Piano Lessons
I teach private piano to both children and adults. Styles include: Classical, Jazz, Folk, Pop
Lessons built on curiosity, not perfection
Too many times have I heard someone talk about the “mean music teacher” they had as a child, and how they grew up hating music as a result. I never want to be that teacher to anyone. My goal is not to craft students into the perfect performer, nor to force a proficiency through strict and rigid practice structures. Instead, I aim to work with my students to find where their interests lie, and curate their lessons to best suit them. I teach students of all ages and skill levels, including beginners. I hold a BA in vocal and piano performance from Humboldt State University, California, and I have 10+ years of professional music education experience and professional performance experience.
Skills and Specialties
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One of my specialties is working with students who are neurodivergent, including those on the ADHD and Autism spectrum. As someone with both ADHD and Autism, I know firsthand how powerful music can be as a grounding, creative, and fulfilling outlet. Weekly music lessons can also provide a consistent, supportive space that encourages emotional regulation, communication, and personal growth.
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While I teach students of all ages, I’m often appreciated for my gentle, patient, and affirming approach with younger kids. I work to facilitate a healthy balance of silliness and productive learning through talking, playing games, and offering incentives. I also work hard to ensure that the student feels safe to be themselves and make mistakes.
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I studied piano alongside voice, and I often use the piano to accompany myself while singing. I love teaching students how to accompany themselves. It can be a great tool for the older student who’s interested in gigging or the younger student who wants to sing along to their favorite song. Or maybe you have a different reason to accompany yourself? I’d love to hear about it!
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Music Theory Is the study of the fundamental elements that make up music, such as notes, scales, chords, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. It provides the framework and "rules" that explain how music is structured, allowing musicians to analyze, create, and communicate musical ideas. It is the grammar of the language of music, and I incorporate ongoing music theory education into all of my lessons.
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Have you ever wanted to turn a song from one of your favorite bands into a piano solo? Or maybe you like the idea of “jazzifying” a popular song? These are both forms of music arranging. Music arranging is the act of taking an existing song and changing elements of it to achieve a desired effect. Many people (including myself) have a lot of fun arranging songs. Arranging combines theory (especially chord theory) with creativity, culminating in the rewarding feeling of having made a song “yours”.
Rates & Policies
My goal is to make music lessons accessible while keeping my solo studio sustainable.
To achieve this, I use a tiered sliding scale so you can choose the rate that fits your household.
No matter which tier you choose, you’ll receive the same quality teaching and care.
Sliding Scale Tiers
Tier Details
- Equity: For students and families with lower income or temporary hardships.
- Examples: temporary job loss, high medical bills, caring for family, unexpected expenses, supporting dependents.
- Standard: Covers the full cost of lessons.
- Full Rate: Paying the Full Rate helps sustain the studio and makes it possible to continue offering sliding-scale lessons for all students.
- Supporter: Extra contributions go to the Scholarship Fund, which provides free or deeply discounted lessons for students facing barriers.
- Students/clients can contribute any amount above full rate per lesson or as a monthly gift.
How to Choose Your Rate (Honor System)
Please choose the tier that best fits your household. Paying the Standard, Full Rate, or Supporter tier helps sustain me as a teacher and makes it possible for me to offer Equity and Scholarship-supported lessons. If the Equity tier makes lessons possible for you right now, or if you’re experiencing a temporary hardship, you are welcome to choose it—no questions asked.
How Free & Deeply Discounted Lessons Work
- Scholarship Fund: Extra contributions go to the Scholarship Fund, which provides free or deeply discounted lessons for students facing barriers.
- Lesson Packages: Once the Scholarship Fund reaches enough contributions, I will offer lesson packages to students interested in free or deeply discounted lessons.
- Eligibility: These lessons are reserved for students with low household income or intense temporary hardship.
- How to Apply: Students who are interested should contact me directly.
Policies & Additional Info
- Payment cadence: Lessons are billed monthly on the 1st, payable by cash, check, or Zelle.
- Cancellations: Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule a lesson. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are forfeited. If I need to cancel, the lesson will always be made up or credited.
- Flexibility: You’re welcome to move between tiers if your circumstances change—just let me know before the next billing cycle.
- Rate review: Rates will be revisited every 6 months to keep pace with costs and demand. Note: A review does not necessarily mean an increase—rates may stay the same depending on circumstances.
- Travel: Lessons offered at my home studio in Wallingford or in students’ homes within the Greater New Haven and Cheshire areas.
- Recitals: Two recitals each year, optional.
Contact & Booking
Email: sandylindop@gmail.com
Text/Call: 415-516-7883
Studio: Wallingford, CT (Lessons offered at home studio and in students’ homes)