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 adults share stories of the “mean music teacher” who made them hate music. My goal is the opposite: I don’t push students into rigid practice routines or demand perfection. Instead, I tailor lessons to each student’s interests so they can find joy and self-expression through music. After all, music is something we choose—not something we’re forced to do.
Supporting Neurodivergent Learners
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.
In my lessons, all forms of authentic self-expression are welcome—whether that means stimming, fidgeting, echolalia, bringing comfort items like stuffed animals, etc. Crying, meltdowns, and shutdowns come with the territory; they are expected, and treated with patience and grace.
Most importantly, I believe in de-stigmatizing neurodiversity. I encourage families to share their specific needs openly so that together we can create a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
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 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.
- Families 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)