Private piano lessons for the serious music student.
The Studio
Located inside the beltway in Annandale, VA, close to 395 and 495.
What's included
-
32 lessons a year
-
multiple group classes
-
2 studio recitals
-
other performance opportunities
-
afternoon/evening lesson availability
-
online student portal
-
flexible schedule for homeschool students with morning/daytime lesson availability
Tuition/Policy
CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 studio policy and tuition rates.
2024-2025 Calendar
CLICK HERE for the 2024-2025 calendar.
2025-2026 calendar coming soon!
About
Dr. Francesca Hurst loves helping her students create those moments in music that take your breath away. She is passionate about guiding serious piano students toward artistic excellence. With over 20 years of experience, she offers thoughtful, individualized instruction rooted in classical repertoire, technique, and theory. Her students explore the masterworks of the past plus the music of new composers. Patient and encouraging, Dr. Hurst helps dedicated students cultivate the skills and confidence needed to become accomplished musicians. She is a member of the Northern VA Music Teachers Association (NVMTA) and the Washington Music Teachers Association (WMTA). An accomplished performer, she is also on the piano faculty at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where she teaches piano and directs the piano pedagogy program, and on the piano faculty at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. She holds a DMA in Piano Performance and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM).
Read her full bio HERE.
Last-minute duet coaching before a recital.
Photo by Storybox Photography
Recitals are held twice a year, at the end of the fall and spring semesters, and often take place in Ward Recital Hall, with its beautiful Steinway 9-foot concert grand piano.
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Hurst approaches each student as a unique musician, shaping lessons to support their individual learning style while maintaining high artistic standards. She inspires her students to learn more than just the notes, so that their playing is also thoughtful and expressive. Ultimately she wants her students to be able to learn a piece of music on their own, knowing how to practice it and interpret it with stylistic understanding and musicality.
STUDIO ACCOMPLISHMENTS
I am so proud of my students! Some of their accomplishments include:
-
auditioning and being accepted into a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance undergraduate university degree program
-
being a finalist in the International Young Artist Piano Competition, Washington, DC (High School division)
-
being selected to perform in masterclasses with acclaimed pianists and teachers such as Ivo Kaltchev and Nancy Breth
-
being chosen to perform with Lang Lang in his 101 Pianists event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
-
earning "Superior" ratings in several local piano events
TESTIMONIALS
CAROLYN C., PARENT
The recital had beautiful playing. I remember my own childhood recitals, which were just about playing the notes, not about making music. This was a real concert!
STEPHANIE S., PARENT
I am thankful for her patience and effort in teaching my children the pleasures of playing the piano.
EMILY S., STUDENT
Dr. Hurst really takes the time to get to know her students and tailors the way she teaches to best fit the student so they can thrive. She is kind, caring, and extremely knowledgeable.
MAX H., STUDENT
...great at picking pieces that I could play and enjoy, but also challenged me to work on my weaknesses. Dr. Hurst gave me the tools I need to continue my piano journey while I'm away at college, and I will be always thankful for her lessons.
ALICIA S., PARENT
Dr. Hurst is patient, focused and passionate about music. She did a great job appealing to what my sons enjoy about piano, choosing pieces that were fun and giving them some agency along the way. She is attentive, reliable and kind.
SOPHIA C., PARENT
We feel very fortunate to have found an excellent piano teacher in Dr. Hurst. I wanted a teacher who would include music theory and who would promote performance and a bit of competition. I appreciate the clarity of her studio policy, calendar and tuition plan.
Spring Recital, June 2023
Located in the heart of Annandale, minutes from 495 and 395.
Please contact for exact address.