“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” -Kahlil Gibran

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you teach adults? - Yes, I enjoy working with motivated adult students who are ready to make a consistent commitment for at least three months.

What Level do you teach? - I offer classical piano instraction for students at all levels, from beginner through advanced.

What is your background? - I began studying piano at the age of five and completed comprehensive formal training through music school before earning degrees in Music Education and Pedagogy from a leading college in southern Russia.

This extensive training allows me to teach children in a clear, structured, and age-appropriate way. I carefully break down musical concepts, sequence material so students progress with confidence, and help them understand composers’ styles—building not only strong technique, but also musical thinking, discipline, and long-term learning skills.

How much experience do you have? - I bring over 25 years of experience with children, along 7+ years of experience teaching motivated adult students.

What is your teaching style? - My teaching reflects the traditions of the European music school, combining patience and thoughtful guidance with discipline and high academic standards. This approach helps students develop confidence, focus, and a serious attitude toward their musical studies.

Iteach with deep respect for the classical repertoire and composers’ intentions, fostering both technical precision and musical understanding. Parents are welcome to observe lessons, as transparency and collaboration are essential parts of a student’s education.

Do you have a comprehensive approach? - Yes. Piano study involves much more than learning notes, and my teaching follows a well-rounded, structured approach designed to support a child’s complete musical development.

Students learn to read music confidently by training the eye to recognize patterns, while the ear is developed through careful listening and musical awareness. Rhythm work builds a strong sense of steady beat, and musical expression is emphasized so students learn to play with style, feeling, and understanding.

Technical skills are developed gradually and safely through scales, chords, and arpeggios, along with age-appropriate technical and physical exercises that strengthen the fingers, hands, and arms.

Sight reading helps students coordinate hands and eyes, read more fluently, and explore new music with confidence. Rhythm exercises support timing, coordination, and musical stability.

Lessons also include ear training, creativity through improvisation and simple composition, and music theory to help students understand how music works. Music history introduces children to composers and time periods, giving them a deeper appreciation of different styles and enriching their overall musical education.

Do you offer recitals? -Yes, Recital participation is an important part of musical education. Most students are prepared to perform by the end of their first year of study.

What method do you use? - I use blended teaching approach, drawing on multiple established methods and my own extensive experience. My instruction incorporates trusted American Pedagogical materials, including John W. Schaum and Howard Kasschau, alonside of Russian anthology of pedagogical piano repertoire. This combination allows lessons to be both structured and flexible, ensuring that each student receives a solid technical foundation while being introduced to musically rich and age appropriate repertoire.

Rules for the class:

Respect your class!

• Be on time, leave on time.

• Address the teacher properly: ‘Miss Anastasia’, ‘Miss Berg’

• Do not bang, slap or kick the piano.

• Come to the class with clean hands, and brushed hair. 

• Always have clean, short cut nails. 

• If you or your child is running a fever please notify your teacher ahead of the class, please do not come in person: FaceTime/Zoom classes will be held for your convenience at your time slot instead of the in-person class. If FaceTime/Zoom classes are declined, then the missed class will be dropped without reimbursement or rescheduling. Teachers reserve the right to curtail the FaceTime/Zoom class, if the teacher establishes that the child no longer can participate due to sickness  (without reimbursement of short time)  as we do not want to overwhelm the child when he/she is feeling unwell.

• On a snow day class will be held as usual unless you receive a call from the teacher. 

• Parents or a legal guardian HAVE to be present during all piano lessons for children under 14 years old.

•  If parents have a concern, or questions: the teacher will be glad to discuss it. Do not stay silent. Please communicate with your teacher!!!

• Have a good attitude, and enjoy this beautiful process of learning!

The First Piano Lesson for kids 3+

The first piano lesson is all about building confidence, curiosity, and a love for music. Rather than starting with heavy theory, I help students begin playing right away through guided exploration of the keyboard. We discover high and low sounds, black and white keys, simple patterns, and rhythm in a natural, engaging way.

Through listening, and creating, students connect with the piano from the very first lesson. This gentle, encouraging approach creates a strong foundation and helps children feel excited and comfortable as they begin their musical journey.

