Piano Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn

Adults learn differently!
Adults tend to participate much more actively in the learning process. You’ll find yourself asking a lot of questions, as you begin to relate what you learn to your own experience. At the beginning you’ll learn much more quickly than a child, since you’ll be able to understand whole concepts, not just brief points. Your fingers will be stronger and more agile than the average 7-year-old beginner, too.

Find out more: or phone (02) 8964 7630

Learning as an Adult

Adult beginners

You can begin learning piano at any age - you’re never too old to begin. Okay, you may not get to be the next Beethoven, but the real fun is in enjoying the journey - each week you’ll get a little better at playing piano, and there's a lot of satisfaction to be had along the way. Anyone can learn.

Returning to the piano (after years or decades)

Learned a little while you were young? Forgotten it all? It’s easier than you think to rediscover your skills. You’ll be surprised how it begins to come back to you - or how quickly you learn afresh. You’ll find some general advice about returning to the piano here.

Pressure-free learning environment

You’re not a child anymore - why should you be treated like one? You won’t get in trouble if you can’t practice, or if you have a bad week and don't get much done. If that happens, let your teacher know, but you shouldn’t have to say ‘sorry’ about it - a good piano teacher should be like a coach, not like an examiner. Do what you can, and we’ll make whatever progress we can manage.

Lessons tailored to meet your goals

We will begin by asking what you want to get out of your piano lessons – if you have any musical hopes or dreams. We’ll design a programme that suits your personal goals and circumstances, and we’ll re-visit it regularly to make any changes necessary.

Improvisation and playing by ear

Even if you learned as a child, you may never have been taught how to play play by ear, improvise and play from chord symbols. This can be a part of your lessons if you wish.

Cost of lessons

45 minute weekly lesson $87.00
60 minute weekly lesson $116.00
60 minute casual lesson $136.00

Fees include GST. The current Music Teachers Association recommended rate is $112.20 per hour inclusive of GST. More information about Susan’s Studio Policy terms and conditions can be found here.

Teaching term dates 2024

Lessons are held during NSW public school terms. There are no lessons on public holidays or during school holidays. Lessons do take place on pupil free days.

Term 1: 30 January (adults)/1 February (children) to 12 April
Term 2: 29 April to 5 July
Term 3: 22 July to 27 September
Term 4: 14 October to 18 December

Find out more

To find out more about learning piano as an adult, phone Susan on (02) 8964 7630, or .

From previous students

“Susan has been my piano teacher for several years and right from the beginning I have appreciated how well she directs, instructs, inspires and motivates a student. She has that rare knack of imparting the qualities of music appreciation, the joy of learning, and the drive and desire to progress. The lessons are not only stimulating but also a lot of fun.” - Brett, Stanmore

“Hi Susan, I wanted to give you a bit of an update, and to say thank you. Over Christmas I found myself improvising my way through a lot of Christmas carols. This was especially for my family, and included some accompanying! I wanted to thank you, because this is a skill I have found so useful, and learning to play this way has really challenged me and changed the way I understand to music to work. Learning from you has improved my musicality and made me a much more capable and willing pianist. I’m no longer terrified to just sit and play my way through unfamiliar songs. This is honestly a skill I never thought I would learn or a confidence in my own ability/understanding I didn’t know I could possess. Thank you for your time and your passion, it has made all the difference!” - Alleyne, Ashfield

About Susan Deas

Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching piano for over twenty years, and her students learn both classical and contemporary styles, including playing by ear and improvisation. Susan also gives professional development workshops and lessons to private music teachers. She performs professionally as a pianist and organist, and lectures in music theory and music appreciation for Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education. Susan’s training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.

More about Susan’s qualifications

Susan’s other music courses

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