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Headshot photo of Alexander Shaneyfelt playing keyboard
Piano Lessons with
Alexander Lee Shaneyfelt​
Pianist • Composer • Educator
ashaneyfelt@orbitonicmusic.com
(813) 502-8954
Subjects Taught
  • Beginner Piano

  • Classical Piano

  • Jazz Piano

  • Improvisation

  • Composition & Advanced Music Theory

Students (all levels welcome)
  • Children

  • Teenagers

  • Adults

Lesson Formats
  • In-person piano lessons (Tampa, Florida)

  • Online piano lessons (Zoom)

Lesson Length & Rates
  • 30-minute lesson — $40 single / $30 weekly

  • 60-minute lesson — $60 single / $50 weekly

Alexander Shaneyfelt performing Chopin's Ocean Etude op. 25 no. 12

Performing Chopin's "Ocean" Etude op. 12, no 25

Screenshot 2026-03-20 at 9.47.44 PM.png

At a recital with fellow teachers and students during my time teaching at a local studio.

Photo of Alexander L. Shaneyfelt performing an original improvisation at the piano.

Promotional photo of me improvising at the piano.

Photo of Alexander L. Shaneyfelt performing his original piano work, "When the World Goes Silent" on stage.

Photo taken for the debut performance of my original work: "When the World Goes Silent"

Portrait of Alexander Shaneyfelt alongside fellow performers at the Winold Music Festival.

Photo taken alongside musical colleagues for the Winold Music Festival 2025.

Piano Lessons

My teaching is grounded in real musicianship—performance, listening, creativity, and steady skill-building at the piano. Lessons are designed to help students develop meaningful musical ability in a clear, structured, and systematic way--whether their goal is a long-term hobby, creative outlet, or eventually serious musical study. Students studying with me learn from an active musician, not simply a teacher who plays piano.

Students of many backgrounds are welcome, including complete beginners, developing pianists, and competition preparation.

Tuition and Rate

Tuition reserves a weekly lesson time in my schedule and is paid monthly in advance.

  • 30-minute weekly lesson: $30

  • 60-minute weekly lesson: $50

For students who prefer less regular scheduling (biweekly, one-off, or occasional lessons), rates are slightly higher due to schedule flexibility.

  • 30-minute lesson: $40

  • 60-minute lesson: $60

My Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that learning music is not simply about playing the piano, but about developing a way of thinking—one that is structured, intentional, and deeply engaged with the process of growth.

 

I place a strong emphasis on musicianship. This means understanding what one is playing, not just how to play it. Technique, interpretation, and musical awareness are developed together, not in isolation. Alongside this, creativity is treated as an essential part of learning. Improvisation and composition are not separate from traditional study, but extensions of it—ways of internalizing and expressing musical ideas more fully.

Especially in younger students, music develops something far more valuable than the ability to play an instrument. It cultivates the ability to work toward long-term goals, to approach problems methodically, and to find fulfillment in gradual improvement rather than immediate results. In a world that often prioritizes speed and ease, this is a rare and important skill.

Students are not expected to begin with professional goals. A beginner is not trained under the assumption that they will become a concert pianist. Instead, lessons are shaped around the individual—what they are interested in, what they are capable of, and what they are working toward. At the same time, I believe that meaningful progress requires direction. Regardless of background, students follow a disciplined and goal-oriented path of development so that their efforts build toward something lasting.
 

A lesson provides structure, feedback, and guidance, but real progress takes place between lessons. Learning an instrument is not a passive process. It requires consistent effort, attention, and the willingness to engage with difficulty. I will never ask a student to do something impossible, but I will regularly ask them to do things that are challenging. That is where growth occurs.
 

My goal as a teacher is not only to help students play the piano, but to help them become independent musicians—capable of understanding, exploring, and genuinely engaging with music on their own.

Lesson Formats​​

Lessons may take one of two general approaches depending on the student’s goals and experience.

 

Structured Lessons follow a more traditional format with clear weekly goals and assignments. These are most common for beginners and younger students, focusing on developing technique, musical understanding, and steady progress from lesson to lesson.

 

Guided Coaching is a more flexible format often preferred by intermediate or adult students. In this approach, students bring in music they are already working on and receive guidance, feedback, and advice on interpretation, technique, and practice strategies. This format is less formal and works best for students who are self-motivated and comfortable directing their own practice.

Advanced Study

For more experienced students, lessons may focus on areas such as:

• Advanced repertoire and interpretation
• Technical refinement and efficiency at the keyboard
• Musical analysis and deeper stylistic understanding
• Preparation for performances, auditions, or recordings

I'd be a great fit if you’re looking for…
  • Structured progress towards clear short and long term goals.

  • Creativity (improvisation / composition) alongside fundamentals.

  • A supportive but intentional learning environment.

  • A teacher that remembers what it was like to be a beginner (I started at 13 years old).

You may prefer a different approach if you’re looking for…
  • Activity/game-based lessons which prioritize student entertainment.

  • An approach that moves quickly to playing pieces without focusing on building strong musical foundations.

Getting Started

If you’re interested in beginning lessons, feel free to reach out through the contact page or by email.

When contacting me, it’s helpful to include a few details so I can better understand your goals. Please include the student’s name and age, any previous musical experience, and what you hope to gain from lessons. If the student already plays another instrument or has studied music before, feel free to mention that as well.

From there we can discuss scheduling availability and determine whether lessons would be a good fit. I’m happy to answer any questions about lesson structure, expectations, or materials before getting started.

Because I maintain a limited teaching schedule alongside performing and composing, lesson availability may vary throughout the year. However, I do my best to accommodate new students whenever possible.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you begin or continue your musical journey at the piano.

Frequently asked questions

Get in Touch

Based in South Tampa, Florida

813-502-8954

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