Jordan McCraeYou know that feeling when you’re listening to a song and you think, “Man, I wish I could play that on the piano?” I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s not an easy instrument to learn.
When I first attempted to learn piano, I picked up a keyboard from a thrift shop. For weeks, I spent hours trying to follow lessons on YouTube but felt like a musical failure.
It wasn’t until I took an actual piano lesson that I noticed the difference. Turns out, a good teacher with knowledge and experience can make all the difference in helping you become an actual musician.
That’s why I decided to help others avoid the same fate I had when I started.
So, I teamed up with the rest of the Auckland Magazine crew to check the best piano lessons in the city.
Trust us—after these lessons, your piano won’t be collecting dust.
How much does it cost to take a piano lesson in Auckland?
A piano lesson in Auckland costs at least 20 NZD per hour.
The actual lesson cost will depend on the length of the lesson and the teacher’s hourly rate.
1. Eliette’s Music Academy
Address: 6 Tarndale Grove, Rosedale
Contact Details:+64 210 676 333
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Eliette’s Music Academy (EMA) uses the Simply Music Piano approach. This method is about getting you to play real music right away, so you don’t have to spend months learning to read sheet music.
The fact that you learn to play real music by ear is a huge motivator. A lot of the students we talked to were even surprised at how quickly they were able to learn.
Besides that, EMA caters to everyone, from little kids to adults. They also have tons of experience working with different learning styles to fit any level.
Plus, they have nine studio rooms that are acoustically treated to ensure the best sound quality—perfect for helping students train their musical ears.
Additionally, the studios are a nice distraction-free place where students can focus on their lessons and receive ongoing encouragement from their teachers.
And they’re super flexible with their lessons too. They offer private lessons, group lessons, and even online lessons.
However, some students did wish the rates were a bit more affordable.
Organized and lovely staff
“So impressed with Eliette’s music academy. My daughter is loving the piano classes 😍 so organised and lovely staff and great programme.”
–Brigid Furness, Google Reviews
Skilled and professional tutors
“Absolute 5 star music school, for students of any age, the tutors here are professional and skilled in music while also being great tutors who develop creative and positive relationships with their students. I know because I have been a piano student there at 54 years old, and my 15 year old son learns drums and he just loves it.”
–Andrew Smit, Google Reviews
2. Affordable Piano School
Address: Butterworth Drive, Glendene
Contact Details: +64 22 010 9068
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Affordable Piano School truly lives up to its name by offering budget-friendly piano lessons.
Maestra Maria is a fantastic teacher with a passion for music that’s evident in every lesson. She makes learning fun and engaging while also being incredibly patient and supportive.
She’s a natural with children, helping them blossom and develop their love for music. In fact, many parents have shared that their children’s confidence and musical abilities have grown significantly under her guidance.
But that’s not all. Affordable Piano School also offers flexibility in their lessons, providing both in-person and online options through Zoom.
The only drawback is that the booking process is a bit inconvenient. To book a lesson, you’ll need to call her directly and arrange things instead of just clicking a few things on a website.
Talented and inspiring piano instructor
“Maria is a brilliant artist/pianist and her passion for music really shines through in her teaching. As an adult beginner Maria has really uplifted my love for music and she has helped me improve my skills on many levels beyond just pressing the right key. Highly recommend Maria to anyone looking for a piano teacher
Ting”
–T K, Google Reviews
Professional and great teachers with affordable lessons
“Maria has been my sons Piano teacher for about 4 years, through intermediate and high school years. During this time, she fostered a love of music and Piano playing in my son and he always really looked forward to his weekly lesson. Maria works with her students families to make lessons affordable and at a time that works for busy people. She is professional and a great teacher and I would reccomend her to families with children, and adult learners alike. She is passionate about music and sharing her love of music with her students. Thanks Maria, for setting my son up with an appreciation of a musical art form!”
–Trudi Oakley, Google Reviews
3. Modern Music Learning
Address: 2 Sanders Avenue, Takapuna
Contact Details: +64 21 407 986
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Modern Music Learning offers piano lessons for kids (and adults!). They cover blues, rock, jazz, and more—perfect for anyone who wants to be exposed to a variety of music.
