about the studio
Guidolin Piano provides piano lessons for students of all abilities in an environment that encourages excellence and a love of music. Our mission is to prepare students with a solid foundation in piano performance and music theory for a lifetime of making music. The Studio is located in Arcadia, California and is convenient to residents of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Pasadena and Temple City.
About the instructor
Debbie Guidolin has been a piano teacher in Arcadia for over 30 years and is a professional accompanist and soloist. Her formal piano lessons began at age 7 and continued through college where she was a staff accompanist for the Ambassador University Music Dept. After college she was awarded a scholarship to continue her studies with Shurojeet Chatterji of the Moscow Conservatory. Currently, she is a member of the American College of Musicians / National Guild of Piano Teachers and former President of the St. Cecilia Club founded in 1907. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Guidolin performs regularly as a soloist and church musician.
what parents say
“Debbie is an amazing piano teacher. She’s very patient and knows how to keep the lessons fun and challenging. My daughter has grown so much under Debbie’s guidance and instruction.”
“Mrs. Guidolin tailors lessons so that my boys learn and enjoy music. She also teaches them music history, performance strategies, and more. I am so grateful for the ways she is developing my sons to be lovers of music with knowledge and ability.”
“We love this lady! I love that they get excited every time they have a piano lesson with you.”
Studio Policy
length and Frequency of lessons
Lessons are typically 30, 45 or 60 minutes once a week and will be conducted in-person.
tuition and materials
Tuition is paid as a monthly flat fee which works out to 35 weekly lessons for the academic year mid-August through May. This takes into account all the holidays, noted as "No Lessons" on the Studio calendar. Fees cover the cost of lessons, extra rehearsals (as recommended by the teacher), workshops, teacher consultation and recitals.
Invoices are sent at the beginning of the month via email. Fall Session begins mid-August but billing starts in September. There is only ONE payment for August and September.
Parents are responsible for obtaining and purchasing music as recommended by the teacher. Parents should budget approximately $30 for music per school year. New students are charged a $30 registration fee which will be included on the first invoice.
Accepted methods of payment: Venmo, Zelle or checks made out to Debbie Guidolin.
student responsibilities
Regular practice is imperative to play proficiently. The goal is for students to manage their practice on their own, but it should be understood this is a skill achieved over time and with maturity. Parents play an important role in helping their student manage their time and responsibilities for practice. Frequent, consistent time at the keyboard will yield better results than a single, lengthy “cram session” the day before a lesson.
In addition, students will be assigned theory and music appreciation exercises. This helps reinforce their music reading and increases their awareness of classical repertoire.
Students are expected to come to lessons prepared and with their lesson books. Assignments are sent via email after the lesson. Nails should be clipped and hands should be clean.
Participation in workshops and field trips, while not required, is invaluable for student development.
Students must have a piano or electronic keyboard with full-sized keys at home in order to practice. Each family is encouraged to purchase or rent an acoustic piano if possible, as nothing can take the place of its touch and sound.
Special events and activities
Opportunities for performance and evaluation are a critical part of student development. Students are required to participate in our annual recital typically held in May. Other optional performance opportunities and enrichment activities are offered throughout the year. In addition students may participate in the National Piano Guild Auditions in the spring. Cost for Guild is approximately $40.
cancellations and rescheduling
Regular attendance at lessons is essential for consistent progress. Unfortunately students get sick and have to cancel or re-schedule lessons. Every effort will be made to accommodate changes, but make-up lessons are not guaranteed. Make-up lessons may be in-person or online at the discretion of the instructor. If the teacher cancels, either a refund of $25 or a make-up lesson will be offered.