Music/Piano Division
Ages 5–18
At St. Louis Ballet School, we believe that a strong connection to music enriches every dancer’s experience—and every student’s life. Our Music Division offers private instruction in piano and flute, open to students of all ages and levels, whether or not they are enrolled in dance classes.
Learning to play an instrument strengthens rhythm, musicality, focus, and confidence—skills that enhance dance training and carry into all areas of life. Whether a student is exploring music for the first time or continuing their journey, our experienced instructors tailor lessons to support individual growth and enjoyment.
As School Director Gen Horiuchi shares:
"I took piano lessons for many years beginning at a young age and still enjoy playing casually. Obviously, as a dancer and a choreographer the skill of counting rhythms and understanding music has really helped me. However, even in my everyday life I have a great appreciation for classical music and rhythms and am so grateful for having learned how to play an instrument. I am so proud that we are able to offer this music program and love hearing our students make music at St. Louis Ballet School."
Classes
Piano: 30 minute private lessons once weekly
Flute: 30 Minute private lessons once weekly
Register Today!
Click here to begin completing a registration form.
Currently enrolled families should login to the Parent Portal
Save time logging in and download the SLBS App
Calendar
2024-2025: Last day of classes June 14
2025-2026: Aug 11–June 13; The full year term consists of two semeters to complete a 44 week program.
-
Semester I: August 11–January 10
-
Semeter II: January 12–June 13
New registrations welcome all year if class openings are available.
Materials
An upright piano is equipped in the Music Rooms at Saint Louis Ballet School. Students should have a keyboard or piano available to them at home for practice and homework. Music instruction books based on your level must be purchased by the student and will be determined by your instructor.
Faculty
MUSIC/PIANO INSTRUCTOR
Julia Smith
Mrs. Julia Smith graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in Moscow Russia where she earned a Doctorate and a Bachelor's degree of Music, both with Highest Honors. Julia has taught music, piano and flute for over 20 years from the basic beginner to the most advanced of performers. Julia has performed hundreds of concerts with the top orchestras in Russia, including as soloist for the State Symphony Orchestra, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, Music Theater of Opera and Ballet Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko. Julia has worked under many famous conductors, including Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Valery Polyansky and Vladimir Fedoseev. Julia has performed at the Bolshoi Theater, Carnegie Hall, State Kremlin Palace and major venues around the world including Russia, USA, Germany, England, Ireland, Finland, Italy, Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Tuition
30 Minute Music Class in Piano/Flute:
$35 per class paid monthly
45 Minute Music Class in Piano/Violin/Flute:
$52.50 per class paid monthly
60 Minute Music Class in Piano/Violin/Flute:
$70 per class paid monthly
*Books not included, students should have keyboard or piano at home for practicing, violins not included but can be rented (ask for information regarding rentals)
-
Enrollment is ongoing, and tuition is prorated based on the week your child begins class.
-
Tuition is non-refundable or non-transferrable. If you need to withdraw from your currently enrolled term, we requiire a 30 day notice; please email school@stlouisballet.org for assistance.
-
Late fees are assessed if more than 7 days overdue.
-
Music students must call 36 hours in advance if they cannot make their scheduled private lesson time and must commit to their scheduled weekly lesson time for the term of the school year. Music students are allowed only 2 unexcused absences from private lessons. Make up classes for music must be coordinated with the office to check availability of your instructor.