Our Spring 2008 Piano Recital was held on April 27 at Piano Place. Thirty-one of our fifty-five students performed. We were fortunate to have a limited edition, Elton John-signed piano available for the recital. Our recital space was filled to the brim, and as the recital started, it was standing room only. Thank you all for attending.
Here are the photos from the Fall 2007 Piano Recital, which took place on October 21st at 4:00 pm, inside the Piano Place store in North Bethesda.
We had a record numbers in attendance and participation during our Spring 2007 recital. There were close to 100 people in the audience, and many of our students chose to participate. There were 35 brave souls altogether, and they each did great! Here are the photos from the event:
Andrea Langevin has recently joined the Fun Piano Lessons studio. She teaches piano lessons in both English and Portuguese.
She is a wonderful teacher who has come to the United States from Brazil, where she studied music for 15 years and taught for several years as well.
You may access her CV by clicking on the following link: Andrea’s CV.
What Andrea’s students say:
“Andrea is a wonderful teacher. My children were beginners ages 4 and 7 and after only a few months they are playing the piano with enthusiasm and confidence. They practice all of the time (without any nagging from me!) and run to the car each week when I say it is time to go to piano lessons. The piano store setting is an ideal location for the lessons; private and convenient. The system of paying for lessons only one month in advance is easy and affordable. I highly recommend Andrea and Ligia to any parent interested in exposing their child to this beautiful instrument!” — Amy
Dear Andrea, thank you for being such a kind and patient teacher for our daughter (6 years old) this year! It has been wonderful to see her start to read music and play music that she is really excited about.— Katrina
I’ve enjoyed having Andrea as a teacher, and I feel like I’ve made great progress in my time with her. She’s pleasant to deal with and very patient, even when I haven’t practiced as much as I should have! — Bill
Bay has definitely enjoyed her piano lessons with Andrea, and likes her very much. I am very happy that she has stayed interested in playing, and I’m sure Andrea’s pleasant personality has a great deal to do with it! — Laura
The Summer 2005 recital took place on June 16 at 4 pm at the Piano Place store. Every one of the children did a wonderful job!
You may also view selected photos from the recital below.
The Fall 2006 recital took place on October 29 at 4:30 pm at the Piano Place store. The turnout was unexpectedly large (over 40 people), and as the performances began, only standing room was available.
I want to thank each and every one of you that attended and performed. You did a wonderful job, and you deserve to be congratulated for your hard work!
You may also view selected photos from the recital below.
- 1 (one) hour cancellation policy: the full rate will be charged for all lessons cancelled with less than 1 hour’s notice prior to the scheduled time.
- Students will need to arrive on time. We cannot spend extra time after the scheduled slot to make up for lost time due to tardiness. You will still be responsible for paying for the full lesson, so please be on time.
- There is a $25 fee for cancelled lessons without advance notice.
- Payments are to be made in advance for the next 4 lessons by cash or check. Make checks payable to Ligia Pop.
- The cost for the books is not included in the $99 payment for the lessons.
- A 10% late fee will be assessed for all late payments.
- The first lesson is free (only one per family, please) and there are no strings attached. Both the teacher and the student reserve the right to discontinue the lessons at any time.
- There is no need to contact the piano store to schedule appointments. They cannot do that. Please contact us directly.
In June of 2006, I got taped for a new show on HGTV called “I Want That! Tech Toys“. I was invited to demo a portable keyboard called the Yamano Hand-Roll Piano (a bit of a misnomer, since it’s not a piano, it’s a keyboard).
What makes it an interesting product is that it’s truly portable: it rolls up into a tight little package, it’s powered by batteries, and you can carry it virtually anywhere. The keys are made of rubber with touch sensors underneath, so if you spill something on it, you don’t have to worry. It’s even got a MIDI-out port, in case you’re interested in that sort of a thing.
The only thing that’s missing is the tactile feel of a real keyboard, which, I have to say, is a fairly important thing for the more serious piano or keyboard players. But this keyboard will work for children and beginners, up to a certain point. The episode in which I appear aired on HGTV in August of 2006. My husband uploaded the particular segment of the show where I am featured to YouTube, and you can view it below. You can also find more details about the taping and the Yamano keyboard on my husband’s website.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avjAXuFU55E[/video]
I recommend Sheet Music Plus to my students. They have a flat shipping charge of $2.99, and their prices are very good. They sometimes hold sales events where the prices are lowered even more. They always have their titles in stock, and they ship out right away, arriving by the promised delivery date. They sell the following types of music:
- Piano Sheet Music
- Broadway Sheet Music
- Choral Sheet Music
- Christian Sheet Music
- Christmas Sheet Music
- Music Minus One
- CD Sheet Music
- Teach Yourself to Play Music
- Music for School Teachers
- Children’s Sheet Music
- Fake Books
- Jazz Sheet Music
- Wedding Sheet Music
- Guitar Tab
- Violin Sheet Music
- Browse by Instrument
- Browse sheet music by artist : A-Z
- Sheet Music - Bestsellers!
Ligia’s first name is pronounced like this: Lee-gee-ah. (Not Lee-ghi-ah or Li-she-ah.) Ligia teaches lessons in both English and Romanian.
Ligia has gained her experience from 17 years of musical education. She started studying music when she was 6 years old. She then followed intensive courses in music theory, ear training (including note-reading and solfeggio), piano, voice, music history, choir direction, musical harmony, folk music, counterpoint and vocal interpretation. She completed her pre-conservatory training by sitting for a professional examination in the disciplines of music theory and ear training skills and music history, followed by a baccalaureate examination.
Ligia attended the College of Music at “Ovidius” University in Constanta, Romania. Her major was Music and Vocal Interpretation of Music, and she sang as a Soprano and Coloratura Soprano. In 2004, she successfully completed an official licensure examination that consisted of research work and vocal interpretation and she obtained a degree at the Arts Conservatory in Music and Vocal Interpretation.
Meanwhile Ligia was also part of her church’s children’s choir and kindergarten teacher. Her joyful enthusiasm for singing was rewarded by the success of concerts she held 2 to 3 times each month. From the age of 4 to the age of 17, she was a member of the same choir of 30 children, which she then had the wonderful opportunity to direct just two years after graduating from it.
In 1995 she started to teach children how to play piano, and she has continued to teach in the United States as well. She has been a piano teacher in North Bethesda, MD since 2005, and she has taught over 130 students here in the United States. She is known for her patience and love of working with children and adults of all ages. Her combined and varied experiences and education have proven to be a real help when teaching piano. Here’s what Ligia’s students say about her.
Ligia has published a book in June of 2007. It’s a new way to teach children piano, using methods she has found to yield the greatest results through her experience. The book was published in Romanian, and it’s called “Pasi in Lumea Muzicii”, which means “Steps in the World of Music”. Here is a screenshot of the book cover:
To learn more about Ligia’s education, experience and musical activities, you may download her CV.
Please use the form below to reach us by email, or contact us by phone at (301) 326-5655.
We’d like to ask for your courtesy when you call. If we don’t answer your call, please leave a message. Do not call repeatedly. We may be in the middle of a lesson and not able to respond. You can also find us in the Verizon Yellow Pages under the Music section, page 1007.
Thank you!
Would you like to give someone you know the gift of music? Why give someone the same old birthday gift? Give them something different, something they’ll enjoy, something that will stay with them!
I offer gift certificates for two, three or four piano lessons, without expiration dates. They best thing is that they’re transferable! Use a lesson, and if it’s not for you, pass it along to a friend who might be interested. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Here is a Sample Gift Certificate. The price list is as follows:
- 2 Piano Lessons: $50
- 3 Piano Lessons: $75
- 4 Piano Lessons: $99
To purchase the certificates, call me or email me, indicating which one you’d like to get. Make sure to include your first and last name, and the first and last name of the person receiving the gift. I will personalize each certificate with this information. Once I receive payment (I prefer a check), I will email you the certificate by email.
Here are some actual testimonials from Ligia’s piano students:
“Dear Ligia, when I first contacted you about piano lessons for my daughter, Claudia, who is just 3 yrs old, I thought I would get dismissed right away because of her age. Instead, you kindly offered her a free lesson and went over the main points of the class appropriate for her age. I felt comfortable knowing that you have experience with kids her age, as well as with adult students; that means your expectations of her music development are high, which is very important to me. I wanted a fun environment for her piano class and, at the same time, a mentor with patience for teaching such a complex and amazing instrument as the piano. Thanks for all your patience and kindness!” — Nicole & Claudia (3 yrs)
The same person, one year later:”We are very happy with the progress our 4-year old daughter has made during the past year, learning the fundamentals of playing the piano from Ligia. Ligia is the most patient piano teacher in the world and knows how to approach an energetic toddler. Ligia teaches our daughter music theory, playing songs and knows how to capture her interest at every single class. We feel very fortunate to have such talented teacher for our child.” — Nicole
Dear Ligia, your patience, kindness, musical talent and expertise made my experience learning to play the piano enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you for encouraging me to continue onwards with my piano journey. You’ve been wonderful. — Melanie W.
