Hi, My son Chris was a student of Michelle's for 4 years. We moved to Michelle's studio after Chris had been dealing wth another teacher in Alexandria. Although the other teacher was very positive in her approach, I didn't find her methods particularly rigorous, nor did I find her business sense particularly good. Both of my concerns became a non issue when we moved Chris to MEA Piano studio. I am by no means a professional musician, but I am a teacher and I played flute through college. I know when I see good musician and when I see a good teacher. Michelle is a very good, very thorough instructor who understands both how to play and how to teach music. Chris progressed quickly under Michelle in the study of piano and also understanding music more generally speaking. She has a no nonsense approach. She is never unkind, but Chris always understood there were expectations. Michelle worked on both playing ability and understanding music theory. Chris was doing full hour lessons starting at age 9 and was making the most of them. As a business woman, Michelle was easy to deal with. Her lessons began and ended on time and there was never a shortage of communication. Bills and pricing were equally clear and easily managed.

My daughter took lessons from Michelle for one year, and had she wanted to stick with piano I absolutely would have stayed with Michelle. She was very friendly with my daughter, was genuinely interested in topics outside of piano (school, etc.) but most importantly her method of teaching piano worked really well with her. There are multiple opportunities for performances throughout the year, and the final recital was very well done - plenty of recognition so that even a beginner felt the accomplishment for her hard work. I would definitely recommend her.

Michelle is a superb piano - no, MUSIC - teacher. My daughter took lessons with Michelle for several years and a DECADE later remains one of the best musicians in her ensembles. Michelle's insistence that the students learn not just piano technique and musicality but music theory and memorization as well - and rewards them for doing so - speaks mountains to her abilities as a teacher and her understanding of how people learn and thrive with music. If I'd had a teacher like Michelle as a child, I bet I'd have stuck with piano much longer than I did. Michelle constantly challenged my daughter to improve, but never pushed her harder than she could handle.

Our daughter took piano lesson with Ms. Michelle for 7 years until we moved. She is a great teacher, always caring and funny when talked to the students that my daughter never wanted to miss the class. She always pointed out the areas that she had to improve and keep us posted all the time about her progress. She was always kind and sweet to all of us. If you are looking for a piano teach for your son or daughter I would recommend her in a heart beat.

Miss Michelle Ayler loves music and is passionate about what she does. She was very friendly towards her students and created a welcoming atmosphere to learn and make mistakes. She is very organized and easy to follow along with. She taught music theory well and understandable. It was taught well compared to previous teachers of ours. She also set up family friendly concerts and got her students involved with music accredited performances and certificates. Michelle developed in my daughter a lasting love and appreciation for music. My daughter continued music lessons into her senior year and currently plays piano with her youth group worship team. Well done, Miss Michelle Ayler, and thank you!