Piano
Instructors
Jon Cheney
Philip van Lidth de Jeude
Philip van Lidth de Jeude has been teaching voice and piano at CSM since July 2013 and has participated in several faculty concerts. An alumnus of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and the Ryan Opera Center in Chicago, he sang several supporting roles with its parent company, Lyric Opera of Chicago. Winning a Bronze Medal in the 1981 International Competition for Musical Performance in Geneva, Switzerland, he began a free-lance career, singing supporting and leading baritone roles in several theaters in the U.S. In August 1982, Wolf Trap Opera featured him as Ben Hubbard in a revival of Marc Blitzstein’s Regina (based on Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes). Michigan opera Theater featured him as Miecznik in the U.S. premiere of Moniuszko’s The Haunted Castle later that year. Beginning the transition to tenor in 1983, he was included in the Dictionary of International Biography, Volume XIX, in 1984 and in the International Who’s Who in Music, Tenth Edition, in 1985.
Tracy Heist
Tracy Heist graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Music degree. She was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon and was involved in Children’s Music Theater where she was director of the summer camp. Tracy was an active volunteer in the Harnett County School System, providing private piano lessons, general music instruction, and art classes to underprivileged children. She joined the CSM piano faculty in 2002 and has been teaching students from 3 – 90 years old throughout the years. Her lessons include music theory, technique, ear training, and preparation for recitals and other competitions and performance opportunities. Tracy enjoys sharing her talents with her students and her growing family, loves playing piano as a musical outlet in her own life, and endeavors to convey the love of music to all her students.
John Herrmann
John Herrmann teaches piano full time at the Cary School of Music in Cary, NC. He has been teaching there since 2005 He teaches 40 students all ages; all levels, some of whom have gone on to careers in music. In addition, he is organist and Director of Music for St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh. Mr. Herrmann has been active as organist and church musician for over 50 years . His career has brought him from the New York City /Westchester Co., NY, Greenwich, CT area to CA, FL, NJ and NC. On a choir tour to Italy in 2006 in which he served as organ accompanist, Mr. Herrmann played for the Saturday evening service at the Vatican. He has also served as the sub-dean of the Central NC Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for several years.
Robin Morace
Ana Nero
Matt Peterson
Matt Peterson is a world touring multi-instrumentalist, composer, music director and private teacher. Originally from Superior, WI, Matt grew up in a musical family with several Berklee College of Music Alum uncles and aunts. He discovered his love of music at age 10 after first hearing Jimi Hendrix and obsessively taught himself blues-rock guitar in a matter of months. Through his early teens he studied jazz guitar at the John S. Duss Memorial Music Conversatory under the instruction of Tom O’Hara. In high school he became enamored with the piano and later studied composition and counterpoint with award winning composer Tyler Kaiser at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, as well as joining the University Big Band and Jazz combos on piano under the direction of Professor Greg Kehl Moore.
After many years of performing in diverse bands/ensembles/churches and privately teaching in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, Matt moved to Durham, NC in 2011 to pursue an abundance of music opportunities on the East Coast. He quickly established himself as a trusted live and recording instrumentalist for artists such as Molly Sarle, FREEMAN (Gene Ween of WEEN), Grandma Sparrow, and Paperhand Puppet Show among others.
Matt has spent the last 3 years touring full-time as guitarist/keyboardist/music director for the artists Hurray for the Riff Raff (Nonesuch Records) and Anjimile (4AD), which brought fulfilling opportunities to play for many thousands internationally in venues and festivals such as Newport Folk Fest, Bonnaroo, Prima Vera Sound, Pitchfork, and NOLA Jazz Fest among others. He’s also had the privilege of playing with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band on several occasions and made a musical appearance on Late Night With Stephen Colbert in 2022.
Matt enjoys teaching students from all walks of life and skill levels, always preferring to meet students “where they’re at.” On both guitar and piano, his stylistic and technical experience spans rock, classical, folk, jazz, gospel, experimental new music and everything in between. His primary goal as an instructor is to get to the heart of which songs, artists, styles, and techniques will best keep students engaged, inspired, focused and excited for every lesson.
Stephanie Schmidt
Nadya Stratton
Medy Toumadjanov
Medy Toumadjanov, Piano
B.A. in Piano Tbilisi Music College
B.M. in Piano Tbilisi State Consevatory
Nathanael "Natty" Traywick
Tanya Volkov
Yan Westerlund
Yan Westerlund hails from Eau Claire, WI, where he started studying drums and piano at the age of eight years old. He picked up alto saxophone in middle school, joining the concert and jazz bands while also teaching himself to play guitar. By 7th grade, Yan began composing original music for his own bands to perform as well as covering songs ranging from those of Steppenwolf, RUN DMC, and the iconic Mortal Combat theme song. Yan quickly took a liking to performing at school talent shows, fundraisers, graduation parties, YMCA lock-ins and Battle of the Bands competitions. He eventually joined his high school jazz band playing drums, with whom he performed on Lincoln Center Stage in NYC for the renowned Essential Ellington Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. That experience, as well as other jazz band performances backing legends like Clark Terry, Seneca Black, and Randy Sabien inspired Yan to continue to pursue music at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. There, he studied percussion, drum set and piano with professors Dave Schmalenberger, Ryan Frane, Gene Koshinski, Charles Brooks and Nickolai Zielinski. Yan continued to have opportunities backing acclaimed jazz artists like Billy Taylor, Joey Defrancesco, Robin Eubanks, Greg Abate, and SO Percussion through the UMD music department.