“Ligia is a knowledgeable and patient instructor. She helped me to improve my playing, and also taught me about music theory. I enjoyed working with her very much!” — Alison H.
“I would recommend Ligia to anyone who is looking for a patient and creative music teacher! She is able to recognize my strengths and weaknesses - weekly - and adjust her lesson to accommodate my speed. This helps me enjoy each week of learning the piano and maintain my interest in becoming a better piano player.” — Jenny W.
“Ligia, I find that Lauren (12 years old) was excited to take lessons from you as well as looked forward to each week’s lesson. You make lessons challenging and rewarding and discipline her when needed. She also had great fun with memorizing her notes. Thanks!” — Lynda
“I’ve been taking piano lessons with Ligia since 2005 and I’m very pleased with the results. I began studying piano at a music store after I turned 45 to fulfill a desire to play piano I have had since I was a kid. I took lessons over two years with two different piano teachers but I got to a point where I felt that I was not making progress so I stopped. A couple of years later I decided to start again but I didn’t want to repeat the experience so I looked for some time until I found Ligia. I’ve been very pleased with her lessons because she challenges me but at the same time she is able to identify the problems I have and assign specific exercises to help me improve until I am able to “solve the problem”. She identifies scores of pieces I like, adapted to a level I can play and enjoy. I can play some pieces now that I had tried before for sometime without making much progress. On top of that, she is always happy so the lessons are fun.” — Sergio Ardila
“How many parents can claim that their kids literally cheer when it’s time to go to piano lessons? Ligia makes learning the piano so much fun that my 2 boys (only 5 and 7) compete for who can practice first! Kids readily respond to Ligia and are eager to spend time with her.” — Nandy W.
“I want to thank you for your kind, patient, and encouraging, yet firm approach to teaching piano. Even though I’ve always wanted to learn to play, I was tentative about pursuing piano as an adult (with limited musical abilities). Your approach has built my confidence, as I progress with each lesson. I also appreciate your understanding that, as an adult, I work and am not always great about practicing as often as I should. You know the demands of an adult student. I’m glad I found you. I’ve enjoyed each lesson and look forward to the next.” — Michelle F.
“My 5-year old daughter always has so much fun with Ligia, who makes learning about music truly enjoyable.” — Su
“My girls really enjoy the lessons with you. They both think that these lessons are fun and they especially enjoy the crafts. I can see the progress in both of them, and especially Julia simply because she is older and plays other instruments. Julia loves to practice and never needs reminders. She would go to the piano several times a day and practice for a few minutes here and there. The music that you select is fun and appropriate. Julia enjoys playing pieces that are both classical and contemporary and we, as parents, enjoy her playing because we can recognize the melody. I think playing music has a positive effect in all areas including academics and sports. It is also wonderful for the kids’ self-esteem once they master new skills. I also noticed that since Julia started playing piano, her violin practice took a quantum leap for the better as well. It is great to have a teacher who is so enthusiastic and warm as you are. Thank you!” — Lola
“Ligia makes piano lessons a ton of fun! She is very patient and because of it she takes the stress out of learning to play piano. I have seen a huge increase in my piano skills over the past year with her!” — Hannah
“My piano lessons are what she says they’ll be…FUN! I have a great time with Ligia and learning how to play piano. She has taken this uncoordinated wannabe and gotten her starting to actually read music. Thanks Ligia!” — A.
“Bilge loves Ligia and her piano classes. Every time he goes to class, he loves it and has a lot of fun. We appreciate Ligia’s patience and dedication. Thank you so much Ligia!” — Arzu Demirkapi, MD
“I like to thanks you for all your kindness with my kids. They improve a lot with your help and we enjoy having you as their teacher. Thank you.” — J.
“Dear Ligia, thank you for teaching my daughter (5) the basics in piano. Your kindess, patience and knowledge brought her joy in playing. We would recomend you to everyone! ” — Stephanie
We vary our teaching method based on the needs of the student, though we normally use methods such as Alfred, Faber, Bastien, Schaum, Janet Vogt & Leon Bates, Hal Leonard, and Thompson. We teach classical music and many other different styles of music, including jazz, blues, rock and roll and pop.
We will take students as young as 3 years old, but not younger, and there is no upper limit… Ligia’s oldest student is 84 years old. We teach children 3 years old or older only if the child is READY for lessons and able to pay attention to the concepts taught. This of course depends on each child and we can decide after the first trial lesson. If your daughter or son is a child who easily interacts with other children, and if she or he is not very shy, they are probably ready.
