If you’re looking for an elective that combines creativity, independence, and a chance to learn something new, the Piano class might be the perfect fit. This popular fine arts elective at Parkway South has become a favorite for students looking to explore music in a self-paced environment.
Freshman Yuvika Gupta, who is taking Piano for the first semester, described the class as “a self-taught class” where students learn from a book and progress at their own pace.
“You do have deadlines,” she added, explaining that students need to complete at least eight units by the end of the semester.
However, she found the structure manageable.
“Once you get the hang of your songs and notes, you kind of just speed through it,” Gupta said.
The class is taught by orchestra teacher Lucy Arbini, who also steps in to help students refine their skills.
“She’ll stop you in the middle of the song if you mess up,” Gupta said. “But she’s very sweet and supportive.”
Gupta also mentioned fun challenges, like playing in front of the class, which helped her build confidence.
Freshman Jazmin Campbell, who has been playing piano since childhood, said the class offers a blend of guided instruction and independence.
“She teaches in the beginning, and then around the end, we get to do our own thing,” Campbell said.
She enjoys how quiet and focused the class is, calling it a calming space to practice.
One of the unique aspects of the Piano elective is its adaptability. Students from all skill levels can join, whether they’re beginners or more experienced players like Campbell.
For Gupta, who didn’t initially have a strong interest in piano, the class has sparked her enthusiasm.
“Piano is one of the hardest instruments to learn, and knowing how to play feels pretty cool,” she said.
Campbell echoed the sentiment.
“I’ve been playing for so long, and it’s just fun to keep going,” she said.
She also finds that playing piano can sometimes be a mental relief, though she admitted it depends on the difficulty of the song.
Arbini, who primarily teaches orchestra, shared that she enjoys working with beginner piano students.
“‘I like starting from nothing and helping them work up,” she said.
She noted that the self-paced nature of the class is a big draw for students.
“Everyone is at a different spot, so they can progress at their own pace,” she said.
Arbini also highlighted the benefits of playing piano.
“It activates neural pathways in your brain, helping with critical thinking and problem solving,” she said.
For Arbini, teaching piano offers a refreshing break from her usual orchestra duties.
“It’s a good change of pace,” she said.
Music teacher Lisa Kinworthy, who also teaches Piano, along with band and guitar classes, shared her own experiences with the instrument and the class.
“I started when I was in the third grade. I had just found some music books and started playing,” Kinworthy said. “My parents got me lessons, and I took them all through high school.”
Kinworthy believes the individualized nature of the class makes it appealing to students.
“Piano is more geared towards your individual level at that time,” she said. “It’s all about the growth of the person individually, instead of meeting a state-level standard.”
She also spoke about the challenges and rewards of teaching piano.
“Instead of one lesson plan for everyone, we have possibly 17 lesson plans,” she said. “It’s just hard getting all that stuff together, but it’s worth it to see students progress.”
Kinworthy highlighted the many benefits of piano, noting that it’s more than just a skill.
“It makes areas of your brain fire that nothing else does,” she said, describing how playing an instrument improves hand-eye coordination and critical thinking.
“It’s a process you really don’t get anywhere else,” she said.
For students hesitant to try piano, Kinworthy encouraged them to give it a shot.
“If you really hate it, it’s only four months,” she said. “But if you enjoy it, it’s something nice to come home to after a difficult day.”
Students like Gupta and Campbell have found it to be both challenging and rewarding. As Gupta put it, “It’s such a fun class that no one can really hate.”
