A gentle beginning in piano.
Our lessons are designed for children and teens (ages 5+) who are just beginning their musical journey, fostering curiosity and confidence.
Our philosophy
We believe music is a journey of patience and delight. At Wallflower, we follow a philosophy of calm, structured learning designed to nurture a child's natural curiosity. By prioritizing encouragement over pressure, we create a space where students feel safe to explore, express, and grow—cultivating a lifelong love for the piano, one gentle note at a time.
Technique
Strong technique allows students to play with comfort and confidence. From the beginning, lessons emphasize healthy hand shape, coordinated movement, and attentive listening so that music can flow naturally and freely at the piano.
Music literacy
Reading music is like learning a new language. Students gradually learn to recognize patterns, understand rhythm, and read notation so they can approach new pieces with independence and curiosity.
Musicianship
Musicianship is the art of listening deeply. Students develop a sensitive ear for tone, phrasing, and balance, learning to understand how music moves and breathes.
Artistry
Music is ultimately a form of expression. As students grow, they learn to shape phrases, explore dynamics, and communicate feeling through the music they play.
Meet the Founder: Arielle Summitt
Arielle created Wallflower Music Studio after studying neuroscience and music at Johns Hopkins University, where she became deeply interested in how the mind engages with sound, learning, and creativity. This perspective informs the studio’s philosophy: that music should be taught with both structure and sensitivity, allowing children to develop strong foundations while feeling supported and understood. Her lessons are designed to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to music.
We’re growing
We’re thoughtfully expanding Wallflower Music Studio and beginning to welcome additional teachers who share our calm, thoughtful approach to music education. As we grow, we’re committed to keeping lessons personal, gentle, and rooted in the same warm philosophy that families have come to love. If you are a piano instructor who resonates with this approach and would like to be part of a growing studio community, we invite you to reach out here.
How lessons work
In-studio lessons
Beginning Fall 2026, experience music in our studio on acoustic pianos, with flexible scheduling that fits naturally into your family’s routine.
Clear practice guidance
Every lesson concludes with simple, structured goals that empower students to practice with confidence and clarity between visits.
Steady musical growth
Our curriculum moves at your child's natural pace, ensuring a technical foundation and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Who lessons are for
Our lessons are designed for children and teens (ages 5+) who are just beginning their musical journey, fostering curiosity and confidence. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful environment for students of all backgrounds.
Kind words from our families
“Our son has loved working with Arielle. She is patient, kind and creative. She consistently challenges and supports him and is helping him grow in his skills.”
— jessica (mother of william, age 8)
“I'm thrilled to share that my six-year-old has been taking piano lessons with Ms. Summitt for the past five months. Under her guidance, my child's musical progress has been truly remarkable. Ms. Summitt's patient and engaging teaching style has not only nurtured his technical skills but also ignited a genuine passion for all things piano. Her ability to tailor lessons to his individual learning style is commendable. We are grateful to have such a dedicated and talented teacher guiding our child's musical journey.”
— latoya (mother of milo, age 6)
“My young son loves Arielle! She is very patient and makes piano lessons fun for him. She also involves him by having him choose a special song that is outside of the usual book lessons. I would highly recommend her.”
— preeti (mother of Kiran, age 7)
Additional feedback can be found on our Google page.