All of their music lessons are in person. This makes it easier for students to connect with teachers and get specific feedback on their piano playing.
Plus, Modern Music Learning offers a bespoke student portal that allows learners to further their learning at home. The portal is a great way to review lessons, practice exercises, and track progress.
However, one area for improvement is communication. At times, it can be challenging to get in touch with the teachers or office staff to schedule lessons or ask questions.
Teaching style is a good balance between traditional and modern music
“Using a mixture of keyboard, online and hard copy material, Pete keeps our daughter interested and enthusiastic about music whilst teaching her the core basics of piano. Pete’s teaching style is a good balance between traditional and modern music. Pete is always polite, punctual and friendly and has a very calm, patient and friendly temperament which is important especially for teaching children. I would highly recommend Pete as a teacher to anyone considering getting their children (or adults alike) into music.”
-Chantel Coy, Google Reviews
Fosters a strong connection with the students
“I do recommend the modern music school, their communication and guidance is fantastic. My son is doing piano with the tutor Selina, she is the best. She managed to form a strong connection with my son and developed his willingness to learn and grow his music abilities.
Best place to go to.”
–Sarah Guirges, Google Reviews
4. Katherine’s Piano Studio
Address: 28 School Road, Kingsland
Contact Details: +64 21 174 5161
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 7:30 PM
Katerina’s Piano Studio offers piano lessons for all ages. They use the Simply Music program to help students quickly learn to play music they enjoy.
They emphasize learning by ear and understanding musical concepts rather than solely relying on traditional sheet music reading. This approach allows many students to play songs from the very first lesson.
You can also choose from 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute lessons. All these lessons focus on classical training, such as note reading, theory, technique, and ear training.
However, some students felt that the longer lessons could be made more challenging by placing more emphasis on improvisation.
Despite this, the convenience of different lesson durations is a huge plus for many, making it easy to find something that fits their schedule.
Remarkable talent for breaking down complex concepts
“Katherine is a fantastic piano teacher who really knows how to motivate young learners. Her blend of professionalism and warmth makes lessons enjoyable and keeps kids excited about music. She has a remarkable talent for breaking down complex concepts into something manageable and fun. We’ve seen significant improvement in my son’s skills, and he always leaves his lessons with a big smile on his face. We highly recommend her!”
–Yu Carol, Google Reviews
Always keeps the lessons interesting
“Katherine is an excellent piano teacher! Our son has had lessons with Katherine for over a year. She always makes lessons fun and enjoyable, is kind and patient and always keeps the lessons interesting. I’ve loved watching our son learn the piano with Katherine so much so that I’m now taking lessons with her too!”
–Jenny Campbell, Google Reviews
5. Blockhouse Bay School of Music
Address: 507-509 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay
Contact Details: +64 9 213 3377
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 3 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
Blockhouse Bay School of Music (BHBSM) is where you go for a focus on performance. They offer weekly classes where you can perform in front of your peers and receive feedback from the teacher.
Many found that the weekly performances really pushed them out of their comfort zone and helped them grow as musicians. Aside from this, they offer a variety of recitals and concerts throughout the year.
BHBSM’s curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge and practical application. Many students learn about music theory, including harmony, counterpoint, and analysis. Plus, they receive instruction in ear training, sight-reading, and improvisation.
We also love that they occasionally invite guest artists and music professors to lead classes, which offers students unique learning opportunities.
Our only minor critique is that some students felt that the group classes could be too crowded. Because of this, individual attention could be more personalized.
Excellent teachers who are at the top levels in New Zealand
“Wonderful place to learn piano, violin, woodwinds and singing. And a perfect place to do recording, videoing and a small concert. They have excellent teachers who are the top levels in New Zealand for sure.”
–Victor Zhu, Google Reviews
Very kind teachers
“The new school, teachers are very kind. The children like studying here very much.”
–Zhuang Tutu, Google Reviews