For our younger students, we normally use the Alfred method - Music for Little Mozarts which is our favorite, combined with our favorite exercises, crafts and games, to create an attractive and fun lesson format. Please realize that at younger ages, students cannot learn to play the piano immediately, and certain introductory/preparatory phases have to take place first. We usually divide the lesson into time periods, each with their own activity - this helps the younger children stay focused and motivated.
We don’t believe in the slow, stagnant teaching that will have you playing the same tired exercises and staying at the same level for months on end. We will sit down with you and identify your goals, then set a lesson plan to match those goals and challenge you to visibly improve your piano playing.
This does not mean that we will exhaust you. Our lessons combine a friendly, approachable manner with an involved, caring attitude. We have been told that we have a lot of patience, and that we really take the time to teach the students the basics of piano playing. We do this in order to lay a solid foundation upon which you can build. Our teaching speed will be consistent with your ability to absorb and master new material.
The scheduling of the lessons is flexible, and can be arranged depending on your availability and ours. The busiest spots are usually late afternoons. We teach piano lessons only during the following hours:
- Monday thru Thursday: 10:30 am - 7 pm
- Friday: 10:30 am - 7 pm or 1 hour before sunset, whichever is earlier
- Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Contact us to verify availability for a specific time.
* There is no need to contact the piano store to schedule appointments. They cannot do that. Please contact us directly.
We hold recitals twice a year and our next recital will be hold on May, 2008 at the Piano Place store.
We encourage our students to prepare for these events during the year, and we can help them choose and study certain pieces suited to their playing level.
Parents, relatives and friends are very welcome.
You are invited to contact us for more information and ask to be kept informed of the recital schedule.
I teach piano in a professional studio equipped with Yamaha pianos. The studio is located inside the Piano Place, Inc. store, which is on Rockville Pike, across the street from the White Flint Mall in the same plaza with The Big Screen store.
The studio’s address is: 11132-A Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Click here for a Google map of the studio location.
The lessons cost just $99 for four (4) half-hour sessions, which can be scheduled flexibly, such as every week or every two weeks, etc.
You aren’t tied into any long-term arrangements. You simply pay in advance for the next four lessons. If you aren’t satisfied with the lessons, let us know and we will refund any unused balance on your account. Some of our students are businessmen who travel quite a lot, and they tell me that they appreciate very much that we don’t charge them if they need to skip lessons because they need to travel on short notice. In other words, if you pay for four lessons, you get four lessons, even if you don’t manage to get them all done in the span of a month. As long as you notify us in advance of missing a lesson, there is no charge. We understand this is not common practice. You may also want to consult our studio policies for clarification.
| Your first lesson is FREE! You have nothing to lose, so schedule a 1st appointment, then decide. |
Different lesson and payment plans are also available. The following are examples of what’s possible, but you are not limited to these:
- 4 (four) 35-minute lessons: $115.50
- 4 (four) 40-minute lessons: $132
- 4 (four) 45-minute lessons: $150
Contact us to make special arrangements such as longer or more frequent lessons. Regardless of the frequency or duration of the lessons, each student will need to practice at home, almost every day, for at least 5-15 minutes in order to show progress.
I find that the parents who bring their children for lessons twice a week notice an accelerated progress, and it’s simply because their children get exposed to music twice as much, during structured, pre-scheduled lessons.
Sign up today. Email us to schedule your first FREE appointment (one per family).
General Information
| To watch Ligia Pop’s appearance on TV, click here. |
Founded and owned by Ligia Pop, the Fun Piano Lessons studio offers beginner and intermediate level private and group piano lessons in the Washington DC area, including Maryland and Virginia.
Ligia Pop’s experience and education - gained from 17 years of musical training - will benefit your piano training in ways that you will start to notice right from the first lesson!
We don’t believe in the slow, stagnant teaching that will have you playing the same tired exercises and staying at the same level for months on end. We will sit down with you and identify your goals, then set a lesson plan to match those goals and challenge you to visibly improve your piano playing.
| Your first lesson is FREE! You have nothing to lose, so schedule a 1st appointment, then decide! |
This does not mean that we will exhaust you. Our lessons combine a friendly, approachable manner with an involved, caring attitude. We have been told that we have a lot of patience, and that we really take the time to teach the students the basics of piano playing. We do this in order to lay a solid foundation upon which you can build. Our teaching speed will be consistent with your ability to absorb the new materials.
For more information about our piano lessons, click on any of the following topics:
Fun Music Camps
We are offering Music Camps this summer for children of ages 5-12. They’re meant to be a primer to music classes, and they will be fun and full of games and activities. They will teach children about musical terms and notation, beats and rhythms. Click here to obtain more information about them.