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Welcome to My Studio!

Unlock the joy of music with premier classical piano lessons in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Whether your aspiring pianist is just beginning or looking to refine their skills, my instruction caters to all levels. 

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Do You Offer In-Home and Online Lessons?  Yes, I offer both In-home and Online Lessons, so you can have tailored piano lessons to fit your need and skill set.  I offer one-on-one piano, not a cookie cutter approach.  I offer In-Home lessons for the Grosse Pointe, Michigan area only, but offer Online lessons worldwide! 

 

How Effective are Online Piano Lessons for Beginners?  Online piano tutorials can be quite effective for beginners, especially when they offer high-quality content, clear instructions, and structured lessons.

Do You Teach Popular Songs?  Yes, but I try to establish a good foundation using my methodology so you can eventually learn songs on your own!

How Long Do Lessons Last?   Roughly 27 - 30 Minutes

Do You Teach Beginners?  Yes, I teach beginners of all ages as well as advanced students—whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique and artistry, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

What Is A Good Age To Start My Child With Piano Lessons?  It depends on the maturity and attention span of the child.  I have taken children as early as 3 year old.  I offer 15 minute lessons for little ones with shortened attention spans

Do You Teach Adults?  Yes—I teach adults of all ages, including seniors. Learning piano keeps the mind sharp, reduces stress, improves memory and coordination, and provides a joyful way to express yourself at any stage of life.

Do You Offer Home-School Daytime Lessons?  Yes, absolutely! Piano lessons fit beautifully into a homeschool curriculum, and we can tailor the program to support your child’s academic goals—integrating music theory, history, and creativity into a well-rounded educational experience.

Do You Have Availability?  Availability varies, so the best way to find out is to give me a call at 313-740-8601 and we can check the schedule together.

Do you offer performance opportunities, festivals, or recitals?  Yes—I offer performance opportunities, festivals, and recitals throughout the year, along with a special summer music theory class to deepen understanding and build confidence on and off the stage.

What teaching method or curriculum do you use, and how do you keep students motivated? I use my own Rockstar Music Method and Theory System, a modern approach built on the Musigame system developed by Mildred Briggs of Grosse Pointe, which itself was rooted in the early 1900’s Dunning System for teaching children music. This blend of tradition and innovation keeps students motivated by combining solid fundamentals with fun, engaging, and achievable goals that make learning both exciting and rewarding.

How much do lessons cost, and what is the payment structure?  Lessons are $150 per student for four weekly half-hour private sessions, billed in advance every four weeks. Tuition is based on enrollment rather than attendance, and additional materials such as books or theory resources may be billed separately.  Payments are made conveniently through my website as a subscription and are automatically deducted every four weeks.    https://www.iwantpiano.com/plans-pricing

 

Call Me TODAY for Availability!

Wood Texture

Modern Techniques, Methods and Knowledge Steeped In A Rich Musical History

A Program Designed For The Student and the Inquisitive Mind.

Embark on a musical journey with our award-winning studio, recognized as one of the top in Southeast Michigan. We start with a solid classical foundation, fostering essential skills in note reading and technique. From this strong base, students explore a wide range of genres, including contemporary, jazz, gospel, and more. Each lesson is tailored to nurture your unique musical journey, ensuring a fun, rich, and fulfilling experience. Our students consistently achieve superior rankings at the Michigan Music Festival, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

A keyboard with  busts of Beethoven,  Liszt and Bach overlayed.  Use warm colors.jpg

Our Legacy Traces all The Way Back To Bach!

Our Pedagogy Family Tree
Mr. Tim O'Neil  (1969 - Present Day)
Mrs. Mildred Briggs. (1899 - 1991)
Mrs. Carrie Dunning (1860 - 1951)
Mr. Theodor Leschetizky (1830 - 1915)
Mr. Franz Liszt (1811 - 1886)
Mr. Carl Czerny (1791 - 1857)
Mr. Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
Mr. Christian Gottlob Neefe (1748 - 1798)
Mr. C.P.E. Bach (1714 - 1788)
Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)

 

The roots of our methodology in Grosse Pointe, trace back to 1930, when Mrs. Mildred Briggs brought the pioneering Dunning Method to Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Operating from 15 Kercheval, above the historic Punch and Judy Theater, she introduced a structured and accessible approach to music theory that transformed local instruction.

By 1967, Mrs. Briggs advanced her vision further by developing her own methodology, Musigame, designed to contemporize traditional theory and make it more engaging for students of the time.

In 2021, Mr. O’Neil carried this legacy forward by creating Rockstar Music Theory—a modern framework that bridges classical foundations with today’s technology. This approach explains music in its entirety: from the fundamentals of scales and harmony to the latest digital tools used in composition, production, and publishing.

Together, these milestones represent nearly a century of continuous innovation, ensuring that our students not only learn how music works but also how it thrives in the modern world.

©2020 by Tim O'Neil

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