In 2009, Yan relocated to Durham, NC, with his long-time band, Canine Heart Sounds. He quickly became busy working as a studio and touring drummer for many renowned artists, including Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, Sylvan Esso, Tallest Man On Earth, Waxahatchee, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mipso, Basia Bulat, Bowerbirds, Phil Cook, Lost In The Trees and many others. These tours brought Yan to acclaimed music festival stages all over the world, including Prima Vera Sound, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Iceland Airwaves, Pitchfork, Big Ears, All Points East, NOLA Jazz Fest, Montreux Jazz Fest, Calgary Folk Fest, and various others, as well as performing on prime time television broadcasts like the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Saturday Morning.
Yan also leads his own instrumental group, Quetico, as the sole composer and drummer. Quetico released their sophomore album Know You Are in 2022, which was followed by a festival performance curated by Durham
record label Psychic Hotline. Quetico shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Arooj Aftab, Bartees Strange, Indigo De Souza, Lambchop and many others.
Starting back at Schmitt Music during his freshman year of college and continuing throughout his career, Yan has maintained a strong passion for teaching music. He loves sharing his musical approaches, ranging from improvisational skills to traditional technique to navigating the music industry. Yan’s main goal with every lesson is to maintain excitement, focus and creativity. He hopes to inspire each student to set individual goals and eventually create their own unique, musical voice.
Piano Lessons for All Ages and Skill Levels
Overview of Piano
Piano lessons in Cary NC should feel inspiring from the very first note, and that is exactly what students experience at Cary School of Music. Since opening its doors in 1993, the school has built a reputation for creating an engaging, welcoming environment where students can explore music in a meaningful way. Whether someone is just starting out or refining advanced skills, the piano program is thoughtfully designed to meet students exactly where they are. Students enrolled in piano classes at Cary School of Music range from preschool-aged beginners to adults returning to music after years away. Each lesson is personalized, allowing instructors to adapt to individual learning styles, goals, and musical interests. Some students are drawn to classical training, while others prefer pop, jazz, or improvisational styles. The beauty of piano lessons here is that no path is one-size-fits-all. Every student gets a tailored experience that keeps them motivated and excited to practice. Beyond simply learning to play notes on a page, students develop a deeper understanding of music as a whole. Music theory and technique are built into every lesson, giving students the foundation they need to progress confidently. This structured yet flexible approach ensures that whether someone is searching for beginner piano lessons in Cary or looking to take their playing to a more advanced level, they receive a well-rounded musical education. Performance is another key part of the experience. Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals held in the school’s dedicated recital hall, giving them the opportunity to showcase their progress in a supportive setting. These performances build confidence, stage presence, and a sense of accomplishment that goes far beyond weekly lessons. In addition, the annual piano festival allows students to perform before an adjudicator, receive written feedback, and earn certificates recognizing their achievements. For those looking to push even further, opportunities to participate in community contests and festivals are available. Many students choose to prepare for these events with guidance from their instructor, helping them refine their technique and gain valuable performance experience. This combination of personalized instruction, strong foundational training, and real-world performance opportunities makes Cary School of Music one of the most trusted destinations for piano lessons in Cary NC.
A Company You Can Trust
Choosing the right place for piano lessons in Cary NC is about more than just convenience. It is about finding a school that truly cares about each student’s growth and experience. Cary School of Music has been a cornerstone of the local music community for over 30 years, providing a consistent, high-quality learning environment for students of all backgrounds. The facility itself is designed to support focused learning and creativity. With over 20 private studios, a dedicated recital hall, and comfortable waiting areas, students and families feel at ease from the moment they walk in. The environment is both professional and welcoming, striking the perfect balance between structured education and creative exploration. One of the most important aspects of any music school is its faculty, and Cary School of Music stands out for its experienced and passionate instructors. Many teachers bring years of performance, education, and industry experience to their lessons, offering insights that go far beyond basic instruction. They are not only skilled musicians but also dedicated mentors who genuinely enjoy helping students succeed. Flexibility is another reason families trust this program. Lessons are offered throughout the week with convenient scheduling options, making it easier to fit music education into busy lives. Students can enroll at any time during the year, with tuition adjusted accordingly, ensuring that getting started is simple and stress-free.
Why Clients Choose Cary School of Music
Families searching for piano teachers in Cary NC often have many options, but Cary School of Music continues to stand out for a few key reasons. First and foremost is the personalized approach to teaching. Every student receives individual attention, ensuring that lessons are engaging, effective, and aligned with their personal goals. Another reason clients choose this program is the variety of musical styles offered. Whether a student wants to master classical compositions, learn their favorite pop songs, explore jazz improvisation, or develop their own creative voice, the program supports it all. This flexibility keeps students interested and helps them stay committed over the long term. The sense of community also plays a major role. Students are not just learning in isolation. They are part of a larger musical environment that includes recitals, festivals, and collaborative opportunities. This creates a motivating atmosphere where students feel encouraged to grow and celebrate their progress alongside others. Finally, there is the proven track record. With decades of experience serving the Cary area and surrounding communities, Cary School of Music has helped countless students discover a lifelong love of music. Parents appreciate the supportive environment, while students look forward to each lesson, often describing it as the highlight of their week. For anyone looking for beginner piano lessons in Cary or advanced piano instruction with real performance opportunities, Cary School of Music offers a complete, enriching experience that continues to inspire students year after year.
Key Benefits:
- Durability: Premium materials and expert craftsmanship ensure your remodel stands the test of time.
- Functionality: Designed around your lifestyle, every layout improves flow, comfort, and usability.
- Curb Appeal: Updated interiors and exteriors that elevate your home’s first impression.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern insulation, windows, and systems that save money year after year.
- Peace of Mind: Licensed, insured, and locally trusted since 1990—our team delivers quality you can rely on.
Gallery
Services
Business Hours
Mon: 12–8 PM
Tue: 3–8 PM
Wed: 3–8 PM
Thu: 3–8 PM
Fri: 3–6 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy