Man playing the piano

Welcome to

Piano Lessons Salinas

I'm Cheryl Lockett, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for music with students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, I offer personalized piano lessons designed to meet your unique goals and needs.


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Cheryl Lockett - Professional Piano Teacher

Piano Lessons Salinas Teacher - Cheryl Lockett
My Mission

Lessons Tailored To You

Cheryl Lockett cultivates, curates and presents an eclectic vision of sound that appeals to a diverse listening audience. The roots music that exemplifies her vocal style is a fusion of modern jazz, vintage blues, classic rock, Afro-Latin and Native American rhythms, with minor key tonality. Her riveting voice and warm style promise any listener an aesthetically pleasing and cohesive composition of music that flows like silk. Lockett who’s maiden birth name is Craig, is the daughter of a founding member of the legendary Blue Notes from Merced, which is a groove-oriented sextet of the 50’s and 60’s era.

Prices

$37.50 per 1/2 hour

Piano Teacher

Cheryl Lockett

Location

Merced, CA 95340, USA
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Get in touch to find out more.

Find out more about my piano lessons, as well as book your first piano lesson.

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(Average score: 5/5)
Home & Instrument Page Enquiry
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Student Advice

Technique and Maintenance

Proper technique is pivotal, not just for sound, but for your comfort and health whilst playing. During our piano lessons, I'll show you how to maintain a good posture and wrist position, ensuring long-term joy in playing piano. This focus on technique is tailored depending on your progress, ensuring a safe and engaging experience throughout our sessions.

Each lesson is an opportunity to unlock more of your potential, blending structured teaching with personalized guidance. Whether you're from Salinas, Carmel, or further afield, I'm here to support you in achieving a rich and fulfilling musical experience. As your teacher, we'll dive deep into piano music, from past theory to modern improvisation, making every step of your journey rewarding and enjoyable.

Prices:


$37.50 per 1/2 hour

Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.

Advice for New Students

Professional Salinas Music Lessons

Hello and welcome to my piano lessons in Salinas, where we embark on an exciting musical journey together. I’m thrilled to offer music lessons that cater to both beginners and those at an intermediate level, encompassing a range of styles like classical, rock, pop, and even musical theatre.

Building a Solid Foundation

I firmly believe that a solid foundation is crucial for a rewarding piano learning experience. Each lesson is designed to help you understand music theory and sheet music, making it easy for you to play and progress. Whether it's mastering the notes and techniques or improvising new ones, I aim to make the complex feel simple and enjoyable.

Many Styles and Ages

I teach students of all ages—from children to adults—and adapt my teaching style to suit your interests and goals. I’m based in Salinas, but whether you’re from nearby Carmel or beyond, my focus is on providing a supportive environment where you can confidently explore and express your musical interests.

How Lessons Happen

For those just getting started, we can offer half-hour lessons , perfect for beginners wanting to dip their toes into the world of piano playing. As you and your confidence grow, we can dive into hour-long sessions, tailoring each lesson to match your progress and passion. My aim is to make learning rewarding, ensuring you leave every session with a smile.

Personalized Approach

Every student is unique, and I work hard to tailor each lesson to meet your personal objectives. Whether you're excited to explore classical compositions or eager to rock out to some pop tunes, I'm here to guide you along the way. The goal is to make you not only skilled but also a happy and confident musician.

Join me on this musical adventure and let's learn, play, and love the piano together. I’m excited to see where your musical journey takes you, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Music Lessons for All Genres Including Musical Theatre

In my piano lessons, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of genres, each bringing its own flavor and excitement to your musical journey. Whether you're a beginner or at an intermediate level, I ensure our time together covers everything from classical to pop and, of course, musical theatre music. Learning and playing these genres can broaden your musical horizons and deepen your appreciation for the piano.

Classical Music

Starting with classical music, you'll learn the foundations that form the bedrock of piano expertise. This genre requires understanding music theory and sheet music intricately, providing a clear structure as you learn to play. I love teaching classical music because it builds technical skills and musical knowledge that are invaluable in any pianist's life.

