Your Piano Instructor
Hello and thanks for stopping by! My name is Kris Olson and I am a passionate teacher and an accomplished pianist with a strong desire to instill a love of playing piano in others. After graduating from Bethel University with a music degree, I used my training to pursue many vocations including music and worship director, musical theater director, accompanist for dinner theaters, recitals, auditions, weddings, choirs, and of course, a private piano instructor.
During my 40+ years of teaching, I have enjoyed introducing the piano to beginners of all ages as well as instructing intermediate and advanced students. I love being in leadership in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association and president of the Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum; I have access to outstanding programs that challenge and equip students to become the best musicians and pianists they can be. I am also certified in Elementary and Intermediate Piano Pedagogy through the Royal Conservatory of Music.
When I'm not teaching piano, I love visiting the North Shore, biking, and dining out with my husband of over 30 years. We love hanging out with our four daughters, four sons-in-law and five grandchildren.
Let's connect and talk about how I can help your child (or you!) become a well-rounded musician and accomplished piano player. Get ready for a lifetime of enjoyment playing piano!
Packages
- 33 lessons (Sept. 2024 – May 2025)
- Christmas Recital (December)
- Duet Extravaganza (March)
- Spring Recital (April)
Package 1 - NO Summer Lessons
- $91.00/month/30-minute
- $88.00/month (siblings)
- $136.50/month/45-minute
Package 2 - WITH 4 Summer Lessons
- $102.00/month/30-minute
- $98/month (siblings)
- $153.00/month/45-minute
Recitals
All students have the privilege of being involved in three recitals throughout the year; Christmas, Duet Extravaganza and Spring Recital. This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends and family to hear students showcase their progress.
pro-rated Tuition
Tuition is pro-rated evenly over a 12 month period (September 2023-August 2024) making payment easy and consistent.
unique lesson opportunities
- Before school lesson times available
- College prep for freshman music majors
- Daytime lessons especially for homeschoolers!
MMTA/MMTF
A significant benefit having me as an instructor is my affiliation with the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and their year round exams, contests, awards, and professional critiques. Although optional, I strongly encourage students to participate in these programs - they look great on college applications and resumes!
I’m also the president of Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum (MMTF) providing additional performance and education opportunities for students.
Student Enrichment
Service Projects & Field Trips
Three times a year we schedule a service project and/or field trip to give back to the community and build relationships among students! Previous outings include Feed My Starving Children and vising the Schubert Club Museum.
Student Newsletter
Each month I publish a student newsletter that highlights the month’s events, spotlights a couple of students, and has an optional listening challenge which, if completed, students earn prizes.
Theory Intensive
This optional, but encouraged, group class is intended for students preparing for the MMTA theory exams. We use this time to work on ear-training and listening skills as well as written theory skills. Highly recommended for all students preparing for theory exams. Refer to master calendar for specific dates.
Fee: $5.00
The Studio
I'm so excited to invite you into my home piano studio in Blaine, MN. Students will enjoy a relaxed, homey atmosphere, have access to my extensive music library, play on a high-end concert series, professionally tuned piano, and learn in an encouraging environment.
Parents and caregivers are invited to make themselves at home in our cozy living room where you can read a favorite book, catch up on some work, or enjoy a quick siesta.
Student drop-offs are also allowed.
My Philosophy
I am a firm believer that music can and should be a life-long source of enjoyment. Whether that enjoyment comes through playing the piano, singing, playing in a garage band, jamming with buddies on a Saturday night, marching band, attending an orchestra concert or simply listening to the radio in the car, a life without music is somehow not as complete as it could be. It is my goal as a piano teacher to, at the very least, give students the skills needed to simply enjoy playing piano their entire life. As their teacher, I will encourage and challenge students to reach their highest potential as pianists. Everyone has an artistic spirit inside of them and I strive to nurture and develop that spirit.
Students will explore a wide range of repertoire including classical, jazz, pop, lead sheets, improvisation, accompaniment and duets. Their potential will be challenged through performances, critical listening, technique, theory, history, ear training and memorization.
I love playing the piano and I love teaching. It is my desire to share that with my students and to hopefully plant that same love within them as they discover their potential and achieve their goals.
kind words...
Our family is so happy we found Miss Kris! My three boys love her, all for different reasons. My middle child who excels at piano loves how she challenges him , especially the challenges that earn awards. My oldest enjoys her sense of humor during lessons and her ability to push him and encourage him to do his best without being too hard on him. My youngest is thankful for how patient she is and how she helps him when he gets frustrated or struggles. She is so great at adapting to their individual personalities and needs. We are so thankful for her!
~ Trisha M.
Our kids have been taking lessons from Kris for the past nine years, and she is fantastic! She is great with all levels and she knows how to challenge kids while making it fun. I would recommend Kris to anyone whole-heartedly!
~ Amanda R.
If you are looking for an amazing piano teacher then you have come to the right place! Kris is someone who loves what she does and it shows in the way she teaches and cares for each one of her students. She considers each student and sets goals that are right for them individually. Beginner to advanced students, she does it all while instilling a love for music. We currently have 5 children in this studio and would highly recommend it… Kris has become a part of our family!
~ Traci M.
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Send an email to schedule
a complimentary discovery call!
krisolsonpiano@gmail.com