At Playtime Piano we believe in a holistic approach to piano/keyboard lessons. We consider the larger context in which the student receives his or her musical education to be of great importance. Our students each have their own unique personality, learning style and individual interests.

Because we feel these issues are of as much importance as the student's personal interest in learning to play the piano and what kind of music they prefer, our registration packet includes a questionnaire which must be filled-out and sent along with the deposit and signed policy sheet prior to the student's first lesson.

This completed questionnaire assists us in determining which lesson book series to use with the student as well as matching the student to an appropriate instructor. It also helps the student's family to really think about their goals and expectations and to imagine how the lessons will fit into the larger view of their child(ren)'s life.

Our intention is to grow along with the student and to make the lessons an enjoyable experience. Lessons are individually tailored to suit the musical preferences and learning style of each student. Allowing students to select pieces they want to play is a key motivator. We find that students make great progress when they are determined to learn a piece they like.

Our approach is an innovative and light-hearted one that allows each student to tap into his or her own creativity and move in the direction they want their developing skills to take them. We feel theory is best taught hands-on. Students are encouraged to participate in our composition program where they learn to "sound out" and then notate songs they have heard before...or work on inventing their own!

Our business operates in a manner which honors all parties involved as well as the community at large. Unlike studios which typically require monthly pre-payment with no credit allowances, our customers are billed 48 weeks per year building in 4 automatic credits per year. Monthly payment is due by the 15th of each month. In this way, we offer much more than convenience. In addition, we share the discounts we receive on music from music catalogs and offer a week of free lessons for the students of any family that sends us a referral which results in new students for Playtime.

Several franchises encourage family participation by offering a discount on lessons for the second student in the same home and additional discounts for additional students beyond the first two.

Our instructors receive many advantages over private teachers including automatic regular pay for lessons canceled by customers and paid holidays. Playtime teachers also receive a variety of bonuses, including bonuses for providing make-up lessons. Our instructors also receive bonuses when a referral from one of their families registers for lessons or when a new student is added in a home in which they are already teaching.

Playtime also contributes to the community at large by making donations to organizations which serve the common good. In addition, Playtime has offered partial and full scholarships based on both need and merit.