The Peterson Studio


The Peterson Studio
Maria Peterson, Owner/Director/Instructor
2 Brinkerhoff Avenue
Highland, New York 12528
845-706-2575 (cell)

The Peterson Studio first opened its doors in the Fall of 1990.  It has seen many changes over the years and has now found a permanent home in a studio at the Peterson residence.  The studio is conveniently located within walking distance to town, shops, and the public library.   It is equipped with a Steinway Grand Piano, a Samick acoustic piano, eight full Yamaha keyboards, and several student loaner keyboards.  The Studio is also equipped with Ipads and several computer software programs aimed at teaching ear training, keyboard harmony, theory and composition.

The Studio offers private lessons for adults and young children, advanced private lessons, private lessons with practice time for ages 2nd grade and up, and group classes for all ages and levels as well as lessons in Early Childhood Music and Recreational Music Making for Adults and Sr. Citizens.

Maria Peterson, Director of the Studio, has studied at New York University and SUNY New Paltz and holds a B.S. in Music Performance as well as Music History and Literature.  She has been teaching both private and group classes since 1982 and is a life-long performer.  She has served on the faculty of the Dutchess Community College School of Music and offers internships to piano majors at SUNY New Paltz.    In addition, she has served as the Music Director of the First United Methodist Church in Highland and is the co-founder and Director of the Highland Visual and Performing Arts Institute.  She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the New York State Music Teachers Association, the National Guild of Piano Teachers and a participant of the New York State School Music Association.

Her philosophy is simple.  She believes that everyone, despite age, ability or purpose is capable of learning to play the piano and deserves a complete musical education including technique, theory and history.  Her goal is to develop her students to a point where they can be independent life-long learners and enthusiasts of music.


ANNUAL PIANO RECITAL

The Recital will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Chapel at the Mount Academy in Esopus.  Learning to perform is an integral part of learning an instrument.  All students are encouraged to participate, however, it is not mandatory.  The recital is free and open to the public.


SUMMER PIANO SESSION

The Peterson Studio offers a seven week session throughout the summer.  A minimum of two lessons per summer is required for continuity in practice and to hold open your spot for Fall.   Schedules are posted in the Spring.  Group class is 1 hour and Private Class is 1/2  hour. 


HUDSON-CATSKILL MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION PIANO AUDITIONS FESTIVAL

This annual festival will occurs November 8-10 at SUNY New Paltz.  Students can enter either in the Competitive or Evaluative categories.  Students prepare three pieces of music along with scales.   Winners in the Competitive Category are eligible for monetary prizes and participation in the Honors Recital that takes place the same weekend.  For more information, contact the studio.  


MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP CLASS 

This one hour class explores all aspects of music, including rhythm, note reading, ear training, keyboard harmony, sight singing, history, composition and ensemble playing in a relaxed, game-based group setting.  Perfect for the home-schooled student who has flexibility in their schedule and a desire to enhance special-area content. 



WUNDERKEYS PRESCHOOL PIANO PROGRAM

The Peterson Studio proudly offers the WunderKeys Piano for Preschool program. WunderKeys was developed to provide one-on-one piano lessons to children ages 3-4, and combines beginning piano skills with a foundation in math; creating connections that facilitate mathematical understanding in the future and a love of the arts!  Please call the studio to sign up!  


TESTIMONIALS:


LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PETERSON STUDIO!


"Maria has an amazing reputation and is highly skilled in instructional piano.  She is one in a million."...Alison G.


"I wasn't sure my children would be interested in lessons, however, it turns out that they love going!  I'm so happy we found The Peterson Studio!"...Assunta N.


"I wondered if my daughter would stick with piano lessons and like it or if she would be deterred from music, however, at The Peterson Studio, everyone is encouraging and loving.  My daughter has grown so much from her two years of lessons.".....Robin S.


"We chose The Peterson Studio first because of proximity to our home, but once we started talking to friends, it came highly recommended by everyone."....Danielle B.


"As a 6 year old , our son needs to work with a teacher who is interested in teaching young students.  The Peterson Studio welcomes students of all ages and has a robust youth program.  The trial lesson was a great, no-pressure way for me to get a feel for how he would do at the Studio.".....Jackie G.


"I wondered if my kids would have a hard time learning and give up, but they love working with Miss Maria and she makes it fun and easy yet pushes them to learn.".....Dan M.