Our Mission
At IM Music Studio, we want to ignite the spark of passion for music within every individual, weaving together creative and nurturing piano lessons that go beyond just learning notes and rhythms.
About Us
Step into IM Music Studio located in Pascoe Vale, where music education transcends traditional lessons. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hub of inspiration, where music isn’t just taught but experienced as a transformative tool for daily life. Recognized as an organic means to nurture body, mind, and spirit, our studio offers a unique musical journey.
Join our dynamic community where passion merges with expertise. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, let’s create music together! Visit us at 4 Bolingbroke Street, Pascoe Vale, and unlock your pathway to musical excellence.
Our values
- Nurture
- Creativity
- Expression
- Joy
- Discipline
- Focus
- Patience
- Confidence
Our Team
Our passionate, tertiary-qualified piano teachers are here to support and inspire your musical journey. They’re dedicated to nurturing your talent, fostering a deep love for music, and instilling the responsibility and discipline essential for lifelong growth.
Irina Mares
Classical & Modern styles
Irina Mares is a dedicated piano teacher from Romania with extensive international experience spanning over 15 years. Drawing knowledge from her enriching experiences in Europe, Asia and Australia, Irina is well-equipped to adapt to any teaching situation. Her diverse background allows her to understand and cater to the unique needs of students, ensuring a tailored and effective learning experience.
Her passion for music education goes beyond the classroom; she is your go-to guide if you’re aspiring to establish your own music studio. She is committed to providing professional advice and support at every step of your journey towards success.
Abi Lee
Jazz & Modern styles
Abi Lee is a pianist, composer, and, improviser. Born to Korean parents, she grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. Abi has relocated to Melbourne, drawn by her love of Australian Jazz.
Since the age of 5, her love for piano and music has always been a driving force for her, which led her to study under Andrea Keller at the Victorian College of the Arts. Abi has been significantly influenced by folk and jazz idioms from musicians like Keith Jarrett, Mike Nock, and Andrea Keller. Abi is heavily involved in the music scene in Naarm (Melbourne) as well as Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand showcasing her original music.
FAQ
What age is suitable to start piano lessons?
The time it takes to become proficient varies greatly depending on factors such as practice consistency, natural aptitude, and individual goals.
With regular practice and dedication, students can typically see progress within a few months to a year.
How often should I practice piano?
Ideally, practicing for at least 30 minutes every day is recommended to make steady progress. However, consistency is key, so even shorter, regular practice sessions can be beneficial.
How long does it take to become proficient at playing the piano?
The time it takes to become proficient varies greatly depending on factors such as practice consistency, natural aptitude, and individual goals. With regular practice and dedication, students can typically see progress within a few months to a year.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson?
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and scheduling conflicts may arise. Simply notify us at least 24 hours in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs and reschedule the lesson at a convenient time, once a month.
What styles of music can I learn to play on the piano?
Our lessons cover a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, pop, and more. We tailor our instruction to match your interests and goals, ensuring an enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience.
Do I need to know how to read music before starting lessons?
No prior knowledge of music reading is necessary to start lessons. Our instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including how to read music notation, as part of the learning process.
Do I need to own a piano to take lessons?
While having access to a piano at home is ideal for practicing, it’s not always necessary to start lessons. Many students begin by using a keyboard and transition to a piano later on. We can discuss options and recommendations based on your circumstances.
Can I prepare for music exams like AMEB, ABRSM, or ANZCA through your piano lessons?
Absolutely! Our instructors have experience preparing students for various music exams, including those offered by AMEB, ABRSM, and ANZCA. We offer comprehensive exam preparation tailored to the specific requirements of each exam board, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to excel in your exam.
Piano Lessons
A New Wellness Routine For You And Your Family!
Roshanthi Dias10 March 2024I cannot recommend Irina highly enough! My daughter has been taking lessons with her for more than one year now, and the progress she has made is really great. Irina is not just a talented musician but also a wonderful teacher who knows how to engage and inspire young learners. She is patient, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable. Irina makes learning the piano fun and exciting, and my daughter always looks forward to her lessons. She goes above and beyond to tailor each lesson to my daughter's interests and abilities, ensuring that she continues to progress and enjoy playing the piano. Irina's passion for music is evident in everything she does!
Lara Birdogan27 February 2024Irina is not only an incredible teacher, she is also a beautiful person! I played piano at a young age and slowly let it go towards my late teens. Towards the end of last year I realized how much I missed it. That’s when I found Irina. She has been so patient and so understanding during this familiar yet new process. She always makes the effort to teach in ways she knows I’ll best understand. The lessons are always a good time full of learning and laughs. I couldn’t recommend this beautiful soul enough!!!
Ashley de Lacy22 February 2024I’ve been learning piano with Irina for 1 year now. Before Irina l had many teachers that teach from the book, which is fine until you have a problem. I wasted a lot of time where as Irina has teaching skills that get you playing and no wasting time. I would recommend her to anyone.
Andreea Simion21 February 2024Amazing, caring teacher with a fantastic teaching method suitable for all children. My little one loves piano lessons and can't wait for her next one every week.
Marina Kozul21 February 2024Irina is a wonderful teacher for my 6 year old son. She works with him to develop his interest in music, helps him focus and enabled him to perform for the first time at their end of year concert. Irina is the perfect mix of classical discipline and modern fun for those starting young.
Steven Welchman21 February 2024Irina is a very enthusiastic, caring and incredibly knowledgeable piano teacher. She has a very deep understanding of the piano and music theory. Irina teaches her students in a way that most teachers do not, tailoring her teaching to the student’s needs and way of learning and understanding information. Every lesson is greatly enjoyed and made the most of. My daughter always walks out with a smile on her face and looks forward to her next lesson. Irina is truly very talented. Her cheerful disposition and dedication will suit students young and old, from beginners to advanced, including students undertaking VCE music studies. My daughter and I highly recommend Irina as your piano teacher.
Alex Panait21 February 2024Great teaching skills, having a good mix between supportive and understanding approach and firm boundaries.
Phuong Nguyen13 February 2024Irina is the best piano teacher that our kids ever had. Irina is super dedicated and loves what she does. My kids got limited attention span and Irina has creative ways to keep them engaged and make them the best they can be. We are so proud that they were able to perform on the stage with confidence and enjoyment. Highly recommend!
Kate MC6 February 2024Irina is one of those rare musicians who have been taught to a high standard, and can teach to a high standard whilst still maintaining a childs love of piano. My children love piano lessons and practicing because of her. They have so much fun at her lessons and progress so well through it because of her wonderful teaching style. I cannot praise her highly enough, and recommend her to all who want music in their childrens lives.