Pop Music

For those interested in lively and modern tunes, pop music lessons are a way to connect with contemporary piano playing. These lessons are tailored to match popular tastes and can even include learning hit songs you love. My approach is to make pop music playing simple and enjoyable, facilitating your practice in a way that’s both rewarding and fun.

Musical Theatre Music

Musical theatre is one of my favorite genres to teach, as it combines drama, emotion, and music in a unique way. I take pride in helping students understand and play pieces from famous musical productions. With our focus on musical theatre on piano, I aim to provide a comprehensive experience that includes interpreting sheet music and using techniques suited for storytelling through piano. Whether it's a soft ballad or a vibrant show tune, musical theatre requires emotional depth and expression, and I'm excited to guide you in bringing these pieces to life.

Guiding students through different genres allows them to not only learn and practice different techniques but also to explore what they truly love. I provide half-hour lessons for those looking to start small and also offer expansive sessions for those ready to delve deeper. Whatever your age or level, I'm here to help you navigate your musical interests, making learning easy, engaging, and tailored to your goals. Join me in Salinas, and let's explore the beautiful world of piano music together.

Improve Your Piano Technique

As your guide on this musical journey, I'm excited to share with you the various playing techniques you'll explore through our piano lessons. Each technique adds a different layer of skill and expression to your music journey.

Finger Strength and Agility

Developing finger strength and agility is foundational to excelling in piano playing. In our lessons, you'll learn exercises tailored to enhance your dexterity across different genres. This step is essential for beginners and seasoned students alike, providing a strong base to master both classical and modern pieces.

Dynamics and Expression

Music is more than just hitting the right keys; it's about conveying emotion. Through my music lessons, I'll teach you how to incorporate dynamics and expression into your playing. Whether interpreting a classical sonata or a contemporary pop hit, you'll learn to bring out the soul of the music as we delve into this crucial aspect of performance.

Sight-Reading

An indispensable skill for any pianist, sight-reading allows you to play new pieces on the spot. We focus on reading sheet music efficiently, ensuring that you're prepared to tackle new challenges confidently. By practicing this skill, you'll be able to visit music stores and pick up a new piece with the assurance that you're ready to explore it deeply.

Improvisation

One of the most exciting aspects of learning piano is the ability to improvise. I love introducing students to improvisation, guiding them to create music spontaneously. This skill empowers you to explore your creativity within music theory, making each lesson unpredictable and fun.

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Piano Lessons Salinas Teacher - Cheryl Lockett
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I can help you to

I’m dedicated to helping you discover the joy of playing piano and developing your musical talents at your own pace. My approach focuses on making learning both rewarding and enjoyable, so you can confidently express yourself through music. If you’re ready to begin or continue your musical journey, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to get started—I can’t wait to make music with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Children can start piano lessons as early as age 5, but many instructors recommend starting formal lessons around age 7 to ensure readiness.

Yes, piano lessons are worth it for adults. They offer cognitive benefits, a creative outlet, and a rewarding sense of achievement, regardless of age or skill level.

Taking piano lessons once a week is common and effective, but frequency can be adjusted based on individual goals and availability. If you are looking to buy your own piano then please do check out Salinas Music Located at 1111 N Main St C, Salinas, CA 93906.

Yes, learning piano on a keyboard is possible. The layout of the keys is identical on both instruments. The songs you learn to play on a piano will transfer directly to a keyboard, and vice versa, with little adjustment needed for small differences in the width of the keys or the amount of pressure.

Learning to play the piano can take a few months to a few years, depending on practice consistency, individual aptitude, and the complexity of pieces being learned.

Still have questions? Get in touch

Merced, CA 95340, USA
Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.

Location

Merced, CA 95340, USA
Teacher
Cheryl Lockett
Ready to start?

Find out more about my piano lessons and how to book your first session.

Contact Me

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