Business Details
Expert Piano & Music Therapy for Gifted & Special Needs Students
A Prelude to the Classics Music Academy of Performing Arts & MusicTherapy Sarasota Boca Raton has dedicated itself to transforming lives through music education since its inception. Our mission is to provide exceptional piano instruction and music therapy tailored to gifted students and those with learning disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. With decades of combined experience and advanced degrees from institutions like NYU School of Performing Arts and Hartt College of Music, we employ proven methodologies to nurture cognitive and creative growth. Our faculty, led by acclaimed educator Miss Marcy, combines technical mastery with personalized attention, helping students achieve academic excellence and musical proficiency. We offer diverse programs from early childhood piano classes to college audition preparation, fostering a culture of discipline, creativity, and community. Our graduates consistently excel in international competitions and prestigious music programs, reflecting our commitment to excellence. Through both in-person and virtual lessons, we extend our expertise globally while maintaining strong local roots in Sarasota and Boca Raton. Regular recitals, competitions, and collaborative performances ensure students develop confidence and stage presence. Our unique approach addresses individual learning needs while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for music. This philosophy of holistic development has earned us recognition as a leader in specialized music education and therapy.
Services
Piano Lessons
Music Therapy
Group Classes
Competition Preparation
Online Instruction
Special Needs Programs
Recitals
Audition Coaching
Rock Bands
Early Childhood Music
Served areas
- Boca Raton, Florida & Sarasota, Florida
Highlights and features
- Specialized instruction for gifted students and those on the spectrum
- Proven success in international piano competitions
- Experienced educator with degrees from NYU and Hartt College
- Flexible lesson options including online instruction
- Comprehensive programs from preschool to adult levels
Associations and certifications
- Graduate Hartt College of Music, Piano Performance, NYU School of Performing Arts
- Performed Metro NYC, Accompanied NJ School of Ballet, Taught NYC High School of Performing Arts
What people say
Proven success with students
Supportive and encouraging
Effective teaching methods
Highly recommend
Lifelong musical foundation
Services
Piano Lessons
Private and group piano lessons tailored to individual needs, from beginners to advanced students. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency, music theory, and performance skills while addressing unique learning requirements. Expert instructors use specialized methods for gifted students and those on the spectrum.
Music Therapy
Evidence-based music therapy programs for children with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Structured piano instruction enhances cognitive abilities, communication, and emotional regulation through pattern recognition, memorization, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Competition Preparation
Comprehensive training for regional and international piano competitions. Students receive repertoire guidance, performance critique, and technique refinement. Our approach combines technical mastery with artistic interpretation to help competitors achieve exceptional results in classical and contemporary categories.
The Child Prodigy Series
Innovative early childhood music education for ages 2-6, combining Dalcroze Eurthymics with piano instruction. Small-group classes use colorful instruments and interactive learning to develop rhythm, note reading, and foundational piano skills in a playful, nurturing setting with expert teacher-child ratios.
Online Lessons
Skype, Google Hangout, and WhatsApp lessons for remote piano instruction. Flexible scheduling with the same expert curriculum and personalized approach as in-person sessions. Perfect for maintaining consistent practice routines and accessing specialized teaching methods globally.
Questions
Do you teach students with learning disabilities?
Yes, we specialize in working with gifted students on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges using personalized teaching methods.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for ages 2 through adult, including our Child Prodigy Series for preschoolers and specialized instruction for college applicants.
Can students prepare for competitions?
Yes, 100% of our competition students win awards, with specialized training for regional and international piano competitions included in our curriculum.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we offer virtual instruction via Skype, Google Hangout, WhatsApp, and Facetime with the same expert curriculum as in-person lessons.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in semi-annual recitals, musical productions, and rock band performances in prestigious venues like Steinway locations and TPC Prestancia.
Do you offer group classes?
Yes, we provide group instruction including Note Bee Classes and our popular Music Company rock band programs for students aged 5-18.
Videos
Reviews (9)
Maya Zidziunas
Feb 10, 2022
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Miss Marcy is absolutely the best piano teacher you could ever find for your child. Besides being very knowledgeable and professional, she knows how to manage and encourage children to learn and do their best. She is patient, caring, kind, and sweet with her students. She is also a pleasure to work with as a parent! The recitals she plans are spectacular. Outstanding all around! We love Miss Marcy!
Kevin Ellerbrock
Jan 24, 2022
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If you are serious about wanting your child to learn how to play piano the right way and play well, Miss Marcy is the teacher to have. All kids in her studio learn classical music and perform regularly. My 12-year old son has been taking lessons from Miss Marcy since he was 5. His knowledge of music theory, ability to pick up a piece of music and play it, and his performance skills are amazing. Recently, my young daughter (4 years) started lessons with Miss Marcy and she is already reading music and playing pieces on her own.
