About St. George Piano Academy

St. George Piano Academy is located in beautiful St. George, Utah.

Whether your child is a total beginner or an advancing player, our studio offers a unique Small Group Format that combines the focus of private instruction with the energy of collaborative music-making.

How It Works

We believe piano should be social, structured, and fun. Our students follow a monthly rhythm that ensures they master their repertoire while building strong foundations in music theory.

Weeks 1 & 3: The Rotation Weeks

Students rotate through three 20-minute “learning centers” to keep their minds fresh and engaged:

• Center 1: Personalized Instruction. One-on-one time with me to work on new concepts and individual pieces.
• Center 2: Theory Discovery. Independent work on music reading, rhythm, and composition.
• Center 3: Tech & Practice. Students use a digital piano to refine their technique and perfect their songs using headphones.

Week 2: The Ensemble Experience

This week is all about the power of playing together!

• Ensemble Work (30 mins): Students learn to play 3-part piano arrangements, developing critical listening and rhythm skills.
  Group Theory & Games (30 mins): We turn music history and note-reading into a social experience through interactive games.

Week 4: The Performance Sprint

A fast-paced session designed to polish the month’s goals:

• Quick Rotations (30 mins): 10-minute bursts at each center for a final check-in and tune-up.
• Theory Lab (30 mins): A final group wrap-up to solidify the month’s theory concepts.

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Why Choose This Format?

• Balanced Learning: Your child gets private attention and social interaction.
• Peer Motivation: Students progress faster when they see their peers succeeding alongside them.
• Ensemble Skills: Learning to play with others is a vital musical skill that traditional private lessons often miss.

About Ms. Juli

Juli Picklesimer’s musical journey began at age five in the studio of her mother, renowned piano teacher and composer, Ann Buys. At age 16 she began teaching in her mother’s studio. Upon moving to Arizona and branching out on her own, Juli developed an innovative group lesson model that blends individualized instruction with collaborative theory and ensemble work. After years of teaching and managing a successful private studio, she took a hiatus to raise her six children in St. George.

Music has remained a cornerstone of Juli’s life through her service as a church organist and choir director. In 2021, she launched Piano Prep Academy, an online program for early learners. Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Juli is now thrilled to return to in-person instruction, bringing her signature blend of structure, discipline, and joy to her new St. George studio. When not at the piano, Juli enjoys running, reading, time with her family, or enjoying a well-earned Diet Dr. Pepper.