Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Music Education in Pittsburgh
Founded in 1996, Pittsburgh Music Academy has dedicated itself to making music an integral part of lives across all age groups. Our approach combines the Suzuki method with traditional techniques, emphasizing musical excellence and personal development. With a student base of approximately 300, we foster self-esteem, complex skill acquisition, and an appreciation for beauty through music. Our faculty comprises experts trained in music education and pedagogy, many holding collegiate degrees and actively performing. Over 29 years, we've cultivated a community where students become lifelong musicians, equipped to appreciate the world's beauty and navigate life's challenges.Our programs include private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities, serving the Greater Pittsburgh area from two locations. We prioritize parental involvement, particularly in our Suzuki programs, and offer flexible enrollment options to accommodate diverse needs. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our structured curricula, parent education classes, and over 30 annual recitals. We maintain partnerships with local venues and professional ensembles to enrich student experiences. Our mission remains rooted in Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy that music education develops not just musical skill but character.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Group Classes
Performance Workshops
Suzuki Method Instruction
Parent Education Programs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 29 years of experience in music education with certified Suzuki instructors.
- Our faculty includes performers with collegiate music degrees and pedagogy training.
- We provide over 30 annual recitals and specialized performance workshops.
- Flexible enrollment packages accommodate diverse schedules and skill levels.
- Parent education classes enhance home practice and student progress.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized instruction tailored to each student's needs across violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, brass, and voice. Lessons range from 15 to 60 minutes weekly, following structured curricula aligned with the Suzuki method and traditional techniques. Our certified instructors develop personalized learning plans to build technical proficiency and musical expression.
Group Classes
Collaborative sessions fostering musical growth through peer interaction and performance. Classes include beginner instrument exploration, advanced technical workshops, and repertoire development. Students participate in 30+ annual recitals, gaining stage experience and building community with fellow musicians and families in a supportive environment.
Performance Workshops
Intensive programs focusing on specific performance skills like concerto preparation, audition techniques, and chamber music. Workshops feature coaching from professional musicians and culminate in public performances. Participants receive constructive feedback to improve technical execution and stage presence while preparing for competitions and professional auditions.
Suzuki Method Instruction
Philosophy-based education emphasizing ear training, parental involvement, and gradual skill development. Programs include 'Meet the Instruments' classes for ages 4-8 and Musikgarten early childhood courses. Parents attend lessons to support home practice, following Shinichi Suzuki's principle that musical ability develops through environment and consistent nurturing.
Parent Education Classes
Guidance sessions helping parents create optimal learning environments at home. Topics cover practice strategies, musical development stages, and Suzuki method principles. These classes strengthen the home-studio connection, ensuring consistent progress and fostering a lifelong appreciation for music through informed family participation in the learning process.
People
Jennifer Madge
Academy Director & Violin
Certified Suzuki violin instructor with 25+ years of teaching experience. Holds a Master's in Music Performance from Juilliard. Oversees curriculum development and faculty training while maintaining an active private studio.
Greg Zawacki
Brass Instructor
Only Certified Suzuki Brass Teacher in the region. Performs with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and teaches trumpet fundamentals through advanced techniques. Specializes in preparing students for youth orchestra auditions.
Becky Keeley
String Department Chair
Cello specialist with a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Carnegie Mellon. Leads string pedagogy initiatives and directs early childhood music programs. Certified in Suzuki cello and viola methods.
Amaury Morales
Piano Department Chair
Internationally recognized pianist with degrees from Curtis Institute. Develops collaborative piano workshops and mentors advanced students preparing for conservatory applications and competitions.
Jennie Nolan
Voice Instructor
Opera-trained vocal coach specializing in Suzuki voice methodology. Directs vocal ensembles and prepares students for solo performances. Focuses on healthy technique development for children and adults.
Questions
What music education methods do you use?
We combine the Suzuki method with traditional techniques, emphasizing ear training, parental involvement, and technical mastery through structured curricula tailored to each student's needs.
What instruments can my child learn?
We offer violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, brass instruments, and voice lessons. Early childhood programs introduce multiple instruments to help children choose their focus.
How do I start lessons?
Begin by observing a lesson, attending 'Meet the Instruments' class, or scheduling a trial lesson. Contact us at 412-344-1114 to connect with a teacher and discuss enrollment options.
Are performance opportunities available?
Yes! Students participate in 30+ annual recitals, concerts, and specialized workshops including concerto performances with professional orchestras and audition preparation masterclasses.
What lesson packages do you offer?
We provide four options: Comprehensive Enrollment (36 weeks with group classes), Lessons Only (18 weeks), Flex Plan (10 lessons on your schedule), and Associate Membership for ensemble participation.
Do you teach adults?
Yes! Our programs accommodate all ages, including adult learners through private lessons, group classes, and community performance opportunities with flexible scheduling options.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Dawn Posey
Jun 26, 2021
Report
As a faculty member of PMA I appreciate the way this school preserves Suzuki education and creates a positive environment for both students and faculty.
K. Smeiles
Apr 03, 2021
Report
Two members of our family take lessons at PMA. The teachers are skilled, engaging, and incredibly supportive. We love our lessons and we highly recommend!
Nicole Lennartz
Nov 09, 2020
Report
Great team that has been able to work with the parents, students, and faculty well throughout COVID. Looking forward to what's on the horizon!
Dee Gan
Dec 25, 2019
Report
Everything depends on the teacher you get, period. The performance and group classes seem to be more fun rather than learning, but again it depends on each kid's eagerness & attitude. For my kid, it took a very long time (years) even for the first volume! It was so hard to register initially as nobody was present whenever we visited the office & calls were neither picked up nor voicemails returned at other times. There are a few dissatisfied parents, but mostly, I've seen only happy faces, including students.
Stillers N'At
Feb 22, 2012
Report
I'm sorry that there was a bad review of this place. I find it to have very dedicated teachers who truly care about their students having a quality music education but not at the expense of the rest of a students' interests. They understand children and how they learn, and their kindness results in children who have great experiences with music and want to continue. One of the most exciting aspects of PMA is the ability to group less experienced students with those who are more experienced during some group lessons. It allows the younger ones to have something to aspire to, and it teaches the older students how to model for the younger ones.