Vlaska Studios Piano lessons PHILOSOPHY

My teaching is rooted in classical piano tradition, and I bring deep passion and care to every lesson. Education truly matters, and I believe your child deserves thoughtful, high-quality instruction. Learning music does more than teach notes—it builds discipline, focus, responsibility, and character. These skills often carry over into school, and I’ve seen many students improve not only musically, but also in their academic performance and behavior. Being part of that growth is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

I take great pride in my teaching and value each child’s individuality and creativity. My goal is to provide students with strong musical foundations, meaningful challenges, and the resources they need to develop confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

What I ask of my students is simple: a willingness to learn and a commitment to practice. Progress comes from consistency—just like in school and in life. With adult students, I understand the demands of work and family and take a flexible approach, while still offering encouragement and gentle guidance toward personal goals.

Drawing from Russian classical teaching methods, over 25 years of experience, and an understanding of the American lifestyle, I design each lesson individually and with great care. For this reason, I accept only serious students who are ready to commit to the learning process. In return, I dedicate myself fully to helping each student grow, stretch mentally, and become the best pianist they can be.

What people are saying about Anastasia Berg:

Denise Barrance ***** I was recommended to Vlaska Studios through a friend. Anastasia was awesome!! She was courteous and extremely knowledgeable on the history of piano, and the piano itself. The whole experience exceeded our expectations.

Cockerham Family ***** My children (ages 11, 9, 8) had been playing piano for a number of years but have progressed very quickly after starting lessonswith Ms. Anastasia. The pieces they play are complex, challenging, and, generally, beautiful. (Often, music theory and history accompany the pieces.) She encourages the kids to strive for flawless technique, gently corrects their mistakes, and gives praise freely. At Winter recital every student played beautifully, which is a reflection of both the students’ hard work, but also Ms. Anastasia’s abilities as a teacher.

Elizabeth Tran ***** My 7yr old has been taking lessons with Ms. Anastasia for about a year now and he’s really improving. She’s really good at challenging her students and instilling confidence in them.

Anna S. ***** Like taking lessons with Anastasia, under her guidance I progressed a lot, she uses good repertoire that develops musical taste and understanding.

Sarah Seabrook***** Ms Anastasia was very kind and patient with my daughter and very flexible with the need for online classes during this season.

Chuk Vavricka***** Anastasia is such a wonderful teacher. She's very patient, thorough and fits the theory of piano into the practice of it flawlessly. I was quite nervous to attempt to learn a new instrument in adulthood but she has supported me every step of the way. Her ability to adapt so quickly during all the recent challenges is a true testament to her commitment as a teacher and I look forward to all the lessons still to come.

Kim R ***** Anastasia Berg is an exceptionally talented piano teacher for all levels. As an adult student with some piano instruction from childhood lessons my experience with Anastasia has been enlightening. She knows exactly how to challenge you tailored to your specific goals, she teaches you how to interpret and really learn the music. Her method for technique is impeccable, I am unlearning many bad habits and learning new things with every lesson. She is also giving lessons to our 11 yr old and we are very happy with his progress as a beginner student. I highly recommend piano lessons with Anastasia, she is an excellent teacher and she makes learning piano truly enjoyable.

Yady Carmen ***** I was searching for a Russian tutor and came across her page. She is very thorough and patient and I have learned quite a lot. Highly recommend as not everyone can teach but she is talented and has passion which shows, making it easy to stay engaged and look forward to learning more each time. I truly enjoy my lessons and am grateful I found her.

James Day ***** I have always wanted to learn piano, but I was nervous to start in my mid 20s with no music background. Anastasia has been a wonderful teacher, and always pushes me to do my very best. She has high expectations, but is very supportive and takes the time to break things down for me when I struggle. I enjoy every lesson and can't wait to develop further.

Hunter Wright***** I'm learning piano as a beginner in my 30s. I just completed my first month of lessons with Anastasia at Vlaska and absolutely love it. I definitely recommend you take lessons from her.

Natalya Brooks: ***** We are very happy with the piano lesson and highly recommend Mrs. Berg. My son can't wait to go there every Saturday.