combination of technical mastery, historical context, and personal emotion. We strive to develop well-rounded musicians by incorporating music theory, including rhythm, sight-singing, and ear training, as well as music history and active listening into our lessons.

Our Piano Lessons

Our private piano lessons are tailored to the individual needs and goals of each student, ensuring a productive and engaging learning experience. We offer instruction for all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced, and teach a diverse range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music. Our students benefit from the following:

1. *Holistic Approach*: We integrate technical skills, musical understanding, and emotional expression to foster well-rounded musicians.

2. *Individualized Lessons*: Our experienced teachers adapt to each student's learning style, pace, and interests.

3. *Performance Opportunities*: Students are encouraged to participate in recitals and evaluations, building confidence and showcasing their progress.

4. *Theory and History*: We incorporate music theory and history into our lessons, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the art of music.

The Benefits of Music Study

Engaging in music study has numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. Music education has been shown to enhance discipline, culture, spatial intelligence, reasoning skills, self-expression, and more. At the Academic Piano Studio, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where students can grow and thrive as musicians and individuals.

Meet Our Teachers

*Mrs. Ivanka Stefanov*

• Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Musical Arts, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
• Over 55 years of piano teaching experience
• Performed with "SAR" trio and served as a Church Organist and Music Director for Presbyterian Church of Seffner and UMC Wellspring Church
• Active member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Greater Pinellas Music Teacher Association (FSMTA/MTNA), National Guild of Piano Teachers, and Bay Ridge Festival committee member
• Participated as a judge at Bay Ridge District Festival, Florida State Convention, National Guild, and Midstate Music Teacher Association

*Ms. Emi P. Stefanov*

• Bachelor and Master Degrees in Piano Performance from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
• Over 25 years of piano and musical theatre teaching experience
• Faculty member at SMU Community Education, FSU/Asolo Conservatory, Midlothian HS, Broadway Theatre Project, Hoffman Institute for Performing Arts/Ruth Eckerd Hall, and Hillsborough Community College, Ybor City Campus
• In-demand pianist and music director for various theatre companies
• Recipient of numerous awards, including the 2014 Theatre Tampa Bay Award for The Mikado at freefall Theatre
• Active member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, National Guild of Piano Teachers, Greater Pinellas Music Teacher Association (FSMTA/MTNA), the Bay Ridge Festival co-chair, and FFMC Jr. State Convention Chair

Join the Academic Piano Studio family and discover the joy of piano lessons. Contact us today to schedule your first lesson and start your musical journey!