Piano & More Celebrates 10 Years of Creating Happy Musicians

Founding and Early Growth

When Piano & More’s CEO and Founder Nicole Kovar began teaching music lessons in Northern Virginia, she did so as an in-home instructor, traveling directly to students rather than teaching from a fixed location. After completing graduate school, she built a small roster of students that quickly grew into a waitlist. Encouraged by families who responded positively to her teaching approach, Nicole hired Piano & More’s first two instructors in 2016, formally establishing the in-home music studio.

In-Home Lesson Model

Piano & More operates without a traditional brick-and-mortar facility, providing in-home piano, guitar, and voice lessons to students across Arlington, Falls Church, and McLean. The model is designed to offer families a convenient alternative to traditional lesson formats by integrating music education into the home environment.

Key Milestones

Since its founding, Piano & More has reached several milestones. In 2017, the studio hosted its second recital, began holding recitals in senior retirement homes, and reached its first 100 students. In 2018, the studio organized its first student field trip to the Kennedy Center, hosted its first student jam session, and launched its nonprofit initiative, Play It Forward, which provides free instruments and piano lessons to low-income students.

In 2019, Piano & More hosted its first open mic, including its first event at Busboys & Poets, reached 150 students. In 2020, the studio transitioned to virtual lessons, supporting teachers in adapting to online instruction. In 2024, Piano & More partnered with Randolph Elementary to expand its Play It Forward program.

10-Year Anniversary Concert

​Piano & More marked its 10-year anniversary with a Live Band Student Concert on April 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington. The event featured 14 student performers, each performing alongside a live band as part of a full concert-style program. The program concluded with a finale by Twin Brooks, a raffle, and photo opportunities.

Our Teaching Philosophy Fun Learning Method

The anniversary event reflects Piano & More’s instructional approach, which incorporates contemporary and flexible teaching methods in addition to traditional techniques. Lessons are designed to adapt to individual student learning styles, with an emphasis on engagement and performance opportunities. We want our students to love music for life, therefore we make learning fun.

“When you keep your skills for yourself, that’s half a gift. It’s when you share it with others that it becomes the whole gift, and that’s where the magic happens,” said Nicole Kovar, CEO and Founder of Piano & More (Rock School Proprietor podcast).

Play It Forward Program

Through its Play It Forward program, Piano & More partners with schools to provide free keyboards, weekly lessons, and musical resources to students from low-income families. Participating students receive instruments and instruction at no cost and are given opportunities to perform at studio events.

Service Area

Piano & More provides in-home piano, guitar, and voice lessons for students of all ages throughout Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.