Miss Marcy has her students participate in "notebee" which teaches music theory and perform their musical pieces on a regular basis. So important. Please note, she also knows how to work well with kiddos who are 2e and piano is one of the musical instruments that really helps students with disabilities such as ADHD, ASD, etc. She is a must!
Miss Marcy has her students participate in "notebee" which teaches music theory and perform their musical pieces on a regular basis. So important. Please note, she also knows how to work well with kiddos who are 2e and piano is one of the musical instruments that really helps students with disabilities such as ADHD, ASD, etc. She is a must!
Vanessa Bell
Jan 20, 2022
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Absolutely love Miss Marcy. Recital yesterday was outstanding. All the kids had a chance to show off their talents. The kids and adults connected with friends that we haven't seen for a couple of years due to COVID. Enjoyed the day from beginning to end. I would highly recommend Miss Marcy if you are looking for a piano teacher, she is so much more. Her special connection with each child is obvious. All her students love her.
Lilienne Pierre Louis
Jan 19, 2022
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My family has been with Ms. Marcy for about 8 yrs now! She is the epitome of what a great teacher should be; she is talented, knowledgeable, compassionate, and brings out the the best out of her students. The growth in our children under her musical guidance has been superb! If you're looking for a great piano teacher, she is IT!
Cheryl Ellerbrock
Oct 26, 2021
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If you are looking for the BEST piano teacher for children to learn how to play the piano correctly and grow up to really know piano performance and music theory then look no further! Ms. Marcy is simply an amazing educator who can reach and teach all learners, including those who are neurodiverse. The children who attend her studio learn to think for themselves, learn to analyze and compose music, and play very technical pieces to precision. She is a must!
Vanessa Paquette
May 13, 2021
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Marcy has been teaching Lucas, now 8 years old, for 3 years. She has brought him from a boy that could not play a single note who lived in a home where no-one played the piano to a boy that has placed 3rd in two international competitions. Her innovate style of teaching where she makes learning not only challenging but fun takes her students to another level. I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for Lucas. Because of Miss Marcy Lucas is already an accomplished classically trained pianist who absolutely adores his piano teacher.
Shirley Frappier
Jun 19, 2020
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My two daughters have been receiving the best quality of piano classes from Ms. Marcy. My oldest, started piano at 4 with another teacher and although I felt she had talent I didn't see any real progress for over two years. I decided to switch her and I was blessed to find Ms. Marcy. Ms. Marcy took my daughter to a whole different level in less than 6 months. She went from playing kiddie tunes to classical complicated pieces.
A big plus is that my daughter adores her. Ms. Marcy is patient yet firm, very polite, sweet, motherly, disciplined, and very goal oriented. My daughter loves for music has grown due to Ms. Marcy's approach and deep knowledge. Everywhere my daughter goes she is known for her amazing piano talent that could have not been polished without Ms. Marcy. My youngest is only 5 and she already loves piano and looks forward to every class. I highly recommend A Prelude to the Classics.
A big plus is that my daughter adores her. Ms. Marcy is patient yet firm, very polite, sweet, motherly, disciplined, and very goal oriented. My daughter loves for music has grown due to Ms. Marcy's approach and deep knowledge. Everywhere my daughter goes she is known for her amazing piano talent that could have not been polished without Ms. Marcy. My youngest is only 5 and she already loves piano and looks forward to every class. I highly recommend A Prelude to the Classics.
Jaimie
Mar 26, 2012
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Miss Marcy is without a doubt the top music instructor I have ever seen! She is patient, yet enable my so to work to his full potential, something I have yet to do, despite how gifted he is. She works with each student on their level, and her students rise to the challenge. Her performances are like being at a Broadway Show! I am so fortunate to have found Miss Marcy.
Joanna Larussa
My son Max has been taking lessons with Miss Marcy for 5 years. He is now 13 and recently was given a full scholarship to Interlochen Music Camp for piano based on Miss Marcy's outstanding teaching skills. She is talented herself, and always finds a way to teach her students in ways they understand and can excel. She teaches at a gifted level and fast paced yet is nurturing and enthusiastic and totally fun.
Her music theory skills and repertoire is equally outstanding. She excited my son to practice the piano. I have never met a teacher like Miss Marcy. She has a unique style of teaching which results in top technique and playing and her students love her. I would highly recommend Miss Marcy.
Her music theory skills and repertoire is equally outstanding. She excited my son to practice the piano. I have never met a teacher like Miss Marcy. She has a unique style of teaching which results in top technique and playing and her students love her. I would highly recommend Miss Marcy.