PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION · SPOKANE, WA
Piano Lessons in Spokane, Washington
Study with Dr. Archie Chen and Rhona Gouldson-Chen — husband and wife, and together Dr. and Mrs. Gouldson-Chen bring over 50 years of combined piano teaching experience to Spokane. With piano schools established in Ireland and the USA, they offer the depth of a European conservatory tradition for all ages and abilities, from first-time beginners through to advanced students and professionals.
WHY CHOOSE US
A Teaching Partnership Built on Tradition
Dr. and Mrs. Gouldson-Chen bring over 50 years of combined piano teaching experience to their Spokane studio — having run piano schools in Ireland and the USA. Together, they offer students the depth and rigour of a European conservatory tradition, right here in the Inland Northwest.
European Conservatory Tradition
Trained and experienced in the great European tradition — with piano schools established in Ireland and the USA — Dr. and Mrs. Gouldson-Chen bring a depth of musical culture rarely found outside major conservatory cities.
Fully Personalized Lessons
No rigid method books or cookie-cutter programs. Each lesson plan is custom-built around your goals, schedule, and learning style — whether you want to play for joy or pursue serious study.
All Ages & Skill Levels
From Spokane children taking their very first piano lesson to adult returners and pre-conservatory students — Dr. Chen’s studio welcomes every level of ambition and experience.
WHO WE TEACH
Spokane Piano Lessons for Every Stage of Life
Young Beginners (Ages 5–9)
Playful, patient first lessons building strong foundations — note reading, hand position, rhythm, and a love of music that lasts a lifetime.
Adult Beginners
It’s never too late to start. Many of Dr. Chen’s most motivated students are Spokane adults discovering the piano for the first time, progressing at their own pace.
Teens & School-Age Students
Structured lessons supporting RCM exams, school music programs, and competition preparation — with repertoire that keeps teenagers genuinely engaged.
Returning Adult Students
Played piano as a child and set it aside? Dr. Chen specialises in helping adults reconnect with the instrument and rediscover the deep joy of playing.
Advanced & Pre-Conservatory
For serious students preparing for college auditions, national competitions, or professional careers — rigorous training from a working concert artist.
Music Lovers & Hobbyists
Just want to play the music you love? Relaxed, goal-flexible lessons for Spokane adults who play piano for their own pleasure and creative enrichment.
THE CURRICULUM
What You’ll Study in Spokane Piano Lessons
Every lesson in Dr. Chen’s Spokane piano studio is a complete musical education — blending technique, theory, ear training, and artistic expression into a unified whole.
Piano Technique & Mechanics
Scales, arpeggios, finger independence, tone production, and pedalling — the physical foundation that makes all else possible.
Music Theory & Ear Training
Understanding what you’re playing deepens musicianship. Students learn to read, analyse, and hear music with growing sophistication at every level.
Repertoire from All Eras
From Bach to Chopin, jazz standards to contemporary pieces — repertoire is chosen to challenge and genuinely inspire each individual student in Spokane.
Performance & Interpretation
How to practise effectively, build performance confidence, and bring genuine artistic intention to every note — skills that serve students for a lifetime.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Rhona Gouldson-Chen
Piano Instructor · Beginner & Intermediate Specialist
Rhona Gouldson-Chen brings warmth, patience, and decades of teaching experience to her work with beginner and intermediate students. A co-founder of piano schools in Ireland and the USA, she has guided hundreds of students — children and adults alike — through their first notes and into confident, musical playing.
Rhona specialises in laying strong foundations: fluent note reading, healthy technique from the very first lesson, a genuine love of music, and steady progress through the grades. She teaches all ages and abilities, and students who reach the intermediate and advanced stages may then continue with Dr. Archie Chen.
Whether you are picking up the piano for the very first time or working through the intermediate grades, Rhona will meet you exactly where you are and guide you forward with skill, encouragement, and a love of the craft.
DR. ARCHIE CHEN
Dr. Archie Chen
Concert Pianist · Sony Classical Artist · Advanced Repertoire Specialist
Dr. Archie Chen is one of Spokane’s most distinguished piano teachers — and one of the very few instructors in the Inland Northwest who maintains an active international concert career alongside his teaching practice. A Sony Classical recording artist, Dr. Chen has performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. Together with Rhona Gouldson-Chen, he leads a studio that teaches all ages and abilities.
Holding a doctorate in piano performance and trained at the highest levels of the conservatory tradition on multiple continents, Dr. Chen works primarily with intermediate-to-advanced and pre-conservatory students — those ready to take their playing to the highest level. His Spokane students have gone on to conservatory placements, competition awards, and fulfilling lifetimes of music.
Students typically begin with Rhona’s beginner and intermediate programme before progressing to Dr. Chen for advanced and pre-professional study. When you study here, you gain not just a teacher — but a mentoring partnership with genuine concert-stage experience and a deep commitment to each student’s musical journey.
LESSON DETAILS
Format & Availability
Private, one-on-one piano lessons in Spokane — available in-person at the studio and online via Zoom. Rhona Gouldson-Chen teaches beginner through intermediate students; Dr. Archie Chen works with intermediate-advanced through professional level. Flexible scheduling for families, working adults, and school-age students throughout the Inland Northwest.
LESSON LENGTHS
45, 60, or 90 minutes — we do not offer 30-minute lessons
LESSON RATES
Rhona Gouldson-Chen: $90 per hour · Dr. Archie Chen: $120 per hour
LOCATION
In-person at Dr. Chen’s Spokane studio, or online via Zoom
MINIMUM AGE
Ages 5 and up; no upper age limit
SCHEDULING
Weekly lessons; flexible days and times by arrangement
REPERTOIRE
Classical, contemporary, and student-chosen pieces welcome
RECITALS
Optional studio recitals for students who wish to perform
TRIAL LESSON
Available — no long-term commitment required to start
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Spokane Piano Lessons Questions, Answered
Do I need a piano at home before starting?
A full-size keyboard with at least 61 weighted keys is sufficient for beginners. Dr. Chen advises on the right instrument for your level and budget during your first lesson. Most students upgrade to an acoustic piano as they progress.
What age can children begin piano lessons in Spokane?
Most children are ready to begin around age 5 or 6, when they can focus for 20–30 minutes and recognise letters and numbers. Dr. Chen assesses readiness individually during an introductory lesson — every child develops differently.
How often should lessons take place?
Weekly lessons are strongly recommended for consistent progress. Short daily practice sessions between lessons (15–30 minutes for beginners) are far more effective than infrequent long sessions.
Do you offer online piano lessons for Spokane students?
Yes. Dr. Chen teaches online via Zoom for students who prefer remote lessons or cannot attend in person. Online lessons are effective at all levels and particularly convenient for busy Spokane families and Inland Northwest students at a distance.
How long before I can play real songs?
Most beginners play simple pieces within the first few lessons. Recognisable songs typically come within a few months of regular practice. Dr. Chen sets realistic, encouraging expectations tailored to each student.
How is Dr. Chen’s teaching different from other Spokane piano teachers?
Dr. Chen is one of very few piano teachers in the Inland Northwest who maintains an active international concert career. Students receive instruction grounded in real performance experience — not just pedagogy — with insights only a working concert artist can offer.
GET STARTED
Spaces in Dr. Chen’s Spokane piano studio are limited. Enquire today to arrange a trial lesson and discover what it means to study with an active concert artist in the heart of the Inland Northwest.