We believe that learning the piano can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Our students learn valuable life skills like perseverance, patience, attention to detail, confidence and a greater ability to communicate.

We have served the greater Folsom area since 1996. We take pride in teaching students how to read music and become proficient piano players. Our staff consists of dedicated teachers with advanced degrees in piano performance and pedagogy. Each teacher is encouraged to collaborate with their co-teachers to provide students with the best experience possible.  We tailor our methods so that each student can enjoy a lifetime of music and reach their full potential.

With the advent of group lessons, hundreds of students, including adults, have been able to experience the joy of learning how to play the piano at Folsom Piano Academy. By using a digital piano lab with headphones, students receive individualized instruction in a group setting and develop confidence in playing for others.

Whether the lessons are for an adult or a child, you have the choice between several different options for piano lessons. We invite you to tour our studio and come experience the excitement of music!

Why is performing so important? Because it stretches us. Because it's uncomfortable. Because it's nerve-wracking. Because it forces us to reach beyond what we think we are capable of. Is it fun? No, not always. Most people experience stage freight to some degree. But what really is "stage fright?" It's certainly not a disease. But it is something we all experience physiologically in one way or another.

When we are nervous or anxious, our body releases an array of chemicals that can cause symptoms such as:

• Pulse racing
• Rapid breathing
• Dry mouth
• Trembling hands
• Sweaty and cold hands
• Nausea
• Feelings of uneasiness in the stomach
• Changing vision
• Hyperalert
• Irritability

Who would want to put themselves through that? You can't blame students that are reluctant to perform. So what causes the nervousness in the first place that causes this domino effect of symptoms? Ultimately, I believe it's the fear of the unknown (what if I make a mistake?), the fear of being judged (what is the audience going to think?), and the fear of failing (I'm going to disappoint my teacher and/or my parents). Wow, performing can give us opportunities to learn how to let go of our fears!

Some of these fears can be mitigated by ones' actual preparedness which I have written about previously. But also, much of our fears are simply driven by our thoughts. There is profound truth in sayings such as: "What you focus on expands." or "What you think about, you bring about."

So instead of worrying about making mistakes, what if we instead focused on playing beautifuly. Positive affirmations like "I'm going to do a great job!" "I can't wait to share this fun piece with the audience!" "I can do this!" go a long way to help train the brain to not focus on the negative.

Visualization is also very powerful and a great way to test your memory. Visualize being on stage and playing beautifully and perfectly. Try to anticipate the feeling of being nervous.Visualize youself walking out on stage and feeling the energy of the audience. Then visualize yourself playing your piece by actually "seeing" your hands on the keys. If you find yourself not remembering certain notes, then that's what you focus on in your next practice session.

Practicing performing at the piano as well as away from the piano is crucial in helping us develop the confidence and assurance we need to be more successful in performance. Being able to play each hand separately by memory will add to our preparedness. Nerves are normal. Yes, it can be a little scary when we first experience those chemicals rushing through our bodies, but once we know what to expect and accept it instead of trying to resist and avoid it, our performing experience will improve.

Happy Performing!