Private Music Lessons in Piano, Strings, Flute, Drums, Guitar & Steel Pan
Personalized music instruction tailored for youth (ages 4–16) and adult guitar and steel pan drum enthusiasts. Nurturing technical mastery, joyful expression, and lifelong musicality in a warm studio setting.
5-Star Studio Rating
Verified Parent & Student Reviews
Youth Music Program
Comprehensive, encouraging private lessons structured to develop sight-reading, ear training, rhythm, and proper physical technique across key instruments.
Piano
Building strong foundation in music theory, posture, repertoire, and expressive touch. Ideal starting instrument for young learners.
Violin & Viola
Focus on pitch intonation, bow grip ergonomics, ear training, classical and orchestral melodies.
Cello
Rich, resonant low string training. Teaches proper posture, tone production, and solo and ensemble performance confidence.
Drums & Rhythm
Snare technique, stick control, drum set coordination, tempo precision, and reading percussion notation.
Flute
Embouchure development, breath support, tone clarity, fingering agility, and band literature.
Adult
Guitar
Fretboard navigation, chord mechanics, fingerstyle technique, picking & strum patterns. Delivered through a systematic, full-year curriculum designed for committed students.
Adult Steel Pan Studio
Discover the vibrant, joyous sound of the steel drum! Tailored specifically for adults—whether you are a total beginner who has never read music before, or an experienced musician seeking a unique new instrument. This is the only instrument we teach adults.
We also teach children, ages ten and up, steel pans.
No Prior Experience Needed
Learn to read notes and lead-sheets; learn the pattern layout.
Instruments Provided
Authentic tuned steel drums ready in-studio for your lessons.
Relaxed Adult Environment
Stress-free pacing tailored around busy professional schedules.
Diverse Repertoire
Calypso, Soca, Jazz standards, Pop arrangements & Classical.
Experience the Joy of Steel Pan
Steel drums provide instant musical gratification with a soothing, melodic resonance that relieves daily stress.
Johnny Bender
Studio Director & Instructor
26+ Years Pedagogy & Performance
Dedicated to Nurturing Lifelong Musicianship
Director Credentials & Pedagogy
Welcome to my studio! The word "studio" refers collectively to me, my instruction, all my students, and the place where students learn, which is equipped with the necessary instruments, equipment, and learning materials of the highest quality for the educational process.
Classic conservatory training grounded in academic and performance excellence.
With over two decades of studio instruction and performance experience, across multiple continents. I offer rigorous, highly structured guidance across acoustic piano, violin, viola, cello, and other instruments. Having conducted orchestra and choir, and having operated a full-time private music studio for twelve years, I have mentored generations of young musicians.
- Master of Music – Central Michigan University, 2011
- Bachelor of Arts in Music & Computer Science – Cornell University, 2000
- Principal Pianist – Florida Rock Orchestra
- Featured Performances – Eissey Campus Theatre, Mid-Florida Events Center, and Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (with Cleveland Orchestra)
For youth students (ages 4–16), my pedagogical framework is rooted in classic conservatory training, integrating precise technical mechanics, proper ergonomics, ear training, tempo mastery, and formal music theory alongside foundational sight-reading and disciplined practice habits. Students cultivate genuine artistic authority and lasting discipline while building joyful performance confidence for our annual studio recitals.
In our Adult Steel Pan Studio, adults build fundamental percussion skills on their steel drum while working toward rich, rewarding melodic arrangements. Through structured weekly progress, students unlock authentic Caribbean tone and master classic Calypso rhythms with pizzazz. Children ten and up may also take steep drum lessons.
Registering your child for music lessons is one of the best way to augment your child's education. Call us today, and register your child for music lessons
Structured Focus
A respectful studio environment that builds genuine discipline, poise, and deep attention span away from screens.
Real Musical Literacy
No shortcuts or guessing. Students learn to read notation, understand music theory, and master proper form from day one.
Recital & Performance Highlights
Celebrating student achievements, annual formal recitals, and active studio sessions.
Annual Spring Recital Stage
Dressed-up youth solo performances for family & friends.
Each Spring, your child will prepare and perform an appropriate-level performance piece. Recital is necessary for both instrument learning, and general education.
Your child will learn the social skills necessary to conduct him/herself in front of a group, and will learn to work through the jitters of nervousness and present with confidence and poise, which is one of the core skills of leadership in general, not just music. The skills your child learns in our studio apply to all areas of life, and will serve your child well.
Studio Recital & Student Showcase-Join us!
Celebrating hard work, instrument mastery, and student achievement.
Recital day is a celebration of disciplined effort and real accomplishment. Each semester, our students step forward to perform their solos and share the progress they have earned on their instruments with family and friends.
Standing alongside their peers with instrument in hand builds genuine camaraderie, poise, and self-possession. Beyond musical literacy, learning to support one another while performing under pressure equips young people with the maturity, confidence, and leadership traits that stay with them for life.
One-on-One Studio Focus
Private acoustic piano & string technique guidance.
In our studio, your child is on a progressive track toward mastering the instrument and developing unshakable self-confidence. Music is a cumulative study-we never skip ahead. Your child learns the exact concepts and techniques necessary to follow a correct, proven learning progression. We excel at explaining complex ideas clearly, pinpointing performance issues, and making the precise adjustments needed for successful practice.
All music stems from core foundational principles. We focus extensively on physical posture, technical mastery, sight-reading, and applied music theory. Understanding the underlying fabric of music leads to a stronger, more confident interpretation of the instrument.
Hear Our Students & Instructor Play
Watch sample recital videos and steel pan arrangement audio previews on our official studio channel.
Request Your Trial Lesson Today
Ready to begin your musical journey? Fill out the inquiry form to check current schedule availability for private youth lessons or adult steel pan studio sessions.
Prompt Response Guarantee
All calls and emails are returned within 24 hours between teaching hours.