Piano lessons in Tacoma
Develop your musicianship through personalized instruction, jazz improvisation, and a vibrant musical community.
At Tacoma Jazz Academy, piano lessons are about more than learning to play songs—they're about becoming a well-rounded musician. Whether you're an adult returning to the piano, a motivated young musician, or an experienced player looking to expand into jazz and improvisation, our lessons are designed to help you build technique, creativity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of music. As Tacoma Jazz Academy grows into our permanent home on Tacoma's 6th Avenue, students will have opportunities to participate in group classes, ensembles, performances, jam sessions, masterclasses, and a vibrant musical community that extends far beyond the weekly lesson. Our goal is to create a place where musicians don't just take lessons—they connect, collaborate, perform, and continue growing together.
personalized piano instruction
Every student comes to the piano with different goals and musical experiences. Many of our students are adults returning to music after years away from the piano, while others are beginning their musical journey for the first time. That's why every private piano lesson is tailored to the individual student. Whether your goal is to play your favorite music, learn jazz standards, improvise with confidence, strengthen your technique, or simply enjoy playing more, we will help you develop the skills to get there.
Our instruction emphasizes technique, ear training, jazz theory, improvisation, and musicianship while always keeping your personal musical interests at the center of the learning process.
What you'll learn
​Whether you're brand new to jazz or looking to refine your skills, our curriculum is designed to help you become a confident, well-rounded musician. Lessons may include:
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Piano technique and healthy fundamentals
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Jazz harmony and theory
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Playing by ear
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Improvisation
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Ear training
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Rhythm and groove
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Reading lead sheets and chord charts
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Learning tunes and jazz standards
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Soloing and accompaniment
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Preparing for performances, auditions, or ensembles
Your Musical Journey
At Tacoma Jazz Academy, private lessons are just the beginning. As our academy grows into our permanent home on 6th Avenue, students will have opportunities to participate in group classes, ensembles, performances, jam sessions, and masterclasses—all designed to help you become a more confident, creative, and connected musician.
Whether your goal is to play your favorite songs, improvise with confidence, perform with other musicians, or simply continue learning throughout your life, we're building an academy where music is meant to be shared. We believe the best musicians don't just practice—they play together, learn from one another, and become part of a musical community.
Meet your instructors
Our piano instructors are passionate educators and experienced musicians dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Peter Adams
piano instructor
Peter Adams is an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. An active performer throughout the Pacific Northwest, he is the founder of the jazz fusion group Velocity and performs regularly with acclaimed jazz vocalist Eugenie Jones and many other regional artists. Peter's teaching combines strong musical fundamentals with creativity and a personalized approach, helping students of all ages build confidence, musicianship, and a lifelong love of music.
Mack Grout
Head Piano instructor
Mack Grout is the founder of Seattle Jazz Academy and Tacoma Jazz Academy, where he has helped hundreds of students develop their musicianship through jazz education. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts with more than 20 years of teaching and performing experience, Mack has performed throughout the United States and internationally as a pianist, composer, and musical director. His teaching emphasizes creativity, improvisation, strong musical fundamentals, and helping every student discover their own artistic voice.