Group Piano Classes in Monrovia
Perform. Create. Collaborate
Small-group classes featuring collaborative playing, improvisation,
rhythm, performance, and creative musicianship.
🍂 Now Enrolling: Fall 2026 Performance Labs
6-week small-group classes for pre-teens, teens, and adults beginning in September.
Space is limited to 3–6 students per class.
Why Group Piano?
Making music with others is one of the most rewarding and motivating ways to learn. While private lessons build important individual skills, group classes give students the opportunity to apply those skills in a collaborative setting.
Students learn to listen, respond, communicate, and create music together. They develop musicianship that simply can’t be replicated through solo practice alone. Whether accompanying another student, improvising over a groove, or performing for peers, group music-making builds confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of music.
Unlike many traditional group piano programs, our classes emphasize active participation rather than worksheets or lecture-based instruction. Every class is designed to get students playing, listening, collaborating, and making music together from the very beginning.
What Students Explore
Each class is different, but students may explore:
- Ensemble playing and musical collaboration
- Improvisation and creative music-making
- Rhythm, groove, and body percussion
- Chord playing
- Ear training and active listening
- Musical games and interactive activities
- Blues, jazz, pop, and other contemporary styles
Activities are adapted to each group’s age, experience level, and musical interests, creating an engaging environment where students learn from both the instructor and one another.
Innovation Performance Lab
Innovation Performance Lab is our 6-8 week small-group piano program designed for students who want to go beyond practicing pieces at home. Each group is intentionally small and may include between 3-6 students.
Each session may include:
- collaborative ensemble playing
- improvisation activities
- pop and jazz chord playing
- rhythm games
- creative composition
- listening exercises
- performance coaching
- guided feedback
Groups are organized by age and experience, with offerings for:
- Pre-Teen: Ages 8-12
- Teen/Young Adult: 13-18
- Adult: 18+
Fall 2026 Performance Lab
Now Enrolling • Limited to 6 Students
Join a fun, collaborative 6-week group class where students build confidence, creativity,
and performance skills through ensemble playing, improvisation, rhythm, and guided feedback.
Pre-Teen Group – Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Teen/Young Adult – Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Adult Group – Thursdays, 1:00-2:00pm
Final class day and time will be selected based on student availability.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Throughout the year, Innovation Music Studio also offers specialty workshops and masterclasses designed to explore specific musical topics in greater depth. These events may feature guest artists, collaborative performances, or focused instruction on subjects such as:
- Jazz improvisation
- Blues piano
- Performance preparation
- Accompanying singers
- Rhythm section playing
- Composition and songwriting
- Creative musicianship
Who’s it For?
Our group classes are designed for students who want to grow as musicians while learning in a supportive, collaborative environment. Whether you’re just beginning to explore creative playing or have years of experience, each class is tailored to the ages and abilities of the participants.
They are a great fit for:
- Students looking to build confidence performing in front of others.
- Pianists interested in improvisation, playing by ear, and creating music.
- Teens and adults who want to play with others in a relaxed, encouraging setting.
- Current private lesson students looking for additional performance and collaborative opportunities.
- New students interested in trying a group learning experience before or alongside private lessons.
Dr. Dhiren Panikker (he/him) is a Los Angeles–based pianist, scholar, and educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. As co-owner of Innovation Music Studio®, Dhiren teaches private lessons in piano, composition, and improvisation for adults and teens. His teaching approach is both structured and flexible, emphasizing a strong musical foundation while encouraging creativity and personal expression. While specializing in jazz and pop piano, Dhiren draws from a wide range of musical styles aligned with each student’s interests.
Learn more about Dr. Dhiren Panikker’s background, teaching philosophy, and qualifications.
FAQs
Do I need previous piano experience?
Most groups are designed for students with at least a basic foundation on the piano, though experience requirements vary depending on the class. We’ll help place you in the group that’s the best fit.
Do I need to know how to read music?
Not necessarily. While reading music can be helpful, many activities also emphasize playing by ear, improvisation, rhythm, and creativity.
How many students are in each group?
Performance Lab classes are intentionally small, typically 3–6 students, allowing everyone to actively participate, receive individualized coaching, and collaborate with one another.
What happens during a typical class?
Each session is a mix of collaborative music-making, creative exercises, performance opportunities, listening, and guided feedback. Activities may include rhythm games, improvisation, ensemble playing, chord-based accompaniment, and sharing individual pieces.
Are these classes only for current private lesson students?
No! Many students participate alongside private lessons, but new students are welcome as well.
How are students grouped?
Groups are formed based on age, experience level, and musical interests whenever possible to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
How often are classes offered?
Performance Lab classes, workshops, and masterclasses are offered throughout the year. Offerings vary by season based on student interest and scheduling.
What if I’m nervous about performing?
That’s completely normal! Our classes are designed to create a positive, encouraging atmosphere where students can gradually build confidence. Performance is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a competition, and students are supported every step of the way.
Get Started
For more information on other lesson offerings or too book a free 15 minute consultation, click the link below!
