

Kimberly Cann
Concert Pianist, Founding Director
Kimberly & her husband Aaron met at the Eastman School of Music in NY and moved to Asheville, NC in 2008. She founded Piano Lab in 2012, and now, as a mother of two homeschoolers, university lecturer, concert pianist, and professional educator for over 30 years, the Asheville Conservatory is her "labor of love," bringing to fruition her dream of strengthening the educational opportunities for students of all ages.
​Alongside her handpicked team of faculty, Kimberly strives to create the environment for learning that she wishes she'd always had as a child--one of inclusivity, world-class instruction, and unwavering encouragement--knowing the massively positive impact it can make on the lives of each student and those with whom they connect!
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And What is a Conservatory?
​In the best of all possible worlds, a conservatory is a place where students study the arts—such as music, visual arts, dance, or theater—in a focused and supportive environment. It emphasizes strong foundations, creativity, and confidence, helping students grow step by step in both skill and self-expression. Students learn how to practice, perform, and understand their art, all while enjoying the process. Think of it as a place where a love for the arts is nurtured into real ability, guided by experienced teachers who care deeply about each student’s growth. That is our definition of what the modern conservatory should be!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of music classes do you offer?
We offer a wide range of weekly classes for students of all ages and stages--starting with our Early Childhood Discovery Classes & Kindermusik (for newborns through age 6), and culminating with advanced study for college-level and pre-professional musicians.
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Our offerings include Private Lessons as well as Small-Group Instruction with our one-of-a-kind, carefully designed curricula. Each format is intentionally chosen at any given stage to support students socially, musically, and developmentally.
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Our students have options to attend classes as often as they'd like, though most come in on a weekly basis. Additionally, we offer a variety of workshops, masterclasses, get-togethers, festivals, recitals, competition opportunities, and more throughout the year!
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Take two minutes to tell us what you're seeking (click here), and we'll send you the options we can offer from there!
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What ages do you teach?
We teach all ages, from newborns through adults!
Our programs support:
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Early childhood learners (including Kindermusik classes)
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Elementary-age students
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Middle and high school students
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Adult learners (18 -100!)
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College-level musicians
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Advanced/Professional musicians seeking refinement or audition/performance preparation
At every stage of life, music education offers profound benefits—including creativity, confidence, joy, self-expression, cognitive growth, and emotional release—and we are passionate about supporting students at each of these stages.
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What instruments do you teach?
Please inquire if you don't happen to see your particular instrument(s) on this list!
Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele, Drums, Organ, Voice, Mandolin, Trumpet, & More!
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What levels do you teach? Are beginners welcome?
Yes—we teach all levels, & furthermore, we take our beginner curriculum just as seriously as our advanced curriculum! Beginners are carefully guided to develop:
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Proper Playing Technique
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Ear-Training & Music Theory
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Notation & Sightreading
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Creativity & Improvisation
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A wide variety of musical styles and repertoire
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Our goal is to ensure that beginners get off to a joyful, confident, and well-rounded start so they genuinely enjoy the learning process rather than feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
As students advance, we deepen their understanding of music theory and musicianship so they truly understand what they are playing—not just relying on muscle memory, basic reading, or playing by rote (which produces uncertainty and stifles what could otherwise be a lifelong, stress-relieving hobby!).
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A Note for Adult Beginners: We ensure you're able to learn at your pace while treating you like the adult you are :)...and unlike some schools, we actually teach you with adult/older beginner materials!
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What class formats do you offer, and why?
We offer both Private Lessons and Small-Group Classes, because each format serves important and complementary purposes.
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Private Lessons
Private lessons are one-on-one sessions between an instructor and a student. These are especially valuable as students mature, advance, and take increasing responsibility for their practice, attendance, and musical goals. Private lessons support:
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Further Individualized Technical Development
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Advanced Repertoire
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Enhanced Performance/Audition Preparation, if desired*
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Possible Competition Participation, if desired*
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Deeper Personal Accountability & Focus
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*We do not require our students to perform. Everyone's relationship with their music-making is incredibly unique, and "one size fits all" is the antithesis of our philosophy!
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Small Group Instruction
Small group classes involve a small number of students with one or two teachers. This format is especially powerful at beginner and early-intermediate levels. Research and experience show that group learning:
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Increases enjoyment and retention
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Allows students to learn faster and more confidently
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Builds ensemble skills (that cannot be learned the same way in private lessons)
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Coaches good practice habits (that cannot be learned the same way in private lessons)
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Reduces stage fright by normalizing performance in a supportive setting
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Helps students learn to play for and with one another
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Group classes also offer practical benefits for families starting out, including more flexible scheduling and easier rescheduling when conflicts inevitably arise!
In turn, this ensures a key element to every student's success--that of continuity--because we are able to offer a) the ability to make up for missed class time and b) to do it quickly!
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Together, these formats allow us to give students a strong start and a clear, supportive path forward as they grow.
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What makes your conservatory different from other music studios?
There are three (3) core principles that truly set us apart.
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1. Active Encouragement Comes First
Confidence-building is foundational to everything we do. We do not allow brow-beating, shaming, or negative reinforcement. Our faculty is carefully hand-selected based on their ability to teach with encouragement, clarity, and respect. We believe students learn best when confidence is strengthened—not diminished.
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2. We Are Truly Well-Rounded (Not Just in Name)
Many programs claim this but are just WRINOs (Well-Rounded in Name Only)!
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Our students learn to:
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Read music fluently
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Play by ear
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Develop strong physical technique
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Understand music theory
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Explore creativity and improvisation
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Engage with a wide range of musical styles
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A student can be just as comfortable reading a Beethoven sonata as playing a Beatles tune by ear—and understand how those worlds connect. Along the way, we teach students how all parts of the brain are engaged in music learning and why each of those skills matters.
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3. Individualized Learning Within a Group Environment
Even in our group classes, students move at their own pace while learning shared core concepts together. This allows for both personal growth and the social, motivational benefits of learning alongside peers through musical games, collaboration, and shared performances. How do we manage this amazing combination of individualization and collaboration? It's our trade secret--so, schedule an introductory class to get a sense of our award-winning educational offerings. :)
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Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. After one year of study, piano students are eligible to apply for scholarship awards. We are actively working to expand scholarship opportunities for additional instruments and disciplines over time. Students remain eligible for these awards through their senior year of high school, helping them to continue their studies and advance to higher levels of musicianship.
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Do you offer group music classes for adults?
Absolutely! We offer adult beginner piano classes and group lessons designed specifically for adult learners. These classes are welcoming, interactive, and supportive, and are structured to make learning enjoyable and achievable at any age.
If you’re interested, simply reach out—we are happy to connect interested adults and explore options together!
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Do you offer advanced training or college preparation?
Yes. We work with students at the highest levels of musicianship, including:
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Conservatory and college audition preparation
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Graduate school audition preparation
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University-level music majors
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Professional musicians preparing for performances or recording sessions
Our classical foundation ensures students develop the technical and musical depth needed for excellence—regardless of whether they pursue classical, jazz, popular music, or other styles later in life.
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Do you provide teacher training or mentorship opportunities?
Yes. We offer a teacher training program and have partnered with universities to support music majors as they develop both teaching and performance skills. These students earn college credit and scholarships while serving as teaching assistants in our studios.
This program reflects our belief that excellent teaching is a learned craft—and that investing in future educators strengthens our entire community.
