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 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 fright to some degree. But what really is "stage fright?" It's certainly not a disease. But it is something we experience physiologically.

When we are nervous or anxious, our body releases an array of chemicals that causes 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, what a great life lesson! Performing gives us an opportunity to learn how to let go of our fears!

Some of these fears can be mitigated by one's actual preparedness at the piano which I have written about previously and will revisit again. 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 beautifully? Positive affirmations like "I'm going to play my best!" "I'm going to enjoy sharing this fun piece." "I can do this!" goes a long way to help train the brain. Visualization is also very powerful. Visualize playing beautifully and perfectly. Visualize and feel the energy of the audience. I recall many times, testing my memory of a piece by "performing" it completely in my mind with my eyes closed and picturing my hands on the piano. If I reached a part where I wasn't sure what the notes were, then I knew this was a weak link that I needed to focus on in my 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. 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!