Adult Learners
Beginners, those returning to the keyboard, and advanced amateurs. Repertoire and technique tailored around your life and goals, not a rigid syllabus.
Berlin Atelier · In-Person & Online Piano Studio
Atelier Arar
A Berlin salon for serious, joyful piano study with Dr. Monique Arar — welcoming adult learners, gifted youth, and pre-college artists.
Part of musicwithmonique.com
Programs
Studio offerings
Every program is taught in person at the Berlin atelier or online, in English, German, Russian, or French.
Gifted Youth & Teens
Focused artistic training and solid musicianship for curious young pianists building deep technical fluency and expressive confidence.
Pre-College & Masterclass Prep
Comprehensive audition strategy, repertoire building, and mock juries for conservatory, Hochschule, and university applicants.
Chamber Music Coaching & Accompanying
Duo and ensemble sessions focusing on balance, breathing together, and rehearsal craft, as well as vocal and instrumental accompanying for auditions and recitals.
Theory, Musicianship & Injury-Aware Technique
Harmony, solfège, score reading, and a healthy, body-conscious technical foundation designed to prevent strain and build effortless freedom at the keys.
Every program is taught in person at the Berlin atelier or online, in English, German, Russian, or French.
Book a consultation
Credentials
- DMA in Piano Performance
- MM & BM in Piano Performance
- NCTM — Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (MTNA)
- Certified Teacher of Piano & Elementary Specialist (RCM)
- Former University Faculty & Collaborative Pianist
- Competition & Festival Adjudicator
- Instruction in English, German, Russian, and French
About
Dr. Monique Arar
Concert pianist, pedagogue, scholar, and founder of the Berlin atelier.
Dr. Monique Arar was trained in the foundations of the Russian School, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, along with Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees in piano performance. As soloist and chamber musician she has performed across North America, Russia, and Europe.
She has held university faculty appointments at Spelman College, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Clayton State University, the University of North Georgia, and Texas Southern University, several of them as collaborative pianist for singers and instrumentalists. Alongside her artistic career she has held leadership roles in non-profit higher education, and now teaches from her Berlin atelier and online.
Teaching philosophy
Holistic, informed, and student-centered
Technique exists to serve imagination. Lessons begin with the sound you hear in your mind, then build the physical, historical, and analytical means to produce it — patiently, without strain, and with the score as the final authority.
Every student arrives with a different body, history, and reason for playing. Study here is holistic: healthy, injury-aware movement at the keys; informed by style, historical performance practice, and theory; and centered on the person at the instrument rather than a fixed curriculum. The goal is a musician who can teach themselves for the rest of their life.
The atelier
Atelier & atmosphere
A salon-style studio with a maintained Kawai grand, a French harpsichord, warm acoustics, and space to listen properly.
Salon & atelier ambiance
Lessons in a room built for music: a tuned grand, a historic harpsichord, a harp, natural light, and seating for the salon evenings held each term.
Practice standards
Students keep a practice journal, work from a clear weekly plan, and prepare for studio performance evenings during the year.
Schedule & location
Weekday afternoons and evenings in person, with online lessons on Sundays. Central Berlin; the exact address is shared upon enrollment.
Studio hours
Mon–Thu 13:00–20:00 · Fri 13:00–18:00 (in-person) · Sundays (online)
Location
Kollwitzkiez, Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin) — address shared upon enrollment
Gallery
The Berlin atelier & instruments
A working salon: a Kawai grand, a historic double-manual French harpsichord, a harp, and a score library built over three decades.
Enrollment
How enrollment works
- 01
Free consultation call (15 min)
A brief conversation to discuss your goals, answer questions, and see whether the studio is a good fit.
- 02
Placement lesson
A paid one-on-one session at the piano to evaluate your current skills, explore your musical goals, and determine the right starting point and study plan.
- 03
Term enrollment
Regular weekly study, enrolled by term across three academic terms each year: Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer.
Tuition rates and term fee schedules are shared during the consultation call.
Consultation
Book a consultation
Start with a free 15-minute call. Tell us where you are in your playing and we will reply within two working days.
Voices
From the studio
As a singer I have worked with many musicians, and Monique is exceptional. My child looks forward to every lesson and has grown into a genuinely musical player.
Jennifer PortoFormer opera singer & parentI sit at a computer all day and started piano as an adult. Monique rebuilt how I use my hands, and practice finally feels productive instead of frustrating.
Nathan M.Software developer & adult studentMonique is patient, structured, and warm. My daughter's technique and confidence have transformed, and she now practices without being asked.
I returned to the piano after twenty years. The lessons are rigorous but never discouraging, and playing has become the best part of my week.
Christine C.Physician & returning adult pianistQuestions
Before you enroll
A tuned acoustic piano is ideal, and a weighted 88-key digital piano is a fully acceptable start. If you are still looking for an instrument, we will discuss options during your consultation.