Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Piano & Guitar Lessons in Apple Valley, MN
Established in 1999, Apple Valley Guitar Academy has dedicated itself to nurturing musical talent in students of all ages. Our mission centers on fulfilling dreams of musical mastery through personalized instruction in piano and guitar. With 25 years of experience, we combine state-of-the-art instruments like Hallet & Davis acoustic grand pianos and Kawai CA-98 digital pianos with a curriculum refined over decades. Our three spacious, professional studios in Apple Valley, Minnesota, offer an environment designed for focused learning, featuring amenities for families and advanced digital education tools. Our full-time instructors, specialists in early childhood education and advanced techniques, provide comprehensive training in musicianship, theory, and performance.This structured approach has successfully guided hundreds of students to proficiency, emphasizing technical accuracy, artistic expression, and emotional connection to music. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our 4 studios, tailored learning materials, and flexible lesson formats including in-person and remote sessions via FaceTime or Zoom. Centrally located off Pilot Knob Road, we serve communities across Dakota County, including Lakeville, Rosemount, and Farmington. Positive testimonials highlight our personalized attention, proven methodologies, and instructors' dedication to student growth, making us a trusted choice for families seeking long-term musical development.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Music Theory
Performance Coaching
Ear Training
Technique Development
Remote Lessons
Beginner Instruction
Advanced Training
Child Music Education
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of specialized experience in piano and guitar instruction
- Our studios feature professional-grade Hallet & Davis and Kawai pianos
- We provide comprehensive training in technique, theory, and performance
- Our full-time instructors develop personalized learning materials annually
- Centrally located to serve Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, and Eagan
What people say
Personalized learning
Instrumental in growth
Highly recommend
Excellent progress
Dedicated instructors
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano lessons utilize state-of-the-art hybrid digital and acoustic grand pianos for comprehensive technical development. Students receive personalized instruction in classical and contemporary styles, with focus on proper hand positioning, dynamics, and musical interpretation. The curriculum includes theory, sight-reading, and performance preparation for recitals and competitions.
Guitar Lessons
Guitar instruction covers acoustic and electric techniques for popular music performance. Lessons emphasize chord transitions, fingerpicking patterns, and improvisation skills. Students learn proper posture and instrument maintenance while developing repertoire across multiple genres including rock, pop, and folk music styles.
Music Theory
Integrated music theory instruction develops reading, writing, and analytical skills essential for musical proficiency. Students learn key signatures, chord progressions, and rhythmic patterns through practical application in their performance pieces. This foundational knowledge enhances improvisation and composition abilities across all instruments.
Performance Coaching
Performance coaching prepares students for recitals, competitions, and public engagements. Instruction focuses on stage presence, program selection, and memorization techniques. Students receive feedback on interpretive choices and develop confidence through mock performances in our professional studio environment with audience simulation.
Remote Lessons
Virtual lessons via FaceTime or Zoom maintain educational continuity for remote students or during inclement weather. Our technology-enabled sessions preserve audio quality for accurate pitch assessment and include screen-sharing for notation review. This flexible format maintains the same curriculum and progress tracking as in-person instruction.
People
Lance Larson
Guitar Instructor
Lance Larson specializes in popular music instruction, teaching electric and acoustic guitar techniques. With professional performance experience across multiple genres, he helps students develop practical skills for contemporary music while emphasizing proper technique and musicality.
Laureen Markert
Piano Instructor
Laureen Markert focuses on classical technique and expressive piano performance. Her students consistently achieve advanced proficiency through structured curriculum that balances technical exercises with repertoire development. She emphasizes proper hand positioning and musical interpretation in every lesson.
Questions
What lesson locations do you offer?
We offer in-person lessons at our Apple Valley studio and serve surrounding areas including Lakeville, Rosemount, and Eagan. Remote lessons are available via FaceTime or Zoom for added flexibility.
What instruments do you teach?
We specialize in piano and guitar instruction. Our piano program includes both acoustic and digital instruments, while guitar lessons cover electric and acoustic styles across multiple music genres.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach students aged 5 to 18, with specialized approaches for early childhood development, intermediate skill building, and advanced artistic expression in both piano and guitar.
What lesson formats are available?
We offer traditional in-studio lessons at our Apple Valley location and virtual sessions through FaceTime or Zoom. Both formats follow the same comprehensive curriculum and progress tracking system.
What makes your academy different?
Our 25-year legacy combines professional-grade instruments, experienced full-time instructors, and personalized learning materials developed specifically for our students' needs and progress levels.
Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes, we provide introductory lessons to help students experience our teaching approach. Contact us through our website or phone number to schedule a trial session.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Michelle Carter
Oct 29, 2015
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We have had a fantastic experience at Apple Valley Piano and Guitar Academy. Several years ago, my husband decided to work on his bucket list, and started piano lessons with Paul. He enjoyed it so much, our two younger children started lessons at ages 5 and 7. They have all learned so much from Paul and Laureen, from technique to musicianship, to music theory. I recommend them without hesitation to anyone interested in the piano.
Ben Taylor
Jul 15, 2014
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Absolutely wonderful piano and guitar academy. Our son started when he was 6 years old.he is a typical boy, full of energy and short attention span. Miss Laureen is so patient and kind with him! They have creative ways of motivating their students (stickers, candy, little stuffed animals, punch cards) which really help. Our son is now 9 and doing so great on the piano! Miss Laureen is truly invested in helping her students grow musically, and helping them to have fun while doing it. Highly recommend!
Deepak Thapa
Jun 23, 2014
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Like in any discipline, spending 1/2 hour a week and doing little the rest of the time isn't going to cut it. Ms. Laureen does a fabulous job of keeping parents involved and accountable for piano time outside of class. It pays! Class time and techniques are top notch! Our son started at 6 1/2 years and just turned 8. We are extremely happy with his progress and very comfortable giving AVGPA high recommendations.
Craig Stevens
Jun 17, 2014
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"Our son Owen has been taking lessons at Apple Valley Piano and Guitar Academy for a year and a half and we couldn't be happier. He began taking piano lessons at a different school that did not offer the one on one attention that he receives at Apple Valley Piano and Guitar Academy. The extra attention and personalized learning has made all the difference for our son and I would recommend them to any family."
Cassie Moskal
Jun 09, 2014
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Our son, Matt, started guitar lessons at AVGA at age 8. He had beginner lessons with Laureen and, after a few months, began training with Paul. Matt is now 16 and continues to play guitar. Paul has not only taught Matt technique and form, but has also fostered a love of music and composition. AVGA has been instrumental in turning Matt into the musician he